In Himachal Pradesh, Japanese persimmons are gaining interest among orchardists, especially in Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Rampur. The demand extends beyond local regions, reaching Kerala and Assam. Nurseries in Kullu are actively dispatching Japanese persimmon plants, with over five thousand already sent to these states. Kerala orchardists are experimenting, while Assam received its first batch last season. Punjab and nearby areas also show interest in plum plants from Kullu nurseries.
Kullu nurseries have produced approximately 1.9 million plants, including apples, plums, and Japanese persimmons, with around 1 million sold. Recent rains have increased plant purchases. Over 200 registered nurseries in Kullu supply to orchardists. Orders for apple, pear, plum, and Japanese persimmon plants are increasing, with interest from Punjab, Shimla, and Uttarakhand. Japanese persimmons, especially Fuyu and Hachiya varieties, are popular, with Fuyu fetching up to $2.75 per kilogram. Japanese persimmons, rich in vitamin C, are cultivated by around 10,000 orchardists in Himachal Pradesh.
Source: Himachal Headlines