Kesar Mango Farming in India 2026
Gir Kesar, the saffron coloured Queen of Mangoes from Gujarat with a 2011 GI tag
Overview
Kesar, famous as Gir Kesar, is a premium mango grown in the foothills of Girnar in Gujarat and is often called the Queen of Mangoes. It is prized for its bright saffron orange pulp, sweet flavour and strong aroma, which gives it the name Kesar meaning saffron. Gir Kesar received Geographical Indication status in 2011 and was the first agricultural product from Gujarat to earn a GI tag. It is grown mainly in the Junagadh and Amreli districts of the Saurashtra region, with significant area and large annual production. Kesar is also widely cultivated in parts of Maharashtra such as Marathwada. It is a leading variety for fresh premium sale, aamras and pulp, and has a growing export market in the Gulf and beyond.
Climate
Kesar suits a hot semi arid to subtropical climate with hot dry summers, which the Saurashtra region provides. It needs a dry period before and during flowering and warm sunny days for sweetness and colour. The crop is fairly hardy and tolerates the dry Gujarat heat well, but unseasonal rain or hailstorm at flowering and fruiting can cause heavy losses.
Soil
Kesar grows well on medium black soil and well drained loamy soils of Saurashtra, as well as on lighter soils with good drainage. A pH around 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal. Deep soils with organic matter and assured but not excessive moisture give the best fruit, while waterlogged patches should be avoided since mango roots dislike standing water.
Planting & Spacing
Kesar is propagated by grafting onto local rootstock and planted at the start of monsoon in well prepared pits with compost. Conventional spacing is about 8 to 10 metres, while high density and ultra high density orchards use spacing such as 5 by 5 metres or 3 by 2 metres with regular pruning to raise early yield per acre, a system increasingly popular in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Varieties
Kesar grown in the Junagadh and Amreli belt around Girnar is protected as Gir Kesar under its Geographical Indication, which guarantees origin. Kesar grown elsewhere, such as Marathwada in Maharashtra, is sold simply as Kesar without the Gir GI. For premium buyers the Gir Kesar label signals authentic origin and quality, so verified sourcing matters.
Care & Management
Kesar needs balanced manuring, drip irrigation in the dry season, and pruning after harvest to keep an open canopy. Many Saurashtra growers use micro irrigation and mulching to save water. Flowering management and protection of panicles and young fruit from hopper and powdery mildew are key, and timely thinning improves fruit size and colour in high density blocks.
Pests & Diseases
Major problems are mango hopper at flowering, mealybug, fruit fly, scale and stem borer, with powdery mildew and anthracnose in humid spells. Manage hopper with recommended sprays at panicle stage, hang methyl eugenol pheromone traps for fruit fly, band trunks against mealybug, and use wettable sulphur with field sanitation against fungal disease. Removing fallen fruit reduces fruit fly carryover.
Yield & Harvest
Grafted Kesar trees usually start bearing in about 4 to 5 years and reach good yields by year 7 to 8, earlier under high density planting. The main season is around May to July, slightly later than Alphonso. Yield depends on tree age, spacing system, alternate bearing and weather, so plan for a range rather than a fixed figure and account for occasional off years.
Cost & Profit
Grafted Kesar saplings are affordable, and returns build as trees mature. Gir Kesar with GI branding sells at a premium in retail and gift boxes, while ordinary Kesar fetches lower mandi rates that vary with grade, season and supply. Pulp and aamras add steady demand. Treat income as a wide range that depends on quality, branding and market access, and budget for the multi year establishment period.
These are indicative ranges. Actual cost and income vary by region, market and management, so verify locally.
Market & Demand
Kesar has a strong domestic premium market across Gujarat, Maharashtra and metros, plus a large processing demand for aamras and pulp. Gir Kesar is exported to the Gulf, the United States after treatment, and other markets, and is a popular gifting fruit. Buyers include premium retailers, online sellers, pulp processors and exporters, with GI branding boosting price.
Subsidy & Support
Kesar growers can access MIDH and National Horticulture Board support for new orchards, high density and ultra high density planting, drip irrigation, mulching, and post harvest units. Gujarat horticulture schemes also promote micro irrigation and export. Assistance is a share of approved cost routed through the state horticulture department, so apply before planting and retain all bills and records.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Kesar mango called the Queen of Mangoes?
Where is Gir Kesar mango grown?
When is Kesar mango season?
Is Kesar mango good for high density planting?
How many years does Kesar take to fruit?
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