Fruit Research Centre (NRCC)

The National Research Centre for Cashew (NRCC), popularly known as the Fruit Research Centre, sits on the main road into Vengurla and carries on experiments in mango and cashew cultivation. This institution developed the Sindhu mango variety — sweet, fibre-free, and intensely flavoured — and continues work on improving cashew yields and disease resistance.

Informal visits to the grounds are generally possible, and staff are sometimes willing to show visitors around during working hours. The centre is best visited during the mango season (April to June) when some varieties may be available for purchase. The cashew factory attached or nearby the station can show the roasting and processing of cashew nuts on request — a practical and aromatic education in how the raw cashew shell becomes the familiar snack.

things to do nature culture
A story
The Sindhu mango — arguably the finest variety of mango for eating out of hand — was developed at this research station in the 1970s. Unlike most commercial mangoes bred for shelf life and transport, the Sindhu was bred purely for flavour. The variety is essentially unknown outside the Konkan but is considered by many local growers to be the best mango in the world.

Other places in Things to Do