Khorfakkan Mango Festival: A Celebration Of Local Agricultural Heritage

The mango tree, locally called "Humba," has been integral to human life in various regions of the country since ancient times. The eastern coastal areas and cities of the Emirate of Sharjah, known for their mountainous terrain and valleys nourished by fresh wells, are renowned for producing top-quality mangoes.

The Annual Mango Festival in Khorfakkan, starting tomorrow at the Expo Center Khorfakkan, highlights the importance of mangoes to the local community. This event is the largest of its kind in the region, attracting significant participation from farmers, institutions, and residents who showcase a variety of mangoes.

Mohammed Al Jawhari, the festival's general supervisor, stated that over 150 varieties of mangoes will be displayed. These mangoes vary in shapes, sizes, colors, and tastes and come from local farms across the region and country. The festival also expects participation from more than 25 farmers.

Al Jawhari emphasized that all products showcased at the festival are organic and grown without pesticides. This aspect greatly appeals to the public. He noted that the festival provides a platform for farmers to introduce local products, open new markets, and exchange ideas with experienced farmers.

The farms and suburbs of Khorfakkan are particularly noted for their high-quality mangoes due to the area's fresh groundwater. This natural resource has been a hallmark of Khorfakkan since ancient times.

Diverse Mango Varieties

The region's people have long relied on mangoes as a summer fruit to combat high temperatures. Local mangoes are smaller but include other large and medium-sized varieties. The production by farmers in this area is diverse, offering various sizes, types, and colors to meet demand even before modern import operations began.

The festival also features workshops and competitions for mango baskets. It attracts participants from Gulf Cooperation Council countries like Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Economic Opportunities

The event has also drawn interest from those looking to invest in agriculture. It motivates them to start farming projects with excellent financial returns. Al Jawhari urged expanding fruit and vegetable cultivation as much as possible and organizing events for other local fruits to enhance economic and social benefits.

In earlier times, most homes had a mango tree when houses were simple mud structures. Even today, many homes continue this tradition.

This festival not only celebrates mangoes but also fosters community engagement by allowing people interested in mango cultivation to benefit from experienced farmers' expertise.

With inputs from WAM