Pomegranate and Potato Cultivation in the Desert signifies the Success story of Rajasthan farmers
Pomegranate and potato cultivation in the desert, This idea seemed like a dream until a few years ago, but Rajasthan farmers have turned it into reality. In many western desert areas of the state where only sand dunes were visible earlier, large-scale cultivation of pomegranates and potatoes is now taking place. The Barmer district is leading in this change. Farmers in Rajasthan have set an example by cultivating pomegranates and potatoes in the desert. This demonstrates that success can be achieved in any situation with technology, innovation, and hard work.
According to the state agriculture department’s data, in 2022-23, potato cultivation was done on 5 hectares in Barmer, producing 500 metric tons. Similarly, in Jalore, 267 metric tons were produced, 245 metric tons in Jodhpur, and 666 metric tons in Bikaner. Pomegranate cultivation is also thriving here. Similarly, in 2022-23, a production of 156,844 metric tons of pomegranates was recorded in an area of 17,165 hectares in the state.
Highest production in Barmer: The highest production of pomegranates is in Barmer among the desert districts, where 102,112 metric tons were produced in an area of 8,466 hectares. Jalore and Jodhpur are other districts where the cultivation of this fruit is abundant.
Success of farmers:
2021, 15 farmers from Budhivada village in Barmer district started pomegranate cultivation on 35 hectares. Today, more than 4,000 farmers are cultivating this fruit. Local farmer Lala Ram says that Barmer’s farmers are selling pomegranates worth lakhs of rupees annually. They get more than ₹5,800 per quintal for it.
Barmer pomegranate is also popular abroad and is exported to many countries including Nepal, Bangladesh, and Dubai. Agricultural experts say that Rajasthan’s young and educated farmers are moving away from traditional crops and experimenting. Vikram Singh from Taratara village in Barmer has become famous for potato production. His potatoes are used to make French fries abroad. Earlier, there was no irrigation facility in Barmer, but now ponds are being built in fields with government subsidies.
