The beauty of horticulture rests in the fact that agriculturists demonstrate their skills, knowledge and technology for purposeful growth of crops that exhibit superior health, beauty and nutrition value. The upcoming 3-day agritech meet ‘GRAM 2017’ in Kota will create a global platform for farmers and investors to explore better prospects in horticulture projects. Kota has already established its claim on horticultural crops, mainly citrus fruits, medicinal plants and herbs that deliver rich dividends to local farmers—a fact informed by Principal secretary of Agriculture & Horticulture Ms. Neelkamal Darbari.
Horticulture is Important for a Bright, Economically Stable Future…
Horticulture is a simple, yet complicated art that involves propagation and cultivation of plants through artificial means. The idea is to enhance plant quality, growth, yield and nutritional value. By horticulture techniques, we create superior species, resistant to extreme climatic conditions, diseases, insect damage and environmental stress. The underlying objective of horticulture is to promote education and commerce through agriculture.
Having 8 different agro-climatic zone, the climate, soil and environment of Rajasthan is suitable for a variety of crops; perhaps this is why the agriculture department is desperate to enchash Kota’s immense agricultural potential.
Kota Farmers will Lure Investors for their Best Horticulture Ventures…
Unknown to the country, Kota is—
- World’s largest producer of Coriander. About 95% of total coriander produced in Rajasthan comes from this division (Baran, Bundi, Jhalawar and Kota).
- 4th Largest producer of Garlic.
- Largest producer of citrus fruits in Rajasthan (Around 98% oranges are produced in Kota).
At Kota GRAM 2017, government of Rajasthan intends to introduce a new coriander variety with high oil concentration. The city will test its luck in post-harvest management and processing of coriander as well as using coriander for manufacturing other by-products, such as pharmaceuticals.
Irrespective of producing garlic in surplus quantities, the division hasn’t attained sizeable benefits from its sale, due to minor shortcomings in cold storage, processing and warehousing. Besides strengthening these sectors, the state will try its hand in garlic flake, powder, paste production and citrus fruit processing.
Before 2016, Kota had mastered the art of citrus fruit, which is why they’ve developed 24 different varieties of citrus fruits within well-protected greenhouses. The state will develop high-quality orange varieties with higher pulp content (such as Jaffa and Valencia). They’ll prove valuable in terms of puree, syrup and juice production. The farmers will explore new possibilities in branding and agro-marketing, as well.
Though Sawai Madhopur is famous for its indigenous variety of guava, Kota isn’t far behind. The division contributes 24% to total guava production in Rajasthan. Besides, they’ve experimented with dragon fruit, strawberry and pomegranate varieties. These fruits show optimal growth in Kota’s native climate. Therefore, the authorities may try to rope in investments in fruit grading, sorting, packaging and pulp extraction.
Even medicinal plants like Ashwagandha and Psyllium’s husk (Isabgol) show tremendous growth potential in Kota. Kota farmers have grown these plants in nascent stage. Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet will address processing and post-harvest storage challenges to improve medicinal plant farming.
If Rajasthan government is to be believed, Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet Kota, which is due on May 24-26, will significantly improve farmer income through production of high-value crops. This GRAM will come as a blessing in disguise for farmers in Kota Division.
We anxiously look forward to your arrival at GRAM 2017 in Kota.
