How to Start Apricot Farming in India: Its Cultivation Process, Varieties and Benefits

Table of Contents

• An Overview of Apricot Farming in India
• How to Start Apricot Cultivation in India?
  • Soil and Climate Requirements
  • Land Preparation
  • Variety Selection
  • Planting
  • Irrigation Practices
  • Pruning and Training
  • Weed Control
  • Pest and Disease Management
  • Harvesting
• What are the Popular Varieties of Apricot in India?
• Difference between Peach and Apricot
• What are the Advantages of Apricot?
• Conclusion

An Overview of Apricot Farming in India

Apricot is an important fruit cultivated in India economically. Its scientific name is Prunus Armeniaca. Originating from the northeast of China, it has been cultivated for thousands of years in India. In India, these are used in both fresh fruit, juice, and dried fruit. These are also used for making jam and sweets. In some countries, its flowers, leaves and seeds are used in cancer treatment. These are often called in India jardaloo, Khubani, khumani, jaldharu pandu, sarkkarai Badami, etc. Apricots are majorly produced in the northern regions of India, such as Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir. Ladakh is the largest producer of apricots in India.

How to Start Apricot Cultivation in India?

Soil and Climate Requirements

Apricot thrives well on well-drained loam soils. Its trees need sufficient water for survival and are very susceptible to waterlogged soil. A minimum soil depth of about 1.5 m is recommended. Checking the pH and nutritional content of the soil is recommended. Apricot usually requires cold climatic conditions and flower bud development (400–600 hours below 7.2 °C during winter). It is not suitable in areas with a subtropical climate. It requires an adequate amount of rainfall.

Land Preparation

The first and foremost step is to prepare land by ploughing and harrowing. Dig pits sometime before planting the seeds. The size needs to be about 1 x 1 x 1 m and is dug at a distance of 4 to 5 meters in the square system of planting. Apply lime in the soil if pH is below 7.

Variety Selection

Select a variety of apricots based on the soil and climatic conditions. The self-pollinating varieties are recommended.

Planting

The best season for planting apricots is late winter or early spring. Plough the soil first, and after ploughing, harrowing will give you a well-prepared and smooth surface. The holes should be 300 x 300 mm wide and 500 mm deep. Keep away the holes from fertilizers. The recommended planting distance is 5 to 6 m between rows and 4 m between trees, depending on the soil type and implements to be used.

Irrigation Practices

After planting, the apricot tree requires an ample amount of water for proper growth. But it totally depends upon different factors such as soil type, water quality, climate, season, type of fruit, the age and size of trees, the growth phase of the trees, the type of irrigation system used, and mulching with organic material such as straw. So, proper irrigation facilities are necessary for the soil requirement.

Pruning and Training

Pruning and training are essential practices for the proper growth of apricots. Trim the apricot tree by removing dead branches.

Weed Control

Control the weeds by applying the pre-emergence application of Atrazine or Diuron @ 4.0 kg/ha and post-emergence Glyphosate @ 800 ml/ha. Mulching is also helpful.

Pest and Disease Management

Some of the common pests of apricots are the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) and the Natal fruit fly (Pterandrus rosa). The symptoms are numerous cream-coloured maggots inside the fruit. Freckle spot, bacterial canker, crown gall, etc., are the common diseases found in apricots. To control these, use effective bug sprays and cut the parts to let the air pass through the apricots to keep them protected from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

Apricots are generally harvested in June, depending upon the variety. When the fruit turns golden-yellow and is slightly soft to the touch, it is the perfect time to get it plucked but gently to avoid bruising, which can lower its market value.

What are the Popular Varieties of Apricot in India?

• New Castle
• Halman
• Turkey
• Shakarpara
• Suffaida
• Kaisha

Difference between Peach and Apricot

What are the Advantages of Apricot?

• Apricots are rich in vitamins A and C, which help improve eye vision and boost the immune system.
• Apricots give you many skin benefits, such as maintaining skin elasticity and preventing premature ageing.
• These fruits are also rich in antioxidants, which reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Apricots are rich in dietary fibre and a good source of digestion, and they help in preventing constipation.
• These are rich in potassium and thus help regulate blood pressure, enhancing overall heart health.

Conclusion

Apricot farming has gained popularity in recent years as apricot plants and trees grow appropriately in the northern and hilly regions of India. With the growing demand for fresh and dried apricots, there is immense potential for apricot farming in India. We need more and more government schemes and subsidies to promote the cultivation practices of apricots in India.