Production and Marketing of Peach Fruit: A Study in Rajgarh of Distt Sirmour in Himachal Pradesh, 2004, by S.P. Saraswat, M.L. Sharma & C.S. Vaidya
Abstract: India is gifted with variety of agro-climatic conditions and is the second largest producer of fruit and vegetables accounting for about 8 and 13 per cent of the total world production respectively. The agro-climatic conditions in different part of India provide ample opportunities for the regional specialization of the horticultural crops. Among these regions Western Himalayan Region is famous for the production of apple and other temperate fruits. The Himalayan region covers more than one eighth of the total land area of the country. Since the state of Himachal Pradesh is a part of Western Himalayan Region has most suitable agro-climatic conditions for the production of quality fruits. The fruit cultivation is not only more remunerative as compared to traditional field crops but also labour intensive and helps in absorbing the unemployed labour force in agriculture sector. The fruit trees also help to check soil erosion. The fruit cultivation in the state has shown a sharp growth during last three decades. The area under fruits has increased from 44329 hectares in 1970-71 to 207240 hectare in 1998-99. The hill fruits are broadly divided into two categories according to agro-climatic conditions of the state. The first one includes apple, pear, cherry etc. and is grown at the altitude of 5000 ft. above MSL. In the second category fruits like peach, plum, apricot, almond etc. are grouped which thrive comparatively in warmer climatic conditions (between 3000 to 5000 ft. above MSL). Due to increasing popularity of peach fruit in Indian markets, the Directorate of Horticulture, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh decided to undertake the study on “Post Harvest Management of Peach Fruit in Himachal Pradesh”.
