The Deccan Development Society – Krishi Vigyan Kendra (DDS–KVK) has undertaken a dedicated initiative to conserve and revive indigenous mango varieties native to the Deccan region. Recognising the rapid erosion of traditional fruit diversity due to the spread of commercial hybrids, DDS–KVK began systematically collecting indigenous mango varieties from farmers’ orchards, homesteads, and old village landscapes across Zaheerabad regions.
 

These traditional mango varieties, preserved by farming communities over generations, were carefully documented and selected for their unique traits such as taste, aroma, climate resilience, disease tolerance, and cultural significance. Scion material was collected with the consent and participation of local farmers, ensuring community ownership in the conservation process.Today, the DDS–KVK campus is home to around 70 distinct indigenous mango varieties. Some of these include Sakkaragutli, Mazarpasand, Maruf, Mandwa, Dudia, and Royal Special, representing a rich repository of local genetic resources. This living collection serves multiple purposes: conservation of agro-biodiversity, learning and demonstration for farmers and students, and serving as a source of planting material for future dissemination. Orchard Demonstration Unit integrates mango, sapota, custard apple, guava, and karonda, selected based on field-level adaptability, drought tolerance, and market relevance.

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