Fig or anjeer is gradually finding its way in the dry areas of northern Karnataka region, mainly in Bijapur and Bagalkot districts as University of Horticulture Sciences-Bagalkot (UHS-B) in association with the Horticulture Department has been extensively popularising this nutrition-rich fruit here.
Containing plenty of fibre, calcium, vitamin-K and other proteins, this fruit, according to agriculture experts, is best suited plant for areas that receive minimum rains or have limited irrigation facility.
“Considering this basic feature of the fruit, the university has been promoting fig in the two districts, mainly in Bijapur that still has vast dry land,” said Raghavendra Achar, Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Pathology in the university.
He told The Hindu that for the past three years, the department had been holding awareness camps to promote and encourage farmers to take up fig cultivation.
He said the fruit has several medicinal properties to cure ailments such as constipation, sexual dysfunctions, piles, improves digestion and has lots of antioxidants.
Mr. Achar said as for now, the university was promoting around eight improved varieties of figs, including Diana, Poona, Excel, Dinar and Bellary.
He said the cost of cultivating an acre of land — where 266 saplings could be planted — was around Rs. 50,000. The fruit would yield from the third year; however, it would take four years for a full bloom.
“From cultivation to recurring expenses till the fruit yield period, the farmers will have to spend around Rs. 1.5 lakh, however, since the fruit has good market in urban areas, an acre of cultivation could fetch around Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 4 lakh per year as each acre of plantation could reap around four tonnes of fruits,” Mr. Achar said.
He said though the lift of a tree is eight years, the fruit is prone to pest attack. “But proper pest control could address the problem and give higher yield,” he said.
The dried form of the fruit fetched higher prices and it contains greater amount of proteins.
“Unfortunately the processing units for drying of this fruit are not widely available, but with some additional efforts, the farmers could also adopt the technique to gain more profit,” he said.
He said the saplings were available in the university, and training for farmers could also be given.
For details, Mr. Achar can be contacted on 94488 76730.
