The Pusa Arunika is a premium hybrid mango variety developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI).1 It is a cross between the popular Amrapali and Vanraj varieties.2It was specifically bred to combine the high sweetness and regular bearing habit of Amrapali with the attractive red blush and disease resistance of Vanraj.3### 1. Fruit CharacteristicsThe Pusa Arunika is primarily known for its striking visual appeal and high sugar content.4Appearance: Medium-sized fruits (approx. 190–210 grams) with an ovate-oblique shape.5 The skin is smooth and turns a vibrant orange-yellow with a beautiful red blush on the shoulders when ripe.6Flesh & Texture: The pulp is a deep orange-yellow, firm, and fibreless. It has a high pulp-to-stone ratio (roughly 65–70% pulp).7Flavor Profile: It is exceptionally sweet with a rich, tropical aroma.8 Its Total Soluble Solids (TSS) is very high, ranging from 18% to 24.6%, making it one of the sweeter hybrids available.9Nutritional Value: This variety is notably rich in bioactive compounds, including mangiferin (antioxidant) and 10$\beta$-carotene (Vitamin A precursor).11### 2. Tree & Growth HabitsPusa Arunika is highly favored by farmers because of its manageable growth and consistent production.12Vigour: The tree has a dwarf to semi-vigorous and compact canopy.13 This makes it ideal for high-density planting (HDP) and even large pots or home gardens.Bearing Habit: It is a regular bearer, meaning it produces fruit every year, unlike many traditional varieties that bear heavily only every second year.14Yield: It is highly productive.15 A mature tree (around 8 years old) can yield approximately 60–70 kg of fruit.16Maturity: It is generally a late-maturing variety, with fruits ready for harvest between June and July.17### 3. Cultivation & ResistanceAdaptability: It performs well in various Indian climates, particularly in the northern plains and subtropical regions (UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha).18Disease Resistance: It shows good resistance to common mango issues like anthracnose and is generally hardier than the Alphonso or Dashehari varieties.19Shelf Life: It has an excellent shelf life (around 10–12 days at room temperature), making it a strong candidate for both domestic transport and export.20
