1-Importance and Scope of Fruit Crop Industry
1-Importance and Scope of Fruit Crop Industry
IMPORTANCE
Fruit growing is one of the important and age old practices, practiced in India since ancient
times. Cultivation of fruit crops plays an important role in overall status of the mankind and the
nation. The standard of living of the people of a country is depending upon the production and
per capita consumption of fruits. Fruit growing have following economic and nutritional
advantages.
I. Economic importance
High productivity: High yield per unit area: From a unit area of land more yield is realized
from fruit crops than any of the agronomic crops. The average yields of Papaya, Banana and
Grapes are 10 to 15 times more than that of agronomic crops.
• High net profit: Though, the initial cost of establishment of an orchard is high, it is
compensated by higher net profit due to higher productivity or high value of produce.
Eg-Wheat/GN/Ragi-3.0-4.0tonnes/ha-25-35,000-00,
Grapes/Mango/Banana-20-40t/ha-1.5-2.5 lakh/ha.
• Source of raw material for agro based industries: Fruit farming provides raw materials
for various agro based industries- canning and preservation (fresh fruits), coir industries
(coconut husk), pharmaceutical industry (Aonla, Papaya, Jamun) transporting and
packaging industries etc.
• Efficient utilization of resources: Growing of fruits being perennial in nature, enables
grower to remain engaged throughout the year in farm operations and to utilize fully the
resources & assets like machinery, labour, land water for production purpose throughout
the year compared to agronomic crops.
• Utilization of waste and barren lands for production: Although, most of the fruits crops
require perennial irrigation and good soil for production, there are many fruit crops which
are hardy in nature, Mango, Ber, Cashew, Custard apple, Aonla, Phalsa, Jamun etc. which
are grown on poor shallow, undulated soils considered unsuitable for growing grain/
agronomical crops.
• Foreign exchange: Many fresh fruits, processed products and spices are exported to several
countries earning good amount of foreign exchange.
II. Nutritional importance
• Importance of fruits in human diet is well recognized. Man cannot live on cereals alone.
• Fruits are essential for balanced diet and good health.
• Nutritionist advocates 60-85g of fruits.
• Vegetables per capita per day in addition to cereals, pulses, egg etc.
Fruits are good sources of vitamins and minerals without which human body cannot maintain
proper health and develop resistance to disease they also contain pectin, cellulose, fats,
proteins etc.
Agricultural sector needs more skilled labour forces to conduct the daily activities. The
labour supply in India is much cheaper than the other countries, hence providing greater
opportunities for maintaining the different activities of the farm.
11. Very high production and suitability of climate for fruits
The productivity of horticultural crops is much more than other crops like cereals, pulses
etc from the same piece of land. India is bestowed with diverse climatic condition such as
tropical climate, temperate climate and subtropical climate, which are feasible for all most
all the fruit crops.