ISHS Acta Horticulturae 818: I International Symposium on Pomegranate and Minor Mediterranean Fruits
POMEGRANATE CULTIVATION IN KARNATAKA STATE, INDIA - A PROFITABLE VENTURE |
| Author: | G.K. Vasanth Kumar |
| Keywords: | Punica granatum L., arid, semi-arid, success, Ganesh, Mridula (Arakta), Ruby, Bhagwa (Kesar), Kushtagi, Yelburga, export, diseases |
| Abstract:
Pomegranate is an important fruit crop grown in the dry regions of India. It is also cultivated to a large extent in the northern dry districts of Karnataka state. The development of varieties such as Ganesh, Mridula (Arakta), Ruby, Bhagwa (Kesar) have revolutionized pomegranate cultivation in the state. These varieties have good export potential. Major breakthroughs in the cultivation of pomegranate such as resting period and pruning of plants and the use of plant hormones to obtain better fruit size have contributed in increasing the production of quality pomegranate fruits to meet the preference of consumers in the domestic and international markets. Farmers of Bijapur, Bagalkot and Koppal districts have successfully exported pomegranates through their associations. Government intervention in providing technology and training has given a boost to the farmers to take up pomegranate cultivation for export purposes as well. Of late, problems due to diseases such as bacterial blight and pomegranate wilt have had a deleterious effect on the crop in the northern districts of the state. Intervention in providing subsidies to the farmers, creating infrastructure facilities for production, post-harvest management and marketing and research support will go a long way in developing pomegranate crops in the dry areas and help the farmers in getting better returns. | |
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