Persimmon production is becoming more attractive in Himachal Pradesh as an alternative to apples and cherries, with the fruit’s image being aided by a good season and high prices.
Adverse weather conditions have not hit persimmon production in the Indian state, reported the Indo-Asian News Service (IANS).
“We are getting a bumper persimmon crop this time despite hostile climatic conditions in the flowering and fruit-ripening seasons. Field reports indicate a good yield,” RS Thakur of the state’s horticulture department said.
“Less chill in the last winter and deficient rain in the monsoon have little impact on the yield of persimmon, whereas the production of apple and other stone fruits has been severely hit in the state.”
Persimmon production is still in a nascent stage in Himachal Pradesh, with only 397ha planted between 10,000 farmers, reported the IANS.
The 2008/09 persimmon harvest was just 224 tonnes in the state, but with wholesale prices of Rs20 (US$0.43) per kg and retail prices of Rs60 (US$1.29) production is expected to increase.
The astringent Hachiya variety is the most common in the state, and the non-astringent Fuyu and Hyakuma varieties are also grown.
