Gujarat ranks third in fruit production

Gujarat is the third largest fruit producing state of India. Renowned for its Hafoos (Alphonso) and Kesar mangos, the state contributes much more to the national fruit production.

The state accounts for 10% of fruits produced in India, and is in third position in state-wise production, after Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. The wide variety of fruits grown is the reason for this no.3 position. Gujarat's fruit bowl also has banana, papaya, chikoo, coconut, guava, green berry, dates, pomegranate, custard apple and cashew.

According to records of the central and state governments, in 2011-12, fruit production in Gujarat touched 77.63 lakh metric tonnes. In 2009-10 the state produced 69.85 lakh metric tonnes. Two reports released recently by the Union agriculture department and the state agriculture department say that fruit production in the state increased by around 11.13% in 2011-12 as compared to 2009-10.

The Union government recently released data for 2009-10, which ranks Gujarat third with fruit production of 69.85 lakh metric tonnes. The fruit produced most in Gujarat is the banana. Gujarat government records show that in 2011-12, banana topped the state's list, followed by papaya and mango.

Officials said banana accounted for about 52% of the total fruit production in the state, papaya 13.67% and mango 12.44%. These three put together account for 78.25% of the state's fruit produce. Officials said that Bharuch and Narmada districts account for around 37% of the banana production in the state.

Dr P M Vaghasia, joint director horticulture, said the state not only supplies the national and local markets but even exports fruit. "Though the rate of export from the state is low compared to other states, we are catching up. Gujarat's mango, pomegranate and banana are exported, while pomegranate, mango and chikoo from the state make it to fruit bowls across the country as well."

He further said that in 2005-06 the area under fruit cultivation was only 2.90 lakh hectares and production was just 46.91 lakh metric tonnes. Over the last six years, the area under fruit cultivation increased by 31%, but production increased by 65%. The cropping area increased from 2.90 lakh hectares to 3.82 lakh hectares and production went from 46.91 lakh metric tonnes to 77.63 lakh metric tonnes.

source :toi