India produces nearly 15 per cent of all pomegranates. The country is the largest producer of pomegranates, globally, though its share in the international trade of fruits and vegetables remains a meagre 1 percent. The pomegranate tree is native from the Himalayas in northern India to Iran and has been cultivated since ancient times.
Pomegranate is an important fruit grown commercially in the state of Maharashtra. The area under this crop is 125,000 hectares. Maharashtra accounts for more than two third of its areas, while other states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Tamilnadu share the rest.
"We started pomegranate production some six years ago, when Gopal Gorasiya, a long-time horticulturist, trader-exporter of fruits in Bhuj- Gujarat, decided to learn a lesson or two in farming. He bought 80 acres of separate land exclusively for pomegranate in Bhuj, a water-deficient region lying 50 km away, and developed a pomegranate farm there. The move surprised many of his peers, it was easier and often economical to pick up the best produce from the Mandi, pack and export to Indian expatriates craving home-grown fruits," explains Mr Sharma from the company.
Bhagwa and Ganesh are the varieties grown.
After three years the yield surpassed their expectations. This encouraged other people also to take up pomegranate cultivation on a large scale. In the arid land of Kutch-Gujarat farmers are happy with the soil productivity and more and more farmers are switching over to growing pomegranates as it consumes less water. On an average 7~8 tons per hectare are exported and 10~12 tons are consumed locally.
"We generally consider the fruit ready for harvest if it makes a metallic sound when tapped. The fruit must be picked before over maturity as it tends to crack open. Due to having adopted a number of bahar treatments, pomegranate in Maharashtra and Gujarat states is available throughout the year," said Mr Sharma. "We at Gorasiya Farm are expecting a good harvest in May. We expect 225~250 tons of production from which 50% will be exported to European Markets. We are exploring Russian and Asian markets too." Mr Sharma envisions a high growth phase in the coming years as they have established themselves as a prominent player in the fresh produce sector.
By using modern techniques the cost of cultivation has been reduced greatly. 300-350grams is the average weight of Pomegranate in Bhuj-Gujarat.
For more information:
A.Rattan Sharma
Gorasiya Farm
Tel: 0091-9712978565
Email: ars@svctgroup.com
www.gorasiyafarm.com