Kalimullah Khan is known for naming mangoes after celebrities; new varieties of dussehri have been named ‘doctor’ and ‘police’ in recognition of their efforts in controlling the spread of pandemic
Current Affairs : Accomplished mango cultivator Padma Shri Haji Kalimullah Khan of Malihabad, Uttar Pradesh has developed two new varieties of famous ‘dussehri’, which he has dedicated to the country’s ‘corona warriors’.
Affectionately known as ‘mango-man’ of India, Khan has named the two assortments of the luscious fruit ‘doctor’ and ‘police’ to acknowledge their contribution towards controlling the spread of the pandemic.
So far, Khan has developed nearly 300 distinct mango varieties with the grafting method. Likewise, he has named a dozen select mango varieties after top celebrities from the political, films and sports spheres. These include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, union minister Amit Shah, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, and actor Aishwarya Rai.
“The new varieties have been titled after doctor and police personnel, who have been at the forefront of our campaign against this disease despite all odds,” the octogenarian told Business Standard.
He said the two dussehri varieties, growing in his expansive mango orchard, have an alluring appearance and would be ready for plucking next month. Famous for the mango belt of dussehri, Malihabad, which is about 28 km from the state capital, is part of the Lucknow district.
