Mainpat to become hub of ‘temperate fruits’
| Date :29-May-2019 |
Fruit-laden grape plants at Potato and Temperate Fruits Research Station, Mainpat.
By Sandeep Pradhan:
RAIPUR
Believe it or not, Mainpat in Chhattisgarh’s Surguja district, which is known as Shimla/Swiss of the state for its scenic beauty, will soon be making its presence across the country also in terms of producing ‘Temperate Fruits’ including Grape, Peach, Pear, Apple, Plum and other. Moreover, Grapes which usually disappear from market in April and only comes from cold-stores, the climatic condition of Mainpat falling under Chhattisgarh Northern Hill Zone is making harvesting of grapes here in May and June possible. Harvesting of grapes these months of the year is making its market value unique.
To make Mainpat hub for production of temperate fruits, Potato and Temperate Fruits Research Station of Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV) is making massive efforts since last few years and now, motivating farmers to opt for farming. “By the motivation of IGKV Vice Chancellor Dr S K Patil, plants of temperate fruits brought here in Mainpat from Punjab Agriculture University in Ludhiana and Agriculture University in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, were planted in 2015 for testing purpose. The plants of Grape, Peach and Apple planted for testing bore extraordinary results and fruiting started within 2 years following which cultivation of other varieties started,” Senior Scientist of Potato and Temperate Fruits Research Station, Mainpat Dr P C Chaurasiya told The Hitavada.
The scientist further added that in last three years, remarkable fruiting recorded in three separate varieties of grapes including Parlett (variety with green colour fruit), Flemm Seedless (red colour) and Punjab Purple (purple) planted by the research station. The amazing findings prompted the research station to step ahead for developing planting material so that it could be distributed among local farmers here as its cultivation is going to improve their economic condition. If everything goes well, the expansion will directly be carried out on farmers’ land.
“Currently, we have 500 plants in one acre and soon it will be expanded as the three-year-long observation was perfect,” said Dr Chaurasiya. In interest of farmers, the research station is providing 20-30 plants to be planted in the agriculture field, field visits and also hosting training sessions, so that farmers here could adopt farming of these fruits in place of traditional cultivation of paddy and lentils, informed Dr Chaurasiya, adding that opting cultivation of temperate fruits will definitely strengthen their economic condition. The scientist further explained that around 500 grape plants could be comfortably housed in 1 acre of land and harvesting can be availed for around 15 years by ensuring proper management. From 1 acre of land, around 50 quintal of grapes can be harvested.