Can New Pomegranate Varieties Elevate Farmers' Income in Rajasthan?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- New varieties can significantly boost farmers' income.
- CAZRI is providing training programs for modern farming techniques.
- Pomegranate farming is expanding in western Rajasthan.
- High-quality produce can be achieved with low input costs.
- Research on pomegranates has been ongoing since 2010.
Jodhpur, Dec 4 (NationPress) Pomegranate farmers in Rajasthan are brimming with renewed optimism for an upcoming surge in their earnings, thanks to the introduction of two innovative varieties by the Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI).
The Jodhpur-based institute has engaged in extensive research and development to uncover new strategies and methods to enhance fruit productivity, ultimately benefiting farmers financially.
The recently developed pomegranate varieties - Saffron and Super Saffron - have kindled fresh optimism for significant income growth from pomegranate cultivation.
CAZRI is also running various training sessions to equip farmers with new methods and introduce them to modern agricultural techniques.
Dr. Om Prakash Meena, a senior scientist at CAZRI, informed IANS that research on pomegranates has been in progress since 2010 under a dedicated project.
He emphasized that pomegranate farming is progressively expanding in western Rajasthan, yielding profits that far exceed those of conventional crops. In numerous areas, farmers have seen their earnings multiply.
Dr. Meena noted that pomegranate yields thrive particularly well in regions with saline water. The Saffron and Super Saffron varieties have been developed using radiation technology, and the demand for tissue culture-based plants as planting materials has surged rapidly.
He stated that pomegranates are referred to as 'red gold' because they have emerged as a vital source of income for farmers by producing high-quality yields with low input expenses.
As a government entity, CAZRI aims to lower farmers' costs and enhance the quality of their produce. To accomplish this, experts offer comprehensive insights on water management, nutrient management, and other agricultural practices, enabling farmers to adopt these techniques and achieve higher yields.
These initiatives by CAZRI have provided a new identity for pomegranate farming in Western Rajasthan and have opened up new pathways for economic empowerment for farmers.