“Aam ke Aam, Gutliyon ke Daam”: know the “Gutli Man” who is creating green future with mango seeds
What if you could help the environment and farmers by doing something as simple as saving mango seeds. Jasmit Singh Arora, known as the “Gutli Man” has transformed this simple idea into a movement. A 51-year-old entrepreneur-turned-environmentalist from Kolkata, Arora is on a noble mission to create a green future by turning discarded mango seeds into opportunities for farmers.
Arora collects mango seeds from all across India. He germinates these seeds into saplings, grafts them with local mango varieties, and then provides them to farmers for free. His goal is to help farmers shift from water-intensive crops like paddy, which offer low returns, to more sustainable mango trees, which can be profitable in the long run. Mango trees take time to grow, but once they start bearing fruit, they can provide a steady source of income for farmers. Additionally, mango trees are great for the environment as they absorb carbon, support biodiversity, and improve soil health.
Arora’s initiative started modestly but gained momentum after a video of his work went viral. People from across India began sending him mango seeds. In just one year, he received over 11 lakh seeds. These seeds are then planted on land near Diamond Harbour and Burdwanare after they are cleaned, sun-dried. However, not all seeds germinate. Only about 10 to 15 percent of the seeds grow into saplings, which is one reason why many farmers are hesitant to plant mango trees themselves.
To ensure the saplings are suited for the local climate, Arora grafts them with local varieties like Langda and Gulab Khas. This grafting process ensures the trees are more likely to survive and thrive in the region.
Building trust with farmers has been challenging. Many farmers were initially skeptical, having been let down by past schemes. To gain their trust, Arora provided them with fast-growing fruit trees alongside the mango saplings. Over time, more farmers began to see the value of his work, and his initiative has grown with the support of volunteers and local communities.
Arora’s journey is as diverse as his background. Trained as a doctor, he later worked in the IT and pharmaceutical industries before discovering his passion for social work. His visits to remote areas of West Bengal, such as the Sunderbans and Purulia, exposed him to the struggles faced by farmers and the lack of support and sustainable farming methods inspired him to take action.
He is also an advocate for organic farming, as he believes that using chemicals in farming harms the environment and the health of consumers. He promotes organic farming as a healthier, long-term solution that can also be profitable.
As mango season approaches, Arora has a simple request: “Don’t throw away your mango seeds. Clean them, dry them, and send them to me.” He urges people to join his mission, which has expanded to involve schools, colleges, and various organizations.
Arora’s work is not just about planting mango trees; it’s about creating a more sustainable future. His efforts prove how small actions, like saving mango seeds, can lead to big changes for both farmers and the environment.
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