Maharashtra Aims To Make Indian Pomegranates Global Brand, Calls For Focus On Quality And Exports
Mumbai: Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane has called for coordinated efforts by farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs and the government to establish Indian pomegranates as a high-quality, safe and reliable product in the global market. Speaking at the inauguration of the International Pomegranate Conference-2026 at YASHADA in Pune, Bharane said increasing production alone would not…
Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane has called for collaborative efforts among farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and the government to position Indian pomegranates as a premium, safe, and dependable product on the global stage. At the opening of the International Pomegranate Conference-2026 in Pune, Bharane emphasized that mere production growth is insufficient.
He stressed the importance of concentrating on quality, yield, exports, processing, and value addition to enhance farmers' earnings. Maharashtra leads the country's pomegranate cultivation, occupying around 1.05 lakh hectares, yielding about 12.24 lakh metric tonnes each year. This accounts for nearly 43% of India's total pomegranate output.
Bharane pointed out the hurdles faced by growers, including disease and pest infestations, especially oily disease, unpredictable weather patterns, fluctuating market prices, and export challenges. He underscored the necessity to tackle why farmers do not reap sufficient rewards despite robust production. The three-day international conference, running from September 6 to 8, has drawn more than 2,000 participants, including scientists from Italy, the US, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, as well as growers and experts from various Indian states.
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