’ in India.

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Kaleem’s passion for mangoes started in his hometown of Malihabad, Uttar Pradesh, where he transformed a 120-year-old mango tree into a marvel of nature. While it may look like an ordinary tree, the tree is home to more than 300 unique mango varieties, each with distinct colour, shape, texture and taste.

How it started

Khan’s grafting journey began at the age of 17, and instead of following a conventional career path, he dedicated his days to experimenting with trees, seeking to create something new. Over the years, he expanded his expertise beyond mangoes by exploring grafting techniques for various other fruits.

India is renowned for its diverse range of mango varieties, including langra, dussehri, fazli, chausa and totapuri. But Khan took things to another level, and instead of growing simple mangoes, he began naming each mango after famous personalities, a practice that brought a personal touch to his grafting work.

Mangoes named after iconic stars

His first special variety was named ‘Aishwarya’ after she won the Miss World title in 1994. Over time, Khan named other mangoes after figures like cricket legend . The best part about his mango grafting was that he never got to learn all the techniques; he started assisting his father in their nursery, and it was during that time that he attempted his first grafting experiment.

For an ultimate mango experience, Kaleem’s grafting method is nothing less than an intricate task. The process involves carefully slicing a branch from one variety, leaving an open wound, and then a branch from another variety into the cut. The joint is sealed with tape, and once the graft takes root and the joint becomes strong, Khan removes the tape, and the variety of mango begins to bear fruit within two years. The process has allowed him to create a selection of mangoes that differ in size, taste, colour and aroma.

One of the early creations of Khan was ‘Aishwarya mango’ that weighed more than a kilogram. This mango has a crimpson hue on its skin and a rich and sweet taste that is sure to please every palate. Khan also named a variety ‘Anarkali,’ which features two layers of skin and two different pulps.

About India’s Mango Man dedication

Despite not having a formal education, Khan’s commitment to his craft has earned him numerous honourable awards, and the highest civilian honour is the ‘Padma Shri.’ His work has not only contributed to the rich biodiversity of but also gained international recognition.

Kaleem Ullah Khan, the Mango Man, has managed to make a mark on the world of Horticulture. His dedication to mango cultivation and the cross-breeding of mangoes created a legacy that is and will be cherished for years.