Bengaluru: As summer heat intensifies, anticipation builds for the arrival of the “king of fruits” — mangoes. Even as markets prepare for the season, a unique conservation effort unfolded in Uttara Kannada district, where volunteers and researchers trekked to complete a three-day survey documenting the genetic diversity of Appemidi mango variety, an endemic variety found in the Western Ghats regions of Uttara Kannada and Shivamogga districts in Karnataka.The “Aghanashini Appemidi Tree Diversity Survey Documentation Walk,” held from March 30 to April 1, covered over 35 km along the Aghanashini river basin — from Sarkuli Holebail in Siddapur taluk to Nagarakodi near Baluru. The exercise mapped nearly 75 distinct varieties of Appemidi mango. Over 50 participants, including researchers, villagers, forest officials and horticulture experts, trekked through dense forests and challenging terrain to document the species.At the conclusion of the walk, participants resolved to recommend Appemidi mango for inclusion as a spice product under the purview of Spiace Board India and proposed declaring a 100-metre stretch on either side of the Aghanashini river along the surveyed area as a biodiversity heritage site. The initiative, led by Vruksha Laksha Andolana, is being seen as a precursor to broader conservation measures in the river basin. “The survey and documentation aimed at understanding the prevalence of Appemidi trees along the Aghanashini riverbank, their diversity, density and associated indigenous knowledge. Key concerns such as climate change, declining water flow in the river and conservation challenges were also discussed,” said Anant Hegade Ashisara, former chairperson of the Western Ghats Task Force.Experts also recalled an earlier study by scientists from the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Hesaraghatta, which preserved 33 distinct varieties of Appemidi. Vadnal Jagadish, chairperson of the Karnataka Biodiversity Board, said during the valedictory, “The board has already recommended the proposal to declare the Aghanashini Appemidi cluster as a traditional biodiversity heritage site and the state govt will soon take a decision on the proposal.“Referring to demands from researchers and locals, Prasanna Kerekai, member of the Spices Board India, said, “Already 52 spices are under the purview of the Spices Board and efforts will be made to include Appemidi as 53rd spice.” Balachandra Saimane, convener of the documentation walk, said, “Already the Central govt has granted GI tag to the Appemidi varieties of Shivamogga and Sirsi. But the horticulture department must make efforts to distribute saplings of the various varieties by setting up a dedicated nursery.“Researchers noted that in the Nadaguli area alone, around 50 Appemidi trees were identified. “Many of the trees are located along steep valleys and near the river. The fallen fruits get washed away. If we prevent this and preserve them, they can be propagated further,” explained a botanist from Bengaluru. Highlighting the impact of climate change, Ramanna, a native harvester, said, “Until a few years ago we used to harvest about 40,000 to 50,000 mangoes. But now we get only 10,000 to 12,000.”Villagers also flagged threats from excessive use of earthmovers and backhoes. “Wherever there is less human intervention, areas prone to landslides, the number of trees has been drastically reduced. A vigilance team shall be constituted comprising villagers to safeguard Appemidi trees from axing,” researchers urged the state govt.What is Appemidi? The Appemidi mango is an endemic cultivar found exclusively in the Uttara Kannada and Shivamogga districts of Karnataka. Small and tender, it is regarded as the king among raw mango varieties and is highly sought after by the South Asian pickle industry. Mostly found in the wild, these mangoes are pulpy, known for their distinctive aroma and long shelf life. The variety was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in September 2009.
