21/08/2026
Nothing matches the feeling of eating under a mango tree. Shyju Machathi, a police officer by profession and a mango conservationist by passion, knows this first hand. That’s why, when he brought together a community of mango lovers in Kerala’s Kannapuram, he named it Nattu Manchottil, translating to ‘under the native mango tree’.
The community’s mission is simple: identify, document, and distribute the plethora of native varieties that Kannur district has held on to over many centuries. Each mango variety they conserve is distinctive, having its own taste, smell, size, and shape. Many of these varieties are also more resilient to drought, salinity, and pests than the more famous mango varieties. This makes Nattu Manchottil’s work not only a labour of love, but a mission of great urgency in a world facing climate change.
Want to experience Kannapuram’s annual mango fest virtually? Watch the full video on our YouTube channel.
