India's diverse climatic conditions make it a top producer of fruits, with temperate fruits thriving particularly well in moderate temperature conditions ranging from 10°C to 25°C. Here is a detailed guide on growing popular temperate fruits such as apples, pears, cherries, plums, peaches, apricots, and kiwis in India's cooler regions, including cultivation costs, ideal soil conditions, pest control methods, and more.
India is a country that is home to diverse climatic conditions, making it a leading producer of fruits globally. One group of fruits that thrives particularly well in India's climate is temperate fruits. These fruits grow well in moderate temperature conditions, ranging between 10°C and 25°C, making them ideal for many regions of India. Some of the most popular temperate fruits cultivated in India include apples, pears, cherries, plums, peaches, apricots, and kiwis. In this article, we will provide detailed information on these fruits and a guide on how to grow them.
Apples:
Apples are the most popular temperate fruit cultivated in India, predominantly in the hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. Apple trees require well-drained soil and grow best in areas with an average temperature of 15°C to 25°C. The trees need a cool winter period for the fruit to develop properly. Grafted saplings are preferred over seeds for optimal results.
Pears:
Pears also grow well in India, mostly in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh. Pear trees require well-drained soil and moderate temperatures, making them relatively easy to grow. These trees are self-fertile, but it is advisable to plant multiple trees to increase yields.
Cherries:
Cherries are another temperate fruit that grows well in India's cooler regions, mainly in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Cherry trees require well-drained soil and a cool, dry climate. Grafted saplings are preferred over seeds for optimal results.
Plums:
Plums are also prevalent in India, primarily in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh. Plum trees require well-drained soil and moderate temperatures. Grafted saplings are preferred over seeds for optimal results.
Peaches:
Peaches are a delicious and nutritious temperate fruit that grows well in India, mostly in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh. Peach trees require well-drained soil and moderate temperatures. Grafted saplings are preferred over seeds for optimal results.
Apricots:
Apricots also grow well in India, mainly in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh. Apricot trees require well-drained soil and moderate temperatures. Grafted saplings are preferred over seeds for optimal results.
Kiwi:
Kiwis are a relatively new temperate fruit that has gained popularity in India, primarily in the hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Kiwi plants require well-drained soil and moderate temperatures. The plants are dioecious, meaning they require male and female plants to produce fruit.
Cost and Profit Calculation for Growing Temperate Fruits in India:
The cost of cultivation of temperate fruits in India varies depending on the type of fruit and region. Generally, the cost of cultivation per hectare is around Rs. 1,50,000 to Rs. 2,50,000 for apples and Rs. 1,20,000 to Rs. 2,00,000 for pears. Cherries, plums, peaches, apricots, and kiwis have lower costs of cultivation ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,50,000 per hectare.
In conclusion, temperate fruits are a valuable crop in India, and they are well-suited to many regions of the country.
