Tropical and subtropical fruits (2+1)

Commercial Importance

The organized establishment of orchards with these fruit crops can offer better return and yield, which also helps in assured supplemented income to farmers, particularly the marginal farmers. ex. Ber a wild fruit a decade back has gained commercial importance in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana & Punjab gives a net profit of Rs.10,000/ha, like wise Aonla – Rs.20,000/ha even in drought years when other crops fail.

• The sick saline and alkaline soils, which can’t be put under cereal crops owing to greater sensitivity, can be successfully used for fruit crops like ber, date pomegranate and aonla and even their tolerance can be raised by using resistant root stocks.
• Growing of arid fruit crops ensures proper utilization of marginal land where growing of food/fruit crops is not remunerative and can help in employment generation.
• Ecological imbalance is a striking feature of Indian arid zone growing arid fruit crops in such areas shall not only provide sustained economy but help in improving the environment and strike an ecological balance.
• The need for adoption of a multiple land use system involving cultivation of multipurpose trees/shrubs along with agricultural crops provides food, fodder, fiber or fruits (4F’s) which can provide alternatives and a basis for sound farm economy.
• Provide raw materials for processing and pharmaceutical industries.
• The processed products viz., Jam, Jelly, Juice, wine etc., have got international market and make a satisfactory contribution in the national economy with a annual turnover of several million dollars. These industries provide job opportunities & extend the export potentiality of the country.
• They also serve as a good source of organic matter/manures and also fuel – Eg-Ber, Cashew, Jack, Tamarind.
• Intercropping can also be possible in dry land horticulture due to wider spacing.
• Establishment of dry land orchard on rainfed areas serves as insurance against total or partial crop failures.