A study was carried out during the summer of 2003 in Bastipur of Siraha and Sripur of
Saptari districts where mango is a major tropical fruit. The objectives of the study were to
understand the diversity of mango mailllained by the farmers, assess the opportunity and
constraints and contribution made by the mango fruits in tl1eir livelihood. Participatory
Rural Appraisal (PRA), Focus group discussion (FGD), transect walk and key informant
survey were the tools used in the study. The cultivation of mango is a tradition in both
villages. History for cultivation of mango was traced since time immemorial. It was also
found that some cultural relationships were also linked with the mango trees as well. In both
sites, generally mango is being cultivated in dry and poor soil and also in marginal lands
where no other crops do well. Diversity of mango has been observed in both villages
maintained by the famlers. The famlers have grown a large number of improved cultivars as
well as locallandraces. Among ihe cultivars Maldha, a medium maturity variety with goodlooking
appearance. size and very good taste. After Maldha, Bombay Green was most
popular for mid season cultivar, Kalkattia and local land races. Fruit has a major role in the
livelihood of the farm family of the study sites, which contributed an average of 40% of the
total household income. Opportunities and constraints in mango production identified and
recommendations have been made accordinglv.

A study was carried out during the summer of 2003 in Bastipur of Siraha and Sripur of
Saptari districts where mango is a major tropical fruit. The objectives of the study were to
understand the diversity of mango mailllained by the farmers, assess the opportunity and
constraints and contribution made by the mango fruits in tl1eir livelihood. Participatory
Rural Appraisal (PRA), Focus group discussion (FGD), transect walk and key informant
survey were the tools used in the study. The cultivation of mango is a tradition in both
villages. History for cultivation of mango was traced since time immemorial. It was also
found that some cultural relationships were also linked with the mango trees as well. In both
sites, generally mango is being cultivated in dry and poor soil and also in marginal lands
where no other crops do well. Diversity of mango has been observed in both villages
maintained by the famlers. The famlers have grown a large number of improved cultivars as
well as locallandraces. Among ihe cultivars Maldha, a medium maturity variety with goodlooking
appearance. size and very good taste. After Maldha, Bombay Green was most
popular for mid season cultivar, Kalkattia and local land races. Fruit has a major role in the
livelihood of the farm family of the study sites, which contributed an average of 40% of the
total household income. Opportunities and constraints in mango production identified and
recommendations have been made accordinglv.