BAU starts cultivation of ‘superfood’ avocado

The Department of Horticulture at Birsa Agriculture University (BAU) in Ranchi has started a research on the feasibility of growing Avocados – a fruit that has gained the tag of a ‘superfood’ owing to its nutritional properties – on Jharkhand soil and planted seeds of this precious fruit at the university campus in Kanke.

The chairman of the Department of Horticulture at BAU, Dr. KK Jha said that the soil quality and climatic condition in Jharkhand was conducive for growing avocados. However, large scale cultivation of the fruit was never done in the state due to lack of research on its feasibility and financial viability, added Jha.

“We have planted avocado seeds in the university campus this month. It will take around three to four years for the plants to bear fruits,” said Jha, adding that he was sure of seeing positive results.

“I am sure that the quality of the final yield will be satisfactory as we have all the prerequisites for healthy avocado cultivation,” he said.

Researchers from BAU claim that avocados would also generate revenue for the cultivators due to its high demand in the market. According to fruit retailers in Ranchi, one kilogram of avocado was sold at the price of Rs 1,200 here, but the price varied depending on the season and demand.

“The financial gains can be measured only when we start large scale cultivation of the fruit. Once this research shows positive results, we will start imparting training to farmers and then they may start cultivation of avocados in their respective villages,” said Dr. Jha.

Avocados are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K and B-6. They are also rich in riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium. Besides, the Omega 3 fatty acids in the fruit is said to aid weight loss and improve cardiovascular health, say doctors. The fruit has become a staple for health conscious fitness enthusiasts across the globe and is also consumed regularly by working professionals in urban India for its mood-lifting qualities, particularly useful for people suffering from depression.

Jha added that BAU was particularly focusing on healthy fruits lately owing to the growing demand of mineral and vitamin-rich fruits among health conscious people of the country. “We have also started cultivation of dragon fruit, and that project too is going pretty well,” said Jha. Jha, who is set to retire on March 31 next year, said that a diverse variety of fruits can grow in Jharkhand and help farmers cater to the national and even global market. “Except apples, we can grow every fruit in the world here in Jharkhand. It would only require proper research and dedicated efforts,” he added.