About the variety: Kesar (notably Gir Kesar from Gujarat) is famous for its deep orange pulp, aroma and sweetness; it is widely celebrated and marketed with regional festivals.
Health benefits & why eat it:
- High in natural sugars, vitamins A and C and aromatic compounds — prized for desserts, purees and premium fresh consumption.
- Strong colour and aroma also indicate good antioxidant (beta-carotene) content.
How farmers can earn profits from Kesar:
- Festival & direct sales: Participate in mango festivals and direct-to-consumer events; festivals have been shown to increase farmer revenue by cutting out middlemen.
- Irradiation/QA for export: For export markets, use certified post-harvest treatment (e.g., irradiation where needed) and meet APEDA standards to access higher prices.
- Premium branding: Leverage “Gir Kesar” origin story and organic/no-carbide claims to fetch higher urban/overseas prices.