India, the land of Papaya - R R Padmanabhan, Director - Exim Academy

India, the land of Papaya

After studying about Papaya, I am confirmed that India is incredibly a contrite nation, a nation of dichotomies, a nation of divergences and of course a sleeping giant.  Perhaps, still continuing to be in slumber!  Otherwise, what else would you say of a country that is the maximum producer of papaya in the world but does not figure even in the top 10 list of papaya exporting countries. The uniqueness of this fruit is that it is served in all the star hotels of the world during breakfast.  So, there is year-round demand for the product. 

There are 10 varieties of the fruit namely Pusa Dwarf, Pusa Majesty, Pusa ‘Giant, Pusa Delicious, Mahabindu, Solo, Ranchi, CO1, Ranchi, Washington and Taiwan 786.  In India, the fruit is grown in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and West Bengal.  Surprisingly, Tamil Nadu is not in the list because, the soil suitable for cultivation is available here.  The required soil is alluvial that exist alongside river banks and delta. 

India with production of 56.99 lakh tons is the top most producer of this fruit in the world followed by Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia and Dominican Republic.  Mexico and Brazil are the two topmost exporters of this fruit mainly to US while India with its meagre contribution of 1% supply to UAE, Nepal, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman. 

Farmers should strive to add value to this fruit and sell in the forms of candy, Jam, Jelly Sauce and Squash, Pulp and Leaf Extract.  The cultivation of fruit should definitely add extra income in the hands of farmers.  Perhaps, both the State Government, TNAU and APEDA should join hands to guide the farmers.



R R Padmanabhan
Director - Exim Academy



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