Abstract
The cultivation of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) was introduced quite early in the Mediterranean and eastern countries like India. India ranks first in area (107,000 ha) with a production of 743,000 t, but exports only 30156.98 t. During the recent five years, production, export and domestic consumption showed a decreasing trend. Maharashtra (leading state), Karnataka, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are major pomegranate producing states. âGaneshâ, âBhagwaâ, âRubyâ, âAraktaâ and âMridulaâ are the important commercial cultivars. Bacterial blight is a major disease causing fruit crack, thus reducing the market value and exportability. Research projects aiming to tackle blight are in the pipeline. On an average â¹ 1,90,000/ha is the cost for establishment and rupee 25,000 maintenance with average returns of rupee 1,20,000 to 1,40,000/ha. The payback period ranges from 5 to 6 years having B:C ratio of 2.52 to 2.90 and IRR of 55 to 60%. Farmers have registered with GLOBALGAP certification and follow AGMARK grading. Major markets are Mumbai, Nagpur, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune and Ahmedabad. An Agri Export Zone has been established and research support is extended by the National Research Centre for Pomegranate, Solapur, MPKV, Rahuri in Maharashtra, whereas, UHS-Bagalkot and IIHR-Bangalore in Karnataka support farmers. The government of Karnataka is setting up a Centre of Excellence and Cold chain facility in Bagalkot (Karnataka) and an export facility centre is being set up in Baramati with mechanical handling system. The growth rate in the production and export of pomegranate during the post-WTO period were higher than the pre-WTO. Direction of trade indicated that Saudi Arabia and UAE were the stable importers. A number of measures are taken for enhancing competitiveness. Efforts are needed to popularize Indian pomegranates in Canada, the USA, South America, Australia, Korea, Japan, etc. through fairs, exhibitions, etc.
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