In the Abohar region of Punjab's Fazilka district, growers are transitioning from kinnow to pear and other fruits due to challenges in marketing and cultivation, exacerbated by limited irrigation resources. Kinnow cultivation spans 47,000 hectares across Punjab, including in districts such as Hoshiarpur, Muktsar, and Bathinda.
Surinder Charaya, a prominent fruit trader, noted a shift of nearly 4,000 acres from kinnow to "patharnakh," a pear variety recommended by the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), favored in West Bengal and Rajasthan. This pear variety, with a two-month shelf life, offers higher commercial value and storage potential.
Gursharan Singh, Deputy Director of the Horticulture Department, observed an increasing trend towards pear cultivation in Abohar over the last three years, with some interest in peaches as well. The move towards fruit diversification comes as a response to the financial strain and labor-intensive nature of kinnow monoculture. The "patharnakh" pear variety is noted for its resilience in semi-arid and waterlogged conditions, despite the PAU's challenges in meeting the demand for pear plants. Recent years have seen kinnow cultivation in Abohar, once a national hub, decline due to water scarcity, pest attacks, and adverse weather, leading to significant financial losses for growers.
Source: hindustantimes.com