In a state where mangoes are deeply woven into culture, memory and livelihood, a rare group of varieties known as Dofala mangoes is helping preserve Bengal’s rich horticultural heritage while offering farmers a valuable source of off-season income.
Unlike conventional mango trees that fruit once a year, Dofala varieties can flower and bear fruit multiple times, often producing harvests even after the traditional mango season has ended.
A rare mango with a unique advantage
Farmers across Nadia, Murshidabad, Hooghly, Malda and North 24 Parganas have long treasured Dofala mangoes for their unusual fruiting cycle. Varieties such as Surer Dofala, Dutta Dofala, Chine Dofala and Swarnamoi Dofala continue to survive in traditional orchards maintained by dedicated growers.
Because the fruits arrive when mango supplies are limited, they often command premium prices in the market, providing an additional source of income for cultivators.
Many farmers describe these trees as a lifeline during periods when other crops face weather-related challenges.
Farmers become guardians of heritage
Growers such as Anukul Mondal of Nadia and Abdul Manan Mondol of Murshidabad have spent decades preserving these rare cultivars. Their orchards now serve as living repositories of Bengal’s agricultural history.
The survival of Dofala mangoes is closely linked to migration and cultural memory. Following Partition, many families carried cherished mango varieties from eastern Bengal, helping conserve hundreds of indigenous cultivars across West Bengal.
Today, digital platforms and online orders are helping these traditional varieties reach consumers far beyond their local markets.
Science discovers hidden potential
Recent research has brought renewed attention to Dofala mangoes. Studies conducted across Bengal’s mango-growing districts have documented dozens of off-season cultivars with unique genetic characteristics and strong breeding potential.
Researchers believe varieties such as Dutta Dofala and Chine Dofala could play an important role in developing future mango cultivars that combine productivity, resilience and off-season fruiting.
A future worth protecting
Despite their value, many Dofala varieties remain vulnerable to urbanisation, changing farming practices and declining consumer awareness. Experts warn that without continued conservation efforts, some cultivars could disappear altogether.
For now, however, these remarkable trees continue to reward farmers with their unusual rhythm of flowering and fruiting, standing as a symbol of resilience, biodiversity and Bengal’s enduring relationship with the mango.