Mango peel pollutant as organic manure

Abstract

Mango (Mangifera indica Linn.), a highly consumed tropical fruit, generates substantial waste in the form of peels during pulp processing, which poses a major environmental concern due to its improper disposal. Mango peels, comprising 15–20% of the fruit, are rich in valuable bioactive compounds like cellulose, polyphenols, carotenoids, dietary fiber, and reducing sugars, making them a promising resource for organic manure production. Despite this potential, mango peel waste is largely unutilized and dumped, contributing to methane emissions and environmental degradation. This review emphasizes the urgent need to adopt sustainable waste management practices, particularly composting technologies such as vermicomposting and biocomposting, to transform mango peel into organic manure. The pulp industries, especially in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts, which are major mango pulp exporters, generate thousands of tons of peel waste annually. Efficient recycling of this biomass can not only mitigate pollution but also reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and promote eco-friendly agriculture. Raising awareness and promoting commercial-scale composting of mango peels can convert a waste problem into an economic and environmental opportunity, supporting sustainable development and circular economy principles in agro-industrial sectors.