STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING HORTICULTURE PRODUCTION IN RAIN-FED AREAS OF SUB-MONTANE

AND LOW HILLS OF

JAMMU DIVISION

Dr. Parshant Bakshi Associate Prof.

FRUIT SCIENCE

Region Climate, altitude (m, amsl)

Livelihood production system

Parts of the State covered

Jammu and Kashmir

Himachal Pradesh Uttaranchal

Region I Sub-montane and Low Hills

Sub-tropical200–800

Agri-livestock fish-horticulture

Jammu and plains of Udhampur district

Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur and parts of Sirmaur, Kangra, Solan and Chamba districts

Parts of Pauri Garhwal, Dehra Dun, Almora and Pithoragarh districts

Livelihood production systems in the Sub- montane and Low Hills

LAND RESOURCE IN J & K ( HA)G-2,65,000

E-74,000 D- 1,05,000C-2,11,300

B- 2,91,000

A - 6,58,000

F- 7,52,000

A ForestB Non-Agricultural LandC Barren & Uncultivable LandD Permanent Pastures & Other Grazing LandE Fallow Land Including Current FallowsF Net Area SownG Area under Fruit Crops (2005-06)

Population: -Population: - >1 Crore>1 CroreDependent on Agri/allied sectorsDependent on Agri/allied sectors 65%65%Food grain productionFood grain production 18 Lakh MTs18 Lakh MTsFood grain requirementFood grain requirement 23 Lakh MTs23 Lakh MTsDeficit Food grainsDeficit Food grains 5 Lakh MTs5 Lakh MTsDeficit Oil Seeds / PulsesDeficit Oil Seeds / Pulses 70%70%Deficit VegetablesDeficit Vegetables 30%30%Net Sown Area (NSA)Net Sown Area (NSA) 7.52 Lakh Ha7.52 Lakh HaGross Sown Area (GSA)Gross Sown Area (GSA) 11.02 Lakh Ha11.02 Lakh HaNSA under field cropsNSA under field crops 70%70%NSA under Horticulture CropsNSA under Horticulture Crops 13%13%Net Irrigated AreaNet Irrigated Area 42% 42% (3.11 LHa)(3.11 LHa)

J&K AGRICULTURE - PROFILE

Productivity Level of Major Agri Crops: -Productivity Level of Major Agri Crops: -

RiceRice 23.9 Qtl/Ha23.9 Qtl/HaMaizeMaize 15.5 Qtl/Ha15.5 Qtl/HaWheatWheat 20.0 Qtl/Ha20.0 Qtl/HaVegetablesVegetables 200 Qtl/Ha200 Qtl/HaFruitsFruits 74.0 Qtl/Ha74.0 Qtl/HaAverage Land Holding SizeAverage Land Holding Size 0.76 Ha0.76 HaCultivable Waste LandCultivable Waste Land 1.41 Lac Ha1.41 Lac Ha

J&K AGRICULTURE - PROFILE ….Contd

STATUS OF FRUIT CROPS IN J&K

Total area of Jammu & Kashmir = 2, 22,800 sq km.

Area under fruit crops = 307 thousand ha.Production = 1780 thousand tonnes.Productivity = 7.37 tonnes/ha.

Productivity ( INDIA) = 10.99 tonnes/ha

Total area of Jammu Division = 0.263 lakh sq km.

Area under fruits = 103 thousand ha.Production = 165 thousand tonnesProductivity = 1.60 tonnes/ha.

YearYear Area (Lakh ha)Area (Lakh ha) % Increase% Increase

2001-022001-02 2.212.21 ----------------

2002-032002-03 2.322.32 4.574.57

2003-042003-04 2.422.42 4.664.66

2004-052004-05 2.582.58 6.496.49

2005-062005-06 2.682.68 3.733.73

2006-072006-07 2.812.81 5.005.00

2007-08 2007-08 2.962.96 5.505.50

AREA EXPANSION TRENDS (FRUITS)

 NATURAL BENEFITS OF FRUITS GROWN UNDER RAIN-FED CONDITIONS

AONLA  (i)  Contain polyphenols which retards exudation of ascorbic acid, hence rich source of

Vit. C

(ii)  Rich Source of pectin

(iii)  Processed into Chavanprash, trifla and dried shreds .

(iv) Valuable for diabetes, will stimulate the islets of Lengerhans i,e isolated group of cells that secretes hormone insulin.

(v)   Effective for heart disease. Tones up the functions of all the organs of the body

(vi)  Mixed with honey is useful in preserving eye sight .Reduces intraocular tension.

(vii)  Used in the treatment of rheumatism.

(viii) Dried fruit is valuable in diarrhea and dysentery. Amla mixed with lemon juice and misri in considered highly beneficial in controlling acute bacillary dysentery

(ix)  It has revitalizing effects valuable in preventing ageing ,improves body resistance

(x) Hair tonic

BAEL(i)    Tonic , restorative , laxative

(ii)    Good for heart and brain

(iii)  Half ripen fruit is effective remedy for chronic diarrhea, and dysentery

(iv) Infusion of bael leaves is regarded as an effective food remedy for peptic ulcer

(v)   Medicated oil prepared from bael leaves give relief for recurrent cold and respiratory

infections

FIG

(i) Regarded as dependable laxative due to its large cellulose content and its tough skin .

(ii). Excellent remedy for piles

(iii) Beneficial in the treatment of asthma .gives comfort by draining of the phlegm

(iv) Beneficially used in the treatment of sexual disability

(v) Milky juice of green figs helps to soften corns .

 

PHALSA

Cures

(i) Inflammations

(ii) Heart and blood disorders (iii) Fever and constipation

JAMUN

(i) Fruit juice and seeds are useful in the treatment of diabetes

(ii) Seeds contains a glucose “jamboline” which is believed to have the power to check the pathological conversion of starch into sugar

(iii) Valuable in prevention of production of excess urine

(iv) Effective food remedy for bleeding piles

(v) Natural acids in the jamun fruits play an important role in the secretion of digestive enzymes and stimulate liver functions

(vi) Infusion of fresh leaves taken with honey effective remedy for sterility and miscarriage due to ovarian functional disorders

 LEMON(i) Strengthens the gums and teeth

(ii) Highly beneficial in treatment of throat disorder i.e. catarrh, choking sensation and itching sensitivities

(iii)   Help in burning soles and heels

(iv)  Good appetizers

(v)   Stimulates the flow of saliva and gastric juice and regarded an excellent digestive agent

(vi) Thirst quenching drink in measles scarlet and other fevers

(vii) Effective in the hemorrhage or bleeding of lungs , stomach , intestines uterus, kidney and other intestinal

organs

(viii)  Valuable in the care of enlargement of spleen

(ix)  Lemon juice is sour in taste , its reaction in the body is alkaline and such it is valuable in the treatment of

rheumatic affections such as gout , rheumatism, pain in hip joints

(x)    Effective remedy for obesity

(xi)  Contains Vitamin P essential for controlling hemorrhage

(xii) It has anti-cholera properties can kill cholera bacilli with in very short time

(xiii) Valuable in corns

(xiv) Regarded as youth restorative

Name of the fruit

Cal. P (%) Ca (%) Fe (%) Vit.A (IU) Thiamine (mg) Vit.C (mg)

Aonla 59 0.02 0.05 1.2 - 30 600

Bael 23 0.01 0.09 0.6 240 - -

Ber 129 0.05 0.03 0.3 186 12 15

Custard Apple 105 0.04 0.02 1.0 Trace - -

Fig 75 0 .03

0.06 1.2 270 - -

Guava 66 0.04 0.01 1 Trace 30 299

Jamun 83 0.01 0.02 1 - - -

Karonda (dry) 364 0.06

0.16 39.1 - - 200-550

Pomegranate 65 0.07 0.01 0.3 - - 16

Wood Apple 97 0.11

0.13 0.6 - - -

Nutritional value of Rain-fed fruits/100g edible portion

Interest in fruit culture in the rain-fed areas remained sporadic and as a hobby just for the satisfaction of the aesthetic urge of people who had some resources at their disposal .

Rainfall low and confined to the period from July to September. After April, the vapour pressure deficit is more and exceeds 30mb during May and June.

High solar radiations incidence and high winds velocity results in a high potential evapo-transpiration

MAJOR PROBLEMS AND CONSTRAINTS IN FRUIT PRODUCTION IN RAIN-FED AREAS OF JAMMU REGION

Soils are of poor quality with low fertility level and poor water holding capacity with high infiltration rate.

Ground water resources are scarce and at great depths.

Lack of interest in exploitation of plants.

Lack of implementation of available technology in the field of rain-fed fruit culture.

In rain-fed areas, it is the water which is the principal constraint. Efficient water use techniques are lacking.

PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY FOR RAIN-FED AREAS

A. Long term strategies:

Selection of fruit crops Maximum growth period synchronizes with the period of

maximum water ability. Reproductive phase during the period of moisture abundance Drought tolerance mechanism - Deep root system

- Leaf shedding in summer - Xerophytic characters

* Wax coating * Hairiness * Covered stomata

RAIN FALL ZONE FRUIT CROPS

Below 300 mm Ber ( Zizyphus mauritiana ) Lasoda (Cordia myxa) Ker ( Capparis apphylla) Pilu (Salvadora oleoides) 

350 – 500mm Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana) Aonla (Emblica officinalis)

Jamun (Syzygium cuminii) Mulberry (Morus alba) Khirni (Manilkara hexandra)

500 – 700mm Bael (Aegle marmelos) Aonla (Emblica officinalis) Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana) Custard apple (Anona spp.) Tamarind (Tamarindus indica )

Phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis) Karonda ( Carissa carandas) More than 700 mm Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Guava (Psidium guajava)

Wood apple (Limonia acidis)      

SELECTION OF FRUIT CROPS FOR RAIN-FED AREAS

Fruit No.Of accessions

Location of field gene banks

Annona 36 Bangalore, Rahuri, Sangareddy ,Udaipur

Aonla 16 Allahabad, Anand, Faizabad, Rajendranager, Saharanpur, Udaipur Lucknow

Bael 12 Basti , Faizabad, Pantnagar, Lucknow, Sahranpur,.

Ber 177 Bahadurgarh, Bawal, Faizabad. Hissar, Jobner, Jodhpur, Junagadh, Saharanpur, Udaipur

Fig 23 Bangalore, Rahuri, Rajendranager, Udaipur ,Yercaud.

Phalsa 9 Allahabad, Bangalore, Faizabad, Hissar, Junagarh, Udaipur

Karonda 5 Bikaner, Godhra, Bhowals, Jodhpur

Lasoda 5 Bikaner, Godhra, Bhowals, Jodhpur

Pomegranate

18 Aboher, Allahabad, Bangalore, Hisar, Jodhpur, Junagarh, Ludhiana, Rahuri, Solars, Udaipur

GENETIC RESOURCES OF RAIN-FED/ARID FRUITS

FRUIT CROPS Name Scientificc name Access. No.

Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana) 318

Bordi (Z. rotundifolia) 22

Pomegranate Punica granatum 150

Aonla Emblica officinalis 50

Date palm Phoenix dactylifera 55

Gonda Cordia myxa 65

Bael Aegle marmelos 16

Cactus pear Opuntia ficus indica 80

GERMPLASM COLLECTION AT CIAH BIKANER

LATEST RELEASED VARIETIES OF FRUIT CROPS SUITABLE FOR RAIN-FED AREAS

BER

Goma Kirti is highly yielding early maturing variety, which fetches good price in the market. It is resistant to various diseases and pests by virtue of its earliness.

Goma Kirti

Thar Sevika

Developed by the hybridization from a cross Seb x Katha, Thar Sevika is an early maturing variety. The fruits are juicy, sweet with a TSS content of 22-24%. Fruits after consumption do not cause throat soaring, which is common in other cultivars. Average fruit yield is 30-32 Kg/tree. The hybrid is also suitable for staggered picking which can be done up to third week of January.

Thar BhubhrajA selection from local material of Bhusavar area of Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, CIAH-Sel-1 is an early maturing cultivar having an average yield potential of 30-36 kg/tree. The fruits are ready for harvesting during last week of December-First week of January.  The fruits are very juicy, sweet with a TSS content of 22-23%.

AONLA

Goma Aishwariya

Goma Aishwariya is an early, drought tolerant. The average yield potential is 102.9 kg/tree. It has low fiber content and is suitable for processing and export.

GERMPLASM OF FRUIT CROPS AT RRSS RAYA

                      

S.NO NAME OF FRUIT PLANTS VARIETIES

1.

2.

 CITRUS   

(i) Mandarin

(ii) Rangpur lime

(iii)   Kagzi lime

(iv)    Karna khatta

(v)     Jambhiri

(vi)     Galgal

(vii)    Sweet lime

(viii) Eureka lemon

(ix)   Sweet orange

(x) Grapefruit

MANGO

Nagpur Santra, Cleoptra mandarin, Kinnow mandarin 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pine apple, Blood red , Jaffa, Valencia late, Mosambi

 Red blush, Duncan, Marsh seed less

Amarpali, Dusheshari, Bombay green, Langra, Chausa, Fazli, Malika,

Totapuri , Baramasi, Kala amb, Jirraiwalla amb, Brota amb, Badda

amb, Selection 1 , Selection 2, Selection 3, Selection 4, Selection 5,

Arun , Varun, Rajiv, Ram kala

3. AONLA NA-7, Chakaiya, Banarsi,Kanchan, Desi

4. BER Mecca, Raya Selection, Gola, Small Apple, Ranjri Selection , Sanura-2, Sanura-4, ZG-2, Nuzuk

5. GUAVA Allahabad Safada, L-49, Apple Coloured, Banarsi Surkha, Hybrid –1, Hybrid –2

6. BAEL NB-5, NB-9

7. KARONDA Pink yellow, Green pink

8. PHALSA Purple round

10. LASOORA -

11. TAMARIND Saharanpuri, Local

12. CUSTARD APPLE

-

13. JAMUN -

14. JACK FRUIT -

15. MONKEY FRUIT

-

16. FIG -

18. HARAD -

SPECIAL ATTRIBUTES OF FRUIT TREE SPECIES WHICH MAKES THEM SUITABLE FOR RAIN FED AREA

1.     Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.) (i) It can stand salinity and saline water (ii) Deep root system  (iii) Flowering with onset of monsoons and crop is harvested well in advance

on onset of hot summer. (iv) Sheding of leaves (v) Scaly bud

2. Aonla (Emblica officinalis) a) Greater tolerance to salinity, alkalinity and sodicity b) Flowering in spring, after fruit set, fruit enters dormancy and remains

so throughout Summer.

3. Phalsa (Grewia subinaeqalis)   (i) Short reproductive phase  (ii) Loose foliage after harvest

4. Bael (Aegle marmerlos) (i) Salinity tolerant   (ii) Flowering with onset of monsoon, fruit mature before onset of summer.

5. Guava (Psidium guajava) Flowers in three flushes (i) Ambe- bahar (ii) Mrig- bahar (iii) Hastha -bahar 

6 . Custard apple (Anona spp.) (i) Tolerant to drought ,salinity and saline water (ii) Grows well on shallow soils.  (iii) Flowering in June/ July harvest in November Sheds its leaves 

7. Lasooda (Cordia myxa) (i) Drought tolerant   (ii) Sheds its leaves (iii) Flowering in December /January and crop ready in three months 8.   Jamun (Syzygium cumunii)  (i) Extensive root systems.  (ii) Flowering in spring and final swell of fruits in monsoon  9.   Karonda(Carissa carandar)  (i) Plant drought tolerant  (ii) Reproductive phase synchronizes to the period of moisture abundance 

 

.)MANGO BLOCK BER BLOCK

RRSS RAYA

FULL BEARING KINNOW PLANT

LEMON BLOCK

RRSS RAYA

GALGAL BLOCK SWEET ORANGE

RRSS RAYA

POMEGRANATE BLOCK GUAVA BLOCK

RRSS RAYA

AONLA BLOCK FULL BEARING AONLA PLANT CV. NA-7

RRSS RAYA

PHALSA BLOCK PHALSA FRUIT BUSHES

RRSS RAYA

KARONDA BLOCK Karonda (Carissa carandas L)

RRSS RAYA

BAEL PLANTS TAMARIND PLANTS

RRSS RAYA

LASOODA PLANTS HARAD PLANT

RRSS RAYA

CUSTARD APPLE

FIG PLANT MAHUA PLANT

RRSS RAYA

B. Short term strategies: Soil Moisture Conservation Water harvesting - Water harvesting tank - Crescent bunding Increase in moisture storage capacity of soil Reducing fruit load Pruning and training

Anti transparents: Stomata closing type - Phenyl mercuric acetate (PMA) - Abscisic acid (ABA) Film forming type - Wax - Kaoline

Water Harvesting Tank -Raya

Drip Irrigation is a modern method of irrigation in which:

• Water is applied directly to the root zone of the plants.

• Water is applied at frequent intervals at precise quantities based on Crop

Water Requirements.

• Water is applied through a low-pressure pipe network comprising Mains,

Sub-mains, Laterals and Emitting Devices.

FRUIT CROPS :

Almond, Apple, Arecanut, Indian Gooseberry, Ber (Zizyphus), Banana,

Cashew, Custard Apple, Cherry, Fig, Guava, Grape, Litchi, Lemon, Sweet

Lime, Mango, Orange, Olive, Papaya, Pomegranate, Pear, Peach, Pistachio,

Pineapple, Sapota, Strawberry, Jack Fruit, Tamarind.

DRIP IRRIGATIONDRIP IRRIGATION

SUGGESTED MODELS FOR DIFFERENT AGRO-CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Rain-fed Conditions Cropping SystemArid (<400mm rainfall)

Ber + Karonda + Guar/mothKhejri + Lasoda + Phalsa

Semi-arid (400-800 mm rainfall)

Aonla + Guava + Black gramAonla + Custard apple + Legumes

Subtropical (800-1200mm rainfall)

Aonla/ Bael + guava + Black gramMango + Guava

Tropical (>1200mm rainfall)

Mango + Citrus + Tapioca

Coastal Coconut + Black pepper + Banana

MANGO + GUAVA

MANGO + CITRUS

AONLA + GUAVA + GROUND NUT (STAGE-I)

INTER CROPPING PHALSA IN AONLA

INTERCROPPING OF PAPAYA IN MANGO

NURSERY BLOCK, RRSS, RAYA

BUDDED SAPLINGS OF AONLA IN NURSERY, RRSS RAYA

IN-SITU RAISED AONLA BLOCK AT RRSS RAYA

PHALSA PLANTS IN POLY BAGS

AIR LAYERING IN GUAVA AT RRSS RAYA

A VIEW OF REJUVENATION PRUNING IN MANGO

PROFUSE SHOOTINGPROFUSE SHOOTING

Healthy shoot Developing canopy

First flushFirst flush Second flushSecond flush

Fully developed canopyFully developed canopy

A VIEW OF REJUVENATED GUAVA ORCHARD

Wilting plant showing bark splitting Heading back of branches of guava trees

Newly emerged shoots on beheaded branches of the trees

Trees growth after 4 months of heading back

Plugging the holes with mud Pasting base of the trunk with copper oxichloride

Trees showing shoot pruning (first cut) after 4 months of heading back

A portion of branch showing second pruning for better canopy development

A portion of branch showing flowers as a result of second pruning

A portion of branch showing better fruiting

TOP WORKED BER PLANTS AT RRSS RAYA

PRUNING IN TOP WORKED BER AT RRSS RAYA

 FUTURE LINE OF WORK FOR RESEARCHERS

 

To stabilize production and win the confidence of orchadists in rain fed region, work on following aspects is a priority

(1)    Survey, collection and evaluation of large number of indigenous plant types

of economic significance, growing wild in rain-fed areas with special

emphasis on drought resistance as well as quality attributes and

conservation there of.

(2)     Improvement work on ber, beal , wood apple , aonla , anona. -- not given

the required attention in the past.

(3)     Maintenance of directory of lands and location under marginal situation

such as dry land, bald hills , hilly terrains etc., with full information about

their agro-ecological features. Then evolution of drought resistant crops

which perform well under moisture stress conditions and earmarking them

for various situations in rain fed regions

(4)  Generation of information on soil status for optimizing water

utilization in rain- fed area for fruit crops .

(5)  Development of efficient water use technology .

(6)  Development of effective plant protection measures against powdery

mildew , black spot disease of ber , rust of aonla and insect pests like

ber fruit fly and pomegranate butter fly .

(7)  Standardization of techniques for faster multiplication of planting

material and establishment of nurseries to raise and supply drought

tolerant fruit crop plants to prospective growers

(8)  Developing suitable technologies for reducing post harvest losses and

supporting cottage industries based on rain fed fruits

(9) Strengthening of extension activities to educate farmers on fruit

culture in rain fed area and financial assistance on easy term for fruit

culture

TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY

 

(i)       Man power training/educational re-orientation

(ii)      Field demonstrations

(iii)     Organization of farmers conference

(iv)     Involvement of youth and village leaders

(v)       Active involvement of research institutions

(vi)      Research and development linkage

 

ROLE OF KVK’S IN WASTELAND UTILIZATION  

(i)  Identification of wastelands in the district

(ii) Study soil problems

(iii) Preparing economically physical and technical plan.

(iv) Establishing and maintaining nurseries for supply of fruit plants

(v) Helping young farmers to establish and maintain private nurseries

(vi) Arranging short courses for school teachers and staff.

(vii) Organizing exhibitions and field days on the work site

(viii) KVK’S could implement on farm research related to wasteland to

serve as effective link between farmers and scientists.

Looking to the scope and importance of rain fed fruit

culture in India in general and Jammu in particular,

the scientist have challenge to provide better genotypes

and improvised water use technologies to make the

industry more strong and acceptable by the farmers of

rain- fed areas.

CONCLUSION