No abstract
Diversification of fruits refers to expansion in different kinds and varieties grown in a specific geographical region, area or zone with the aim of increasing productivity and marketability and showing a direct impact on the overall economy of the grower. Due to the increase in population and shrinkage in land holdings, it has become necessary to find a solution to this alarming situation. There is yet another important factor of paramount importance, i.e. the gradual change in the environment, which has markedly affected the potential productivity of temperate fruit crops. Cultivation of one or more varieties of a specific kind of fruit on commercial lines over a huge area has posed great challenges in combating pest and diseases. To improve fruit cultivation and meet international standards in terms of quality and production, major restructuring and planning is urgently required. Introduction of a new technology or concept into the existing system must be sustainable. In the present context, diversification, which is a necessary change in the conventional cropping system with a well-defined objective or purpose, is one of the possible solutions to the challenges enumerated above. The adverse impacts of mono-cropping, the balanced supply of diversified fruit crops to local as well as distant markets for fresh consumption, and ways to enhance the availability spectrum of temperate fruits into the market needs to be highlighted. The total area of major fruits in the world is around about 55 million ha with a production of 600 million t. Furthermore, India is the second largest producer of fruits after China with an area of 6.4 million ha and a production of 75 million t. These fruits are easy to grow and hardy in nature, producing a crop even under adverse soil and climatic conditions. Most of them are very rich sources of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats. This increase in production in India is accounted for by enhanced productivity owing to the adoption of different high-yielding varieties and improved cultural practices. Major temperate fruits include apple, pear, quince, peach, plum, apricot, cherry, nuts and some underutilized fruit crops.
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