Cultivation of fruit crops plays an important role in India. In an agricultural economy like India, fruit cultivation proves to be a profitable business in many ways. As most fruit trees in India could take an extended time to bear fruits, some fruit trees grow fast and also start producing fruits after some years or months of planting. It is stated that the standard of living of the people can be judged by per capita production and consumption of fruits.
Several fruit crops are capable of giving a higher tonnage of yield per unit area than other field crops. Fruits contain many vitamins and minerals. The fruit trees are a necessity not only for oxygen and food but also to ensure living in a safe environment. Fruit trees beautify the planet and save humans from the adverse effects of pollution and soil erosion. It cleans the air and reduces carbon footprints.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Fast Growing Fruit Trees in India
List of Fast Growing Fruit Trees in India
Papaya
Papaya is one of the fast growing fruit trees in India . Papaya trees are fast-growing trees that are very easy to grow and the fruits are present all year round. The trees need lots of sunlight, water, and fertile soil. Papaya trees bear fruit throughout the year and the fruits have a lot of health benefits. It mainly contains vitamin C, vitamin A, and carotenes. Papaya cultivated states in India are Orissa, West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. Papaya is a potential fruit crop for commercial cultivation in Goa.
Growing up to 20 to 25 feet tall, Papaya tree starts bearing fruits early. The Papaya tree leaves are deeply lobed, and the fleshy orange fruit has a sweet, musky taste. The fruit must be harvested when half yellow or not fully yellow. Otherwise, it can be split open by birds and flies.
Papayas are fast-growing and single stem plants. The trunk is soft and does not have bark and papayas don’t have branches and Papayas rarely grow to this age and size. To successfully grow Papayas, you want a frost-free climate, lots of sunlight, lots of water, and good soil. If you give your Papaya plant all of these conditions, then you can grow papaya from seed and generally have fruit in 6 to 12 months.
Banana
Banana Tree (Iamge credit: pixabay)
Banana is one of the fast growing fruit trees in n India. Banana is an herbaceous perennial plant and it is one of the most important fruit crops grown in India. This fast-growing tropical plant can reach 10 to 30 feet tall in less than 2 years. Banana fruit is the oldest and commonest fruit known to mankind. It is a nutritious palatable and easily digestible fruit. Banana is a popular fruit due to its low price and high nutritive value. Banana fruit is consumed in fresh or cooked form both as ripe and raw fruit.
In India, Banana trees are grown in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Assam. Globally, India ranks first in Banana production by producing 14 million metric tonnes annually. It is a rich source of carbohydrates and is rich in vitamins particularly vitamin B. It is a good source of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium.
India leads the world in banana farming with an annual output of about 16.820 mt. In India, bananas are so popular among people that poor and rich alike like the fruit. Banana cultivation in India is the most popular agricultural practice. Bananas aren’t biologically a fruit, but a perennial herb plant. It takes 10 to 15 months for the stalks to grow with the fruit requiring 9 months.
Banana trees prefer to be grown in rich and fertile soil. Organic matter is important for their proper plant growth. An appropriate amount of water must be provided to keep the plant healthy. The plant is not affectionate towards strong winds and extreme weather conditions.
Ber Tree
This is one of the fast growing fruit trees in India. The Ber tree is a fast-growing tree and it is also called Indian plum. Also, the leaves of the Ber tree are used to feed Tasar silk. Ber tree is well known for growing even in adverse climatic conditions. The major Ber-growing states in India are Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Ber fruits are rich in Vitamin C, A, and B complex.
This vigorous growing tree produces in a crown shape with droopy branches. The tree bears oblong to round drupe fruits that are juicy and sweet. All fruits ripen at different times; initially, they are green, but on ripening, they attain reddish color. Ber tree can be evergreen depending upon the weather and it is one of the fast-growing fruit trees in India.
Guava or Jaam
Guava is one of the fast growing fruit trees in India .Guava is one of the important commercial fruit crops in India. It is the 4th most important fruit after Mango, Banana, and Citrus. Guava plants are vegetative propagated by budding, inarching, or air layering. The deliciously sweet fruit is mainly used in beverages, desserts, and smoothies. The fast-growing tree can mature to a height of about 10 feet tall and roughly 15 feet wide.
