Kalimullah Khan, the celebrated horticulturist popularly known as India’s ‘Mango Man’, has unveiled a new mango variety named after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh .
The ‘Rajnath Aam’ was developed in Khan’s orchard in Malihabad, Lucknow, using his signature grafting technique . The fruit, which took eight years to develop, measures approximately 10 inches in length and weighs around 700 grams .
A Tribute to Leadership
Khan, a Padma Shri awardee, has previously named mango varieties after several prominent Indian personalities, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, and actor Aishwarya Rai .
He was inspired to dedicate this variety to the Defence Minister following Singh’s leadership during the response to the Pahalgam terror attack .
“I name my mangoes after people who have served the country meaningfully. I want these names to live on for generations,” Khan told PTI Videos . “Sometimes people forget great leaders, but if a mango reminds them of Rajnath Singh’s good work, then it’s worth it.”
Khan also noted that he found Singh to be a “balanced and thoughtful individual” who sincerely desires peace . He has decorated the tree with a banner bearing the Defence Minister’s name .
A Lifelong Mission
The mango, which Khan jokes physically resembles the tall Defence Minister in size, is the latest addition to over 300 varieties he has developed in his lifetime .
Khan has been working to preserve and revive mango varieties in the Malihabad region, which he recalls once had over 1,300 varieties in 1919 . He remains committed to his mission of making India the top mango-exporting nation in the world .
