Kulgam youth Cultivates Japan’s National Fruit
Aasiya Nazir
Kulgam: The Japanese national fruit, persimmon, has been shown remarkable results in raising the revenue of Kashmiri farmers. The non-native fruit crop is producing better results than apples since it was recently introduced in the Kulgam district in South Kashmir.This orange-coloured fruit has a bittersweet flavour. There are two types of this fruit: Hachiya and Fuyu.
Shabir Ahmad itoo a resident of Kulgam’s Sonigam area has planted persimmon on his farm. Shabir grew up in a diversified educational environment. He is growing non-native persimmon in his location. While talking to Asian mail communication Shabir Itoo said “It was brought home by my father from Himachal Pradesh four years ago, and we raised it there. We are seeing a bumper crop today, the result of two years of hard work. Our aim is to inspire other farmers to embrace this new crop that can yield a decent income. To that end, we have started a nursery with about 1200 persimmons.’
The low-maintenance nature of these trees means the fruit does not need much care or pesticides like apples and only need a sufficient amount of water. The fruit-bearing capability of the trees within two years makes it an attractive option for those with limited land.
“Because this fruit contains vitamin C, it has excellent medicinal value. With properties that improve blood circulation and ease joint pain, the fruit is beneficial for expectant mothers as well. It is also safe for diabetic patients and has no negative side effects.” Shabir Ahmad said.
He added, lt took us roughly two years, and now we have no further investment needed to see results. Like apple trees, these plants grow quickly and are more in demand. After we realised how successful the plants were, we gave them to other villagers, encouraging the growing of persimmon in the area.”
“This fruit has a huge demand as compared to apples. Since this new fruit is looking like a tomato. Customers at first buy it out of curiosity” said local shopkeeper.
Persimmon has a promising market value. As this fruit is relatively new in Kashmir. More than 100 rupees can be paid for one kilogram of persimmon. and enjoys high demand.
Kashmir is the nation’s primary apple-producing region, and in recent years, farmers there have struggled with rising prices.Thus, expanding into other fruits such as kiwi and persimmon opens up new opportunities or farmers to research and increase their revenue. Persimmon was brought to Kashmir several years after the Baramulla district. The Department of Horticulture successfully pushed the cultivation of another non-native fruit kiwi.