Padma Nath Atreya1 , Chandra Man Shrestha2 , Basu Dev Suvedi3 and Surya Prasad Pandey4
1 Warm Temperate Horticulture Centre, Kirtipur, Kathmandu,
2 Horticulture Centre, Faplu, Solukhumbu,
3 Senior Horticulturists, Horticulture Enterprenures/Life member (NHS),
4 Horticulture Soil Scientist, Horticulture Enterprenures
Corresponding author e-mail: atreyapadma@gmail,com
Abstract
In this paper, a broad overview is provided for five emerging fruits namely pomegranate (Punica granatum), kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa), avocado (Persea americana), dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp) and grape (Vitis venifera) in the context of Nepal. These fruits are increasingly gaining interest among farmers for commercial fruit farming in recent years. Pomegranate although a long acquainted fruit among the Nepalese consumers and potential commercial fruit, has not been well successful in large plantation due to mainly plant protection obstacles. It can be cultivated from terai to mid hill of Nepal. Commercialization of Kiwi fruit started from Kabhre district 15 years ago. It is now rapidly spreading across the cooler mid hill region. Avocado has found hot hob in Dhankuta district and is spreading across the mid hills from east to west. Commercial plantation of dragon fruit also started from Kabhre and spreading to warmer regions of both eastward and westward. Grape can be cultivated from Terai to high hill of Nepal and it's both table and wine variety getting popularity among consumer. All of the above emerging high value fruits look very potential under our soil, geographical and climatic conditions However, the responsible agricultural research, education and development organizations are found still shy. Commercial farming of the above-mentioned emerging fruits could bring immense opportunities for the prosperity and happiness of the poor Nepalese farmers; however, there are several challenges that are to be solved to harness the opportunities.
Keywords: Eerging fruits, High value fruits, Hilly region, Commercialization