Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi showered praise on Odisha’s famous Suvarnarekha mango and the traditional Bael Pana drink while speaking about India’s rich diversity of mangoes and indigenous summer beverages in the 134th episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday.
While highlighting the popularity of mangoes during the summer season, PM Modi noted that every region of India has its own unique mango variety with distinct flavour and aroma. He specifically mentioned Suvarnarekha, the mango variety cultivated in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, along with other popular varieties like Hapus, Kesar, Dussehri, Langra, Himsagar, Banganapalli and others.“Mangoes are a common topic of discussion.
There is hardly a home in India where mangoes are not talked about in the summer,” PM Modi said.The Prime Minister lauded the hard work of mango farmers across the country, saying their contribution goes far beyond agriculture and plays a key role in strengthening the rural economy and boosting India’s exports.He also spoke extensively about traditional Indian summer drinks that help beat the heat.
While mentioning regional beverages like Aam Panna, lassi, sattu sherbet, kokum sherbet and others, PM Modi specially highlighted Bael Pana from Odisha as one of the country’s cherished indigenous drinks.
PM Modi described these traditional drinks as reflections of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” and emphasized that most of them are prepared in Indian kitchens using ingredients from local farms, carrying forward the wisdom of generations.
The mention of Odisha’s Suvarnarekha mango and Bael Pana in the Prime Minister’s address has brought joy to farmers and people across the state. Agricultural experts believe this national recognition will help boost demand for these Odisha specialties both within the state and in national and international markets.
