GG News Bureau
Malihabad, 6th June: Kalimullah Khan, the renowned horticulturist popularly known as India’s ‘Mango Man’, has named a newly cultivated mango variety after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Grown using his signature grafting techniques at his orchard in Malihabad, the mango has been christened ‘Rajnath Aam’ in honour of the senior BJP leader’s balanced leadership and dedication to national service.
Khan, a Padma Shri awardee, is famed for developing over 300 mango varieties and naming several of them after prominent Indian personalities such as Sachin Tendulkar, Aishwarya Rai, Sonia Gandhi, Narendra Modi, and Amit Shah. “I name mangoes after those who have served the country with integrity and purpose. These names should live on for generations,” Khan told PTI Videos.
Explaining his decision to honour Singh, Khan said, “Rajnath ji is a thoughtful and balanced individual. During a recent conversation about Pakistan, he spoke sincerely of peace, not war. That touched me. If a mango can remind future generations of his values, it’s worth it.”
Reflecting on the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which left 26 people dead, Khan attributed the aggression to Pakistan. However, he emphasized the need for peaceful dialogue over conflict. “War only breeds hatred. We should resolve our issues through conversation. We are all human, and division harms us all.”
Kalimullah Khan’s life’s work is deeply rooted in Malihabad, a region globally famed for its mangoes. Recalling its horticultural legacy, he noted that Malihabad had over 1,300 mango varieties in 1919—many of which have since vanished. “My mission is to revive and conserve these varieties. Today, I’ve developed over 300 types,” he said.
Khan, who was born in 1945 and studied only up to Class 7, shared that he was never inclined toward academics. “I respected my teachers, but my heart was always in the orchard,” he said.
One of his most prized creations is Asl-ul-Muqarrar, a mango variety he began developing in 1987. He also recounted an interaction with a World Bank president, who once visited his orchard. “I told him about a tree with a brain-boosting fragrance. He was amazed and instructed officials to allot me five acres of land. Sadly, that never materialized despite top officials being present.”
As he continues his mission in his 80s, Khan remains focused on the healing potential of mangoes. “Mangoes aren’t just delicious—they have medicinal properties too. I’ve documented this, and I hope research institutions carry it forward scientifically.”
