Madhya Pradesh forays into commercial cultivation of pomegranate

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh has forayed into commercial cultivation of pomegranate. Known for its innumerous health giving properties especially for anemic persons this juicy fruit is said to have its origin in Iran. In India Maharashtra is the largest pomegranate producing state followed by Gujrat, Haryana, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana.

In view of the favourable climate of Madhya Pradesh for pomegranate production a target has been fixed to bring 10 thousand hectare under its cultivation. It would be cultivated in 2000 hectare every year for five years. So far, the cultivation has already been started in over 1500 hectare in Khargone, Shajapur, Khandwa, Dhar, Dewas, Ratlam, Ujjain and Vidisha districts.
“Arakta”,”Bhagwa” and “ Ganesha” varieties of pomegranate have been found suitable for climate of Madhya Pradesh. The fruits of these varieties are attractive, big and juicy. The yield of these export quality varieties is also very good.
With a view to encouraging commercial pomegranate cultivation a workshop was organized here last year. Experts from Agricultural Research Institute of India, PUSA New Delhi, Indian Horticulture Research Centre, Hisargatta Bengaluru, Sholapur Agriculture Institute, Maharashtra Anaj Utpadak Sangh, Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University Jabalpur and Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural University, Gwalior participated in the workshop.
It may be mentioned here that pomegranate is cultivated in semi-arid conditions where water is available with dry, hot and cold winds. Its commercial cultivation offers a good alternative to farmers where such climate prevails.
The pomegranate cultivators are provided subsidy for cultivation in minimum 0.5 hectare and maximum 5 hectare. The subsidy is deposited direct in the bank accounts of farmers.