Indian Mangoes Part of Mango Festival in Saudi

LuLu Hypermarkets has launched a week long mango festival, which continues till May 28. The event was inaugurated on Thursday by Er. Thariq Al-Mulhim, manager of agricultural extension department, Eastern Province. The festival is taking place at more than 110 outlets across the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia, where mango is considered as a dignified fruit, is one of the largest mango importers from all over the world, especially from India and Pakistan. More than 10 mango varieties from India are on display at the week-long festival.Thariq Al-Mulhim, said "This time we are bringing the royal collection of mangoes from the royal orchards of the kings' farms. The collection includes varieties from Bada Bagh orchards,".  Rizwin Razak, buying manager for fruit and vegetables, LuLu Saudi Hypermarkets, said  that the fresh stocks of mangoes of different varieties from almost all mango-producing countries were imported for the festival and the leading varieties of the fruit will be on sale at highly moderate prices across Riyadh and Alkhobar. (More: Why mangoes are good for you)The Agricultural Ministry in Saudi Arabia has been taking keen interest in developing the cultivation of mango in the Southern Region, especially in and around Jazan. Abdul Saleem VK, regional manager of LuLu Hypermarket and also the host of the festival said , " Special varieties like Alphonso, Kesar, Thottapuri, Badami and Rajapuri are being promoted throughout the festival."Inputs from PTI