Harsh Goenka, whose net worth is over Rs 37,000 crore, says there’s an Indian fruit even he 'can’t afford'

Kohitur Mango: The Rare Royal Fruit That Even Harsh Goenka Says He “Can’t Afford”

Synopsis

A rare West Bengal mango, the Kohitur, is gaining attention for its exclusivity and high price, reportedly costing over Rs 1,500 per piece. Originating from Murshidabad's royal past, its extremely limited harvest and delicate handling, including wrapping in cotton and using wooden knives, make it a coveted luxury fruit, highlighting India's rich agricultural heritage.

By ET Online

Last Updated: Mar 06, 2026, 11:47:00 AM IST

India’s love affair with mangoes begins every year as summer approaches. Markets across the country soon fill with popular varieties like Alphonso, Kesar and Dasheri. Yet beyond these widely available favourites lies a rare mango that very few people ever get the chance to taste. Known as the Kohitur, this extraordinary fruit from West Bengal has recently drawn attention after industrialist Harsh Goenka spoke about it on X.

In his post, Goenka described the Kohitur as a mango that remains out of reach for most people due to its rarity and high price. His remark sparked curiosity online, especially when he jokingly replied to a user asking how many he owned by saying he “can’t afford” it.

Harsh Goenka’s Post on X Highlights the Rare Kohitur Mango

Sharing details about the fruit, Goenka explained that the Kohitur is one of the most exclusive mango varieties grown in India. According to him, the fruit can cost around Rs 1,500 or more per piece, making it one of the most expensive mangoes in the country.

He also pointed out that the fruit is treated with extreme care. Each mango is delicately wrapped in cotton wool to prevent damage to its sensitive skin, almost like a fragile collectible rather than an ordinary fruit.

This unusual handling and its limited harvest make the Kohitur a luxury item rather than a typical seasonal treat.

The Royal Origins of the Kohitur Mango

The Kohitur mango is closely linked to the royal heritage of Murshidabad. Historical accounts trace its origins to the era of Siraj-ud-Daulah, when skilled horticulturists carefully developed new mango varieties through grafting.

The Kohitur is believed to have been created by combining some of the finest mango saplings of that time, including the rare Kalopahar variety. Over the centuries, the fruit became known as one of the most prized mangoes of Bengal’s Nawabi gardens.

Why the Kohitur Mango Is So Rare

As per reports, one of the biggest reasons behind the Kohitur’s mystique is its extremely limited production. Only a few trees of this variety survive today, mainly in parts of Murshidabad. In some years, the total harvest reportedly reaches only around 150 fruits, making it exceptionally scarce.

Because of this limited supply, the mango is highly sought after by collectors, food enthusiasts and those fascinated by rare agricultural traditions.

A Mango That Requires Extraordinary Care

The Kohitur mango is famous not only for its rarity but also for the careful way it is handled. As mentioned in the NDTV report, it is traditionally never cut with a metal knife. Instead, a wooden knife is used to protect its delicate flesh and preserve its natural flavour.

Growers also believe that excessive heat from human hands can affect the fruit’s ripening process. For this reason, the mango is gently shifted within cotton during storage to maintain its quality.

Even during harvesting, traditional techniques were used. Instead of cutting mangoes with sickles, farmers nudged them off branches using bamboo splinters so that the stem would remain intact.

A Royal Mango That Still Captures Public Imagination

Centuries after its creation, the Kohitur mango continues to fascinate people with its royal history and extraordinary rarity. While it may not be widely available in markets, its story says much about India’s rich agricultural heritage and the enduring cultural significance of mango cultivation.

Thanks to conversations sparked on social media platforms like X, the legendary Kohitur mango has once again found itself in the spotlight, reminding mango lovers that some fruits remain rare treasures rather than everyday indulgences.

Inputs from agencies

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