Production of pomegranates in India has dropped significantly due to infestations of bacterial blight disease.
Kaushal Khakhar, ceo of Kay Bee Exports, told freshinfo: “In some areas, 50 per cent or more of the crop has been damaged. There are also areas that have not seen any impact of the disease at all. But these are geographically very far away from each other.”
The growing area of North Karnataka has been majorly impacted by bacterial blight disease, along with parts of South Maharashtra.
“Together, these areas cover 50 per cent of India’s production,” said Khakhar. “Bacterial blight is a disease that spreads, because of weather conditions. But following good sterilisation procedures for farm equipment and GAP can help contain the spread of the disease.”
The Indian government is planning to set up an online residue-monitoring system for pomegranates, along the lines of the one that already operates for grapes. The system is likely to come into effect within a few months. Under the new initiative, it will be obligatory for all shipments of pomegranates sent from India to the EU to be tested for chemical residues before despatch.
Despite the dip in production this season, Indian pomegranate volumes are gradually increasing. “They could have grown faster if it were not for the economic factors,” said Khakhar.
