In a significant step towards enhancing the profitability and sustainability of Indian horticulture, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivaraj Singh Chauhan held a high-level meeting on April 13, 2025, to discuss the promotion of high-value fruit crops. The focus was on increasing the production of Kamalam (dragon fruit), jackfruit, and avocado, fruits known for their economic value and potential to improve farmers' incomes.
The discussion involved key officials including Secretary DARE and Secretary DA&FW Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, ADG (Hort) ICAR Dr. V. B. Patel, Joint Secretary (Hort) MoAFW Priya Ranjan, and Dr. G. Karunakaran, Principal Scientist at IIHR, Bengaluru.
The Minister emphasized the increasing popularity of Kamalam in India. Originally cultivated in countries such as Mexico, Australia, and Thailand, Kamalam is now becoming more widely adopted by Indian farmers. Varieties like IIHR Pink and IIHR White, developed by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), provide improved yields and can be successfully grown in various states. This development is creating new income opportunities for farmers.
The adoption of coppery red jackfruit varieties ‘Siddu’ and ‘Shankara’, developed with the support of ICAR-IIHR, has made a significant impact on jackfruit cultivation. These varieties have transformed jackfruit cultivation by covering over 1,500 acres and enabling farmers to earn around Rs 50 lakh through a benefit-sharing model with the ICAR-IIHR. Their strong market appeal and resilience have also opened new opportunities in the fruit processing industry.
Avocado, a fruit that is becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers, was also a topic of discussion. The Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) has recently released two new varieties—Arka Supreme and Arka Ravi. These varieties are known for their high yield, consistent fruiting, and 80% pulp recovery. With an average fruit weight of 400 to 600 grams, they are well-suited for tropical climates and can significantly contribute to diversifying income for farmers involved in horticulture.
Praising the efforts of ICAR-IIHR, Minister Chouhan acknowledged their vital role in horticultural research and shared that he is personally experimenting with cultivating Kamalam, avocado, and jackfruit on his own farm. His aim is to encourage farmers by leading through example, showcasing the real benefits of growing high-value fruit crops in India.
