Both pomegranate fruit and crop is one of the most preferred fruit crops for nutritional as well as commercial value especially in Asian countries where it is grown predominantly. For consumption, it is widely accepted across the world including Europe and US. Here, I’m going to provide here a detailed overview of advantages of pomegranate fruit crops in terms of required conditions, cultivation, harvesting, trade, and nutritional value by using authentic sources.
Scientific information of pomegranate species
Technically, the scientific name of pomegranate species is “Punica granatum”, and it belongs to Order Myrtales and “Lythraceae” family as part of classificatory taxonomy by “father of taxonomy” Carl Linnaeus, Swedish naturalists and explorer.
Geographically, pomegranate fruit crop is a both deciduous and evergreen, depending on the regional variations of climatic conditions like temperature, rainfall, humidity etc. Structurally, pomegranate species grows like shrub, but later, it is pruned like circular form of tree. Its leaves seems oblang and lance shaped with two to three inch long.
Required conditions for cultivation of pomegranate fruit crop
As per the official sources of “National Horticulture Board of India” (nhb.gov.in) semi-arid conditions upto 500 mt. above sea level is well suitable condition for the growth of pomegranate species.
Provided that there is irrigation facilities available, it is cultivated in hot, dry, summer and cold winter as well. However, it gets injured by the temperature of -11 °C in winter.
During ripening stage, species requires, hot and dry climate. Most importantly, pomegranate fruit crop has great tolerance range in hot and cold winter.
By the official data of government of India, Well drained, sandy loan to deep loamy or alluvial soils is suitable for cultivation — National Horticulture Board of India.
Varieties of pomegranate fruit crop
In India, various varieties of pomegranate fruit crop are used for cultivation. The task to develop high yielding varieties is assigned to agricultural research institutions or agricultural universities.
Important examples of pomegranate species varieties are like Alandi, or Vadki, Dholka, Kandhari, Kabul, Muskati red, Paper Shelled, Spanish Ruby, Ganesh (GB I), G 137, P 23, P 26, Mridula, Aarakta, Jyoti, Ruby, IIHR Selection, Yercaud 1 and Co 1.
Land preparation and plantation
Areawise, pomegranate fruit crop planting is usually done in spring (February-March) and July-August in sub-tropical and tropical regions respectively.
Beforehand, land is sophisticately developed by ploughing, harrowing, leveling. After making adequate preparation, planting is initiated. It is propagated vegetatively by cuttings and air layering.
Harvesting of pomegranate fruit crop
Usually, it takes 4 to 5 years to come into bearing. The fruits become ready for picking after 120 to 130 days. Generally, if the fruit becomes yellowish-red, it signs that it is ready to pick for sell.
The market size of mouth-watering fruit pomegranate in the world is around 208.9 million dollars in 2020, and expected to reach 322 million by the end of 2026 as per the news of “Globe News Wire”.
Regional distribution of pomegranate fruit crop
Historically, pomegranate fruit crop is native to Persia that is current Iran in western Asia. But, at the present, it is grown in India, china, central Asia in large scale. But, in recent times, pomegranate fruit crop is also taken in other parts like US, Europe especially in the Mediterranean climatic regions of the world.
Pomegranate production in India
In India, according to report of “National Horticulture Board, Maharashtra is an epicenter of pomegranate fruit crop cultivation, as well as production. Other regions like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu , Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh are also cultivating this fruit crop with the help of technology.
Global production of pomegranate
As per the findings of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), nowadays, there are 3,00,000ha. net sown area is dedicated for the pomegranate fruit crop cultivation globally. (Source -unece.org)
In addition, India and China are leading producers of pomegranate followed by Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, US, Pakistan, suriya etc. In central Asia, Uzbekistan is leading producers, while in Europe, Spain is largest producer of pomegranate fruit crop.
Advantages of pomegranate fruit crop
Now, let’s see some notable advantages of pomegranate fruit crop. Undoubtedly, pomegranate fruit is one of the most important and multipurpose given the nutritional and economic value it has.
Growing Market size of pomegranate fruit
Global Pomegranate Market to Worth $33.86 Billion by 2028 | Growing Interest of Cosmetic and Skincare Manufacturers in Pomegranate — Globe News Wire (globenewswire.com)
So far, pomegranate fruit was well known for its nutritional value it offers like antioxidants, viitamins, and other nutrients. But, now onwards, as per the reports of Globe News Wire, it is being used in cosmetics as well.
At the present, its Market size is 24.8 billion in 2021 according to finance.yahoo.com. news. But, quickly, it is going to be 33 billion by 2028 as per above mentioned source. Undoubtedly, this is a great news for the developing countries like India where farmers are struggling to make agricultural profitable business.
Nutritional value and health advantages of pomegranate fruit
Absolutely, pomegranate is mouth-watering fruit with pack of nutrients like antioxidants, viitamins, minerals, fibre, carbohydrates, proteins etc.
Rich in fiber, protein and vitamins, the fruit symbolizes longevity, abundance, and fertility and is increasingly used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe)
This highlights that pomegranate fruit is a most vital, multipurpose, healthy and affordable for almost everyone. It is not that much of expensive like apples and others.
Besides, it has three benefits. First, it is rich with nutritional value. Due to its low cost production, it fetches better money for farmers in developing countries. In addition, pharmaceutical and cosmetic application is game changer move. And, its antibacterial and anticancer properties make it more vital.
Ecological and environmental advantages of pomegranate fruit
Naturally, pomegranate plant can thrive in hot dry summer season. It means that it can thrive in drought prone areas of semi-arid conditions. Generally, there is hardly any crop species that could withstand in such environment.
Further, it also bear the winter conditions without getting injured. And, it requires less water with the help of drips or sprinklers.
Moreover, it doesn’t require high quality soil but sandy loam with pH ranging 6 to 7. Factually, as per the information of national horticulture board, well drained, sandy loam to deep loamy or alluvial soils is suitable for cultivation.
Hence, pomegranate species doesn’t deplet nature exploiting indiscriminate resources. Nor it requires unique conditions to grow. Simply put, it could easily thrive in the normal conditions and within carrying capacity of nature.
Short summary of advantages of pomegranate fruit
- First, pomegranate species is a tropical and sub-tropical plant.
- Second, it is largely grown in India, China, and central Asia. Outside Asia, it is grown in US, Spain and other parts of Mediterranean regions.
- Third, it requires well drained sandy loam to deep loamy having pH 6 to 7.
- Fourth, pomegranate plant thrives in hot dry summer and cold winter on condition that there is irrigation facilities.
- Fifth, it could withstand cold but -11 degree may harm plants.
- Sixth, Alandi, or Vadki, Dholka, Kandhari, Kabul, Muskati red, Paper Shelled, Spanish Ruby, are notable varieties of pomegranate species.
- Seventh, its market size is around 25 billion dollars by 2021 as per the reports of Yahoo finance.
- Eighth, by 2028, the size of pomegranate fruit market is going to be 33 billion dollars.
- Ninth, pomegranate fruit is packed with nutrients and antioxidants. It includes antioxidants, viitamins, minerals, carbohydrates proteins and antibacterial and anticancer properties.
- Tenth, nowadays, its demand is growing in pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries.
- Eventually, water mouth-watering fruit pomegranate is going to be the most important commercial fruit in coming days.
And, understanding the advantages of pomegranate fruit, most of the nations having production of the, facilitating its productivity and quality by offering cash and technological incentives to farmers.
Now, let’s see some solved questions on advantages of pomegranate fruit. It is essential for quick overlook and easier understanding.
Solved questions on advantages of pomegranate fruit
Here are some important questions on advantages of pomegranate fruit. Once you read all, you will get quick understanding of this article.
Q. 1. What is the scientific name of pomegranate species?
Ans: Taxonomically, pomegranate species is “Punica granatum”, and it belongs to Order Myrtales and “Lythraceae” family by Carl Linnaeus Swedish naturalists.
Q. 2. Describe pomegranate fruit.
Ans: Pomegranate fruit is a tropical and sub-tropical plant. Geographically, it is categorised as deciduous and evergreen depending upon the climatic conditions. Naturally, pomegranate species grows like shrub, but later, it is pruned like circular form of tree.
Q. 3. Which climatic conditions is the most suitable for pomegranate fruit crop?
Ans: Hot and dry semi-arid climatic conditions. Mediterranean regions are well known for this plant to grow.
Q. 4. Which soil is the most preferred to plant pomegranate species?
Ans: Sandy loam to deep loamy having pH 6 to 7. But, it should be well drained and drip or sprinklers are used to irrigate.
Q. 5. In which region of India, pomegranate fruit is largely grown?
Ans: Maharashtra state is the epicenter of pomegranate fruit production. It is followed by Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu , Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh etc.
Q. 6. What are the advantages of pomegranate fruit in terms of nutrition?
Ans: Pomegranate fruit is packed with nutrients like vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, fiber, etc. Its byproduct are leaves, peels, seeds, are great source of medicinal properties.
Q. 7. What are the medicinal properties of pomegranate fruit?
Ans: Actually, it is packed with antioxidants. It is used to control the damage of cell and its antibacterial and anticancer properties make it unique.
Q. 8. What are the other advantages of pomegranate fruit?
Ans: Apart from nutritional and medical properties, it is used in cosmetics as well. These are some solved questions on advantages of pomegranate fruit. I hope all this subject matter will serve your cause.
Opportunity cost and comparative advantage
Measures for loss of biodiversity
Classification of species by IUCN
Five kingdoms of classification