Mango, often referred to as the “King of Fruits,” holds a special place in the agricultural and cultural landscape of India. Among the regions renowned for mango cultivation, Malda district in West Bengal stands out for its luscious varieties such as Fazli, Himsagar, and Langra. While modern horticultural methods are gaining popularity, it is the traditional mango grafting techniques, passed down through generations, that continue to form the backbone of mango farming in rural India.
What is Mango Grafting?
Mango grafting is a horticultural technique that involves joining a portion of a mango plant (usually a stem or bud) with the rootstock of another mango plant so that they grow as a single plant. Grafting is used to:
- Preserve specific mango varieties
- Increase resistance to pests and diseases
- Improve fruit quality and yield
- Accelerate the time to fruit-bearing
While scientific grafting methods are widely taught in agricultural institutions, many farmers in regions like Malda rely on traditional methods refined through generations of trial and error.
Historical Roots of Mango Grafting in Malda India
The practice of plant grafting dates back thousands of years in India. Ancient agricultural texts and oral traditions describe various grafting and budding techniques used by farmers. In mango cultivation, these practices became particularly sophisticated in Bengal during the Mughal era, when the royal court encouraged horticulture and fruit garden development.
In districts like Malda, grafting became not only an agricultural technique but also a part of family heritage, with methods and skills handed down from father to son, teacher to disciple.
Common Traditional Grafting Techniques
Stone Grafting (Seedling Grafting)
One of the most commonly used traditional techniques is stone grafting, where grafting is done on a young seedling germinated from mango stones (seeds). Here’s how it’s traditionally done:
- Seeds are collected from local varieties and planted in soil during the early monsoon.
- After 15–20 days, once the seedling is about 20 cm tall, a scion (a shoot from a mature, fruit-bearing tree) is carefully inserted into a V-shaped cut at the top of the seedling.
- The joint is tightly tied with jute twine or plant-based fiber.
- The grafted plant is kept in shade and watered regularly until the union heals.
Whip Grafting
Another traditional method is whip grafting, used primarily during the spring season. In this method:
- Both rootstock and scion are of equal thickness.
- A slanting cut is made on both, and the two are joined together like puzzle pieces.
- The joint is sealed with natural materials such as cow dung mixed with clay, banana paste, or jute fiber.
Epicotyl Grafting
This method involves grafting on the epicotyl (the part above the seed leaves) of a young seedling. It is particularly useful when large numbers of saplings are prepared for orchards. In traditional villages of Malda, this technique is commonly seen in community nurseries.
Materials Used in Traditional Grafting
Unlike modern nurseries that use plastic ties, synthetic hormones, and chemical sealants, traditional mango grafters rely on natural, locally available materials:
- Jute twine for tying grafts
- Cow dung and clay mixture to seal the joint
- Neem paste to prevent fungal infections
- Banana leaves or plantain sap to aid healing
This use of organic materials makes traditional grafting techniques more eco-friendly and sustainable.
Transmission of Knowledge Through Generations
In rural parts of Malda and neighboring districts, grafting is often a family tradition. Children learn by observing their elders and assisting them in the fields. Over time, they develop a deep understanding of:
- The ideal time of year for grafting (usually monsoon or early spring)
- How to select healthy scion and rootstock
- Methods to care for grafted plants
Some families even treat grafting as a sacred act, performing rituals before cutting branches or planting new rootstocks.
Role of Community and Apprenticeship
In many villages, traditional grafters also serve surrounding farming communities. Young boys and girls often apprentice with these experts, learning the techniques over several seasons. In return, they assist during busy planting months and spread the knowledge further.
Benefits of Traditional Grafting Methods
- Preservation of local mango varieties
- Cost-effective approach requiring no synthetic materials
- Environmentally sustainable techniques
- Locally adapted practices suited to specific climates and soils
Challenges in the Modern Era
Despite their value, traditional grafting techniques face several challenges:
- Lack of formal documentation
- Migration of youth to urban areas
- Influence of commercial nurseries promoting hybrids
- Climate change disrupting seasonal timing
Efforts to Preserve Traditional Techniques
- Community Workshops – Local agricultural organizations and NGOs are beginning to host training sessions that include traditional methods.
- School Education – Including indigenous horticulture in rural school curriculums can inspire youth interest.
- Documentation Projects – Efforts are underway in some regions to digitally record oral knowledge, including videos and interviews with traditional grafters.
- Organic Farming Movements – As organic produce gains popularity, traditional methods are being re-evaluated for commercial potential.
Conclusion
Traditional mango grafting techniques represent a unique fusion of agricultural skill, ecological wisdom, and cultural heritage. In regions like Malda, these time-honored methods have enabled generations of farmers to cultivate some of the finest mangoes in India without relying on synthetic materials or modern machinery.