Persimmon, locally known as ‘Ande’ is likely to take over as the main cash crop in the country, some research show. It is expected to flourish in the east given the favorable climate condition.
The Renewable Natural Research and Development Center at Wengkhar in Monggar is one such center, whose research indicates the flourish of the fruit. Based on the research, persimmon is now being given the top most priority of all fruit crops in the east, according to the Senior Research Officer, Kinley Tshering.
“Persimmon non-astringent type is very easy to care. Normally we need to have full ripen fruits for sale but this persimmon need not have to be full ripen, so it’s easy for sale.” Kinley Tshering also said the fruits do not rot easily making it suitable for long-distance sales. “In case of apple and pear, we have to sell the fruits within one to two days.”
Similarly, Yuichi Tomiyasu, Expert on Horticulture says, persimmon is likely to overtake apple export in the future. He said a lot of economic potential could be explored by growing persimmon, if the people in the east work harder. “It’s very tasty. We don’t see such fruits in Indian market. So, I think we have lot of benefit for farmers.”
A total of 1,542 grafted quality persimmon planting materials have been distributed across 279 mixed fruit orchards in the eastern region so far. These fruit orchards were established by a systematic training approach and direct support program.
It is being supported by Horticulture Research and Development Project-JICA.
