Shimla: Farmers in parts of Junga tehsil are experimenting with the cultivation of Japanese fruit (persimmon) along with traditional crops such as apples, plums and apricots.
In Dhali Bagda village of Peeran panchayat, local farmers have started preparing persimmon plants, seeing growing demand for the fruit in the market. Farmers including Anokhi Ram, Satya Prakash Kashyap, Kuldeep, Suresh, Asha, Ranjana, Naresh, Sheela Dutt, Sanju and Leela Dutt said it costs around ₹200–₹300 to prepare a plant, while the saplings fetch a good price in the market.
They said the climate of the area is considered suitable for the cultivation of the fruit and many farmers have started experimenting with it on their own, although they claimed that technical guidance from the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Department has been limited so far.
Grafting specialist Indra Prakash Kashyap, who was invited from Dhalai village in Rajgarh, is currently grafting Japanese fruit saplings in the area. He said February and March are the most suitable months for grafting persimmon plants as the plant remains in a dormant stage during this period. The fruit plants usually start bearing fruit after four to five years, he added.
According to horticulture expert Dr Sharad Gupta, Japanese fruit plants grow well at altitudes between 800 and 1,500 metres above sea level. He said the fruit is rich in fibre and vitamins A and C, which help boost immunity, improve eyesight and support heart health.
Officials said that the horticulture department had also provided Japanese fruit plants to farmers this year through its Mashobra sales centre.
