Langra Mango Farming in India 2026
Banarasi Langra, the green skinned aromatic classic from Varanasi loved across North India
Overview
Langra, often called Banarasi Langra, is a famous North Indian premium mango that originated in Banaras, now Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh two to three centuries ago. It is unusual for keeping a greenish skin even when ripe, with sweet, slightly tangy, fibreless yellow pulp and a strong distinctive aroma. The name Langra, meaning lame, is linked to the lame man in whose orchard the original tree is said to have grown. Langra is widely grown across Uttar Pradesh, especially Varanasi and Mirzapur, and also in Bihar, West Bengal, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh. It is a mid season variety with a strong domestic market and a loyal following among connoisseurs who prize its aroma and taste over appearance.
Climate
Langra suits a subtropical climate with hot summers and a dry spell at flowering, like the Gangetic plains of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. It needs warm sunny weather for proper ripening and a frost free site, since young trees are sensitive to severe cold. Unseasonal rain or hail during flowering and fruiting reduces fruit set and promotes disease.
Soil
Langra grows well on deep, fertile, well drained loamy and alluvial soils of the Gangetic plain with a pH around 6.0 to 7.5. Good moisture holding alluvial soils support vigorous growth and good fruiting. Drainage matters because mango roots dislike waterlogging, so low lying flood prone land should be avoided.
Planting & Spacing
Langra is propagated by grafting on local seedling rootstock and planted at the onset of monsoon in pits enriched with manure. Traditional spacing is about 10 by 10 metres for full sized trees, while high density orchards use closer spacing with pruning to raise early yield. As a vigorous variety it needs adequate space or active canopy management to stay productive.
Varieties
Langra is a traditional named cultivar best known as Banarasi Langra from the Varanasi region. There is no single national GI marketing it the way Dasheri or Gir Kesar are marketed, though it is recognised as a heritage variety of the eastern UP belt. Connoisseurs value the genuine Banarasi Langra for its aroma, so origin from the Varanasi and Mirzapur area is a quality signal.
Care & Management
Langra needs balanced manuring with farmyard manure and NPK, irrigation in dry spells especially at fruit set and development, and pruning to manage its vigorous canopy. It can show some alternate bearing, so good nutrition and flowering management help. Mulching conserves moisture, and timely protection of panicles from hopper and powdery mildew protects the crop.
Pests & Diseases
Langra is affected by mango hopper at flowering, mealybug, fruit fly, stem borer and mango malformation, with powdery mildew and anthracnose in humid weather. Manage hopper with recommended sprays at panicle stage, use methyl eugenol traps and remove fallen fruit for fruit fly, band trunks for mealybug, prune malformed shoots, and apply wettable sulphur with good sanitation for fungal disease.
Yield & Harvest
Grafted Langra trees usually start bearing in about 4 to 6 years and reach good yields by year 8 to 10. The season is mid June through late July in the UP and Bihar belt. Like many traditional varieties it can show alternate bearing, so yields vary year to year. Plan output as a range and use good nutrition and management to reduce off years.
Cost & Profit
Grafted Langra saplings are inexpensive, and the variety is a steady commercial crop in eastern UP and Bihar. Prices are moderate and vary with grade, season and supply, with genuine aromatic Banarasi Langra fetching a premium among connoisseurs. Income depends on yield, alternate bearing and market timing, so treat figures as a range 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
Langra has a strong domestic market across North India and a devoted following in the east for its aroma and taste despite its green skin. It is sold mainly in wholesale mandis and retail, with limited export compared with Alphonso or Kesar because its green colour and shorter shelf life make long distance shipping harder. Buyers include mandis, retailers and online sellers.
Subsidy & Support
Langra growers can access MIDH and National Horticulture Board support for new orchards, high density planting, drip irrigation and post harvest units. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar horticulture schemes promote mango orchards, pack houses and market linkage. Assistance is a share of approved cost through the state horticulture department, so apply before planting and keep purchase bills and records.
Where to grow it in India
Frequently asked questions
Why does Langra mango stay green when ripe?
Where did Langra mango originate?
When is Langra mango season?
Why is it called Langra?
Is Langra mango good for export?
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