India: Persimmon fruit harvest quite a treat in Himachal

Himachal Pradesh is expecting a bumper harvest of the exotic persimmon with the trees literally drooping under the weight of the luscious fruit even though unfavourable weather through the season hit other crops like apple and cherry.

Locally called “Japani Phal”, or the Japanese fruit, persimmon looks like a bright red-orange tomato, and is full of subtle fragrances and rich in sugar, as well as vitamins A, B and C.

“We are getting a bumper persimmon crop this time despite hostile climatic conditions in the flowering and fruit-ripening seasons. Field reports indicate a good yield,” joint director (horticulture) R.S. Thakur told IANS.

He said unfavourable weather had failed to affect persimmon production.

“Less chill in the last winter and deficient rain in the monsoon have little impact on the yield of persimmon, whereas the production of apple and other stone fruits has been severely hit in the state,” he said.

The temperate zones of Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Chamba and Solan districts are ideal for persimmon cultivation. As per horticulture department estimates, at least 10,000 farmers grow the fruit over 397 hectares.



Source: taragana.com

Publication date: 10/27/2009

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