Three decades ago, a small hamlet in Berho in Tatijharia block of Hazaribagh decided to shed their dependency on traditional agriculture work and go ahead with mango production. The move has borne fruit for the hamlet, which is now supplying mangoes to the whole district.

Villagers said that the plantation of mango trees has changed the landscape of the region, making it lush green. Doman Prasad Kushwaha, who owns an orchard, said they are in profit after selling the mangoes, adding that buyers come here every year after hearing about the orchards. They pay the good price for the fruits, he claimed.

Another villager Gautam Prasad said the village now has more than 3000-full grown mango trees. He said they were following the guidelines for maximum productivity and even contact local agriculture scientists if any problem arises. Prasad said other than malda, the village supplies other varieties of mangoes, including kalkatia, chausa, dashari and few others.

“We are producing green vegetables also but many times, they suffer loss even after hard work,” Prasad added.

Situated 35kms from the Hazaribagh district headquarter, Berho villagers have become an example for other villages. Jaleshwar Prasad of the village said every year the business amounts to several lakhs and that brings prosperity in the area.

According to him, the soil of the area is good for mango production, making it a successful business venture. “Every year, we plant the maximum number of mango saplings, developing our orchards and upon seeing the growing demand in the local market. Moreover, the high demand for mango is not affected by the coronavirus pandemic in the local market. Our produce was sold out this year also,” said Vasundhara Devi, owner of an orchard. Mango orchards are profitable in two ways: first, they provide good income and second, they bring greenery to the area, she added.

Tatijharia block is known for its positive outlook to the environment. Mahadev Mahto, a retired teacher and famous environmentalist, had started the rakshabandhan programme in the area to save trees. The initiative has now been adopted by the state forest department.