The ICAR-National Research Centre on Pomegranate, Solapur (Maharashtra), was established on June 16, 2005 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, as a step to strengthen research and development in pomegranate. This is the only institute working solely on pomegranate. The centre was established to fulfill the growing demand for pomegranate both in domestic and export market by tapping the immense production potential prevailing in the country.
Pomegranate is a high value crop. Apart from its demand for fresh fruits, the processed and value added products like pomegranate juice, ready-to-serve beverage, wine, minimally processed arils and seed oil are also gaining importance in world trade. All parts of pomegranate tree have great therapeutic value and high potentiality for multipurpose use. Demand in the international market has widened the scope for earning higher dividends from this crop. It is an ideal crop for the sustainability of small holdings, as pomegranate is well suited to the topography and agro-climate of arid and semi-arid regions. In addition, it provides an ample opportunity for livelihood security, as it has high potential to utilize marginal lands widely available in the semi-arid region and found to be suitable crop for diversification. Over the past, pomegranate sector has recorded constant increase in area and production in the country. In 2021-22 (third advance estimate), it is cultivated over 2.76 lakh ha with a production of 31.48 Lakh MT. Looking into the great demand at international and domestic markets it is presumed that this upward trend will be continued.
ICAR-NRCP has significantly contributed in improving pomegranate scenario in India through its technologies on combating major diseases and insect pests, development of new varieties (‘Solapur Lal’ and ‘Solapur Anaradana’), providing quality planting material, identifying suitable pomegranate growing areas in India, developing sound package of practices for pomegranate cultivation, acting as large repository of germplasm for crop improvement, standardization and commercialization of technologies for total utilization of fruit, development and popularization of inhouse mobile application (Solapur Anar) and knowledge based digital and social media platforms (Dalimb Mitra), imparting on-site and in-house trainings to stakeholders, etc. The Centre has implemented Government of India schemes, and introduced pomegranate cultivation in different states through Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav (MGMG), Scheduled Tribe Component (STC) and Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCSP) programmes by demonstrations, agri-inputs and soil health cards distribution and tendering technical guidance.
Introduction of pomegranate cultivation in states of north India, is urged to explore the feasibility of pomegranate cultivation in non-traditional areas that paves the way for enhanced production. This would be a boon in improving economic status of the farmers in these states. The Centre has a challenging task ahead to breed for export oriented varieties, package of practices for pesticide residue free production of pomegranate. I am sure ICAR-NRCP will continue to move forward with confidence to achieve new milestones. To be a part of the institute that aims to raise the standard of living of pomegranate farmers of the country is a matter of great privilege to the staff of ICAR-NRCP. The centre presents its perspective plan through Vision 2050. It presents the basic framework of research and development proposed by the centre. The perspective plan emphasizes the methods of achieving the targets through scientific, profitable, ecofriendly and innovative technologies for cultivation, both in traditional as well as non-traditional areas thereby, expanding pomegranate acreage and production. Processing and value addition will be given top priority. Expansion of export of fresh fruits and processed products can be upscaled through certified organic pomegranate farming and pesticide residues free pomegranate production, as these products will have better acceptability in the international market.
I gratefully acknowledge the constant guidance, suggestions and support of Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR), Dr. A.K. Singh, Deputy Director General (Horticultural Science), ICAR, New Delhi who always encourage us to move forward with confidence. I am grateful to Hon’ble Chairman and members of RAC for guidance and keen interest in shaping the research activities of the institute. I am also grateful to all the pomegranate growers for their valuable feedback which helps us to prioritize our research programmes and move forward with commitment. The Centre would not have achieved its milestones without constant support and cooperation of all scientific, administrative, technical and supporting staff as well as senior research fellows and young professionals in various research projects.
Date:
Dr. R. A. Marathe
Director, ICAR-NRCP
