Bagalkot: Once upon a time the cultivation of delicious fruit, pomegranate fed the whole family. But today pomegranate cultivation in the District has seen a massive hit.
Coming to pomegranate, its cultivation has its own legacy in the District. The roots of its cultivation dates back to centuries. Kaladagi in the District is where its highest cultivation was being done, and was also supplied to various parts of the nation. Earlier, the taste of pomegranate satisfied customers’ palate and filled farmers’ pockets. However, now it has become the reason for farmers’ difficulties.
Kaladagi is also the place where many fruits are grown. Fruits like Pomegranate, Sapodilla and Grapes are backbone of many agri-based families. Pomegranate was grown in around 10,000 acres of land just a few years ago which has now reduced to just 2000 acres of land as diseases such as dye box, fungal attack, and bacteria bite among others. Adding to this during 2019 – 20 flooding of River Ghataprabha as well as the lockdown hit its supply to other parts of the country dampening the spirit of farmers to grow the pomegranate.
Speaking to NewsKarnataka, pomegranate cultivator S. R. Wagh said, “our family has been growing pomegranate in 10 acres from nearly 50 years. However, currently the yield is not as good as it was earlier. So, I left pomegranate cultivation and started sugarcane cultivation. No officers, scientists and Horticulture Department officials are showing any interest to resolve our problems.”
Bagalkot Horticultural University Professor Vasant Ganiger said, “Kaladagi pomegranate has a history of 150 years. However, it is true that it has been currently plagued by many diseases. University has undertaken several researches on these diseases but the wilt disease spreads through air, and hence the farmers have to take precautions. The Government supports through subsidy and crop insurances but the farmers are unaware of the schemes under the government. And also, the government has been conducting many seminars on pomegranate cultivation, he added.
In the prevailing situation not only, farmers need to take extra care while cultivating pomegranate but also the government and the departments concerned should come forward to motivate the farmers. This will help farmers take interest in pomegranate cultivation once again and bring the District back on top as far as pomegranate cultivation is concerned.
