For years, Gandacherra and Narikel Kunj have dominated Tripura's mango cultivation map, with the recently celebrated Mango Festival at Narikel Kunj standing as a testament to their success. However, a new contender is rapidly emerging. 

Farmers from the Shikaribari Village Committee area under Ambassa Block are transforming the region into a promising mango-growing hub, led by the remarkable efforts of 42-year-old farmer Thaitak Reang and his wife, Girija Reang.

Driven by determination and hard work, the couple has developed a flourishing mango orchard across their own 44 kani of hilly and low-lying land, inspiring farmers throughout the region.

Their journey began in 2023 when Thaitak invested his own savings to purchase and plant 1,200 mango saplings. Later, the Ambassa Agriculture Department extended support by providing additional saplings and a one-time financial assistance of Rs 25,000. After two years of dedicated care, timely maintenance, and proper plant protection, the orchard yielded its first major harvest in 2025, generating nearly ₹4 lakh in sales.

The success has grown even bigger in 2026. Thaitak has already sold mangoes worth ₹6 lakh, while a large portion of the orchard is still laden with fruit. He expects total sales to reach Rs 13–14 lakh by the end of the season.

"We have already sold mangoes worth Rs 6 lakh, but most of the trees are still full of fruit. I am hopeful of selling another Rs6–7 lakh worth of mangoes this season," said Thaitak.

Despite the remarkable achievement, recent severe storms caused significant damage to the orchard, knocking down large quantities of immature mangoes. Through the Sub-Divisional Magistrate's office, the farmer received ₹52,000 in compensation from the SDRF fund.

The orchard now produces six varieties of mangoes, including Banana Mango, Apple Mango, and the world-famous Miyazaki mango. Banana Mangoes are being sold directly from the orchard at ₹150–180 per kilogram, while the premium Miyazaki variety commands a much higher price.

Beyond mangoes, the Reang family's diversified farm also produces chilli, maize, pigeon pea, banana, ginger, and turmeric, creating a sustainable mixed farming model. Along with the couple, three workers are currently employed in spraying, harvesting, and packaging operations.

Officials Praise the Success Story

The extraordinary achievement has attracted the attention of senior government officials and public representatives. Among those who visited the orchard were the Additional District Magistrate of Dhalai, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Ambasa, the Chairman of the Ambasa Block Advisory Committee and former MLA, the Panchayat Samiti Chairperson, and officials from the Agriculture Department. They commended the farmer's dedication and described the orchard as an inspiring model for rural entrepreneurship.

Officials assured that aspiring fruit growers would receive all possible government support, including financial assistance, quality planting materials, and technical guidance.

Agriculture officials also confirmed that additional saplings and agricultural inputs would be provided to further expand the orchard.

Inspiring a New Generation of Farmers

Thaitak Reang's success has already encouraged many unemployed youths and farmers from Shikaribari and nearby Tower areas to begin mango cultivation on hill slopes. He expressed hope that Ambasa will soon host its own grand Mango Festival, showcasing the region's growing prominence in fruit production.

With coordinated support from the Agriculture, Horticulture, and District Administration, officials believe that mango cultivation in Ambasa will expand significantly over the next four to five years. The block is expected to emerge as one of Tripura's leading mango-producing regions, reducing dependence on imports from other states and moving the state closer to self-sufficiency in mango production.

Thaitak and Girija Reang's inspiring journey stands as a powerful example of how determination, innovation, and sustainable farming can transform livelihoods and reshape the agricultural future of an entire region.