Bengaluru: The increasing clamour for varieties of exotic fruits has made avocados aka butter fruit — a popular fruit in India. Often hailed as ‘Fruit of the Rich’, avocados are steadily expanding their market but there only two Indian varieties of the fruit in the country and they are yet to make their mark over the popular Mexican varieties favoured by farmers.
To ensure large scale production of nutrient rich avocados, scientists from Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru have developed Arka Coorg Ravi — a complete desi variety of avocado to suit Indian conditions – after working for two decades at Chettalli research station in Kodagu. The new variety is named after IIHR scientist H Ravishankar, who worked at Chettalli station for 35 years and breathed his last a few years ago.
Unlike regular varieties of avocado which yield 60-80 kg of fruits per plant, the new variety will give 100-180 kg per plant, they said. “Avocados have big seeds and less pulp. But this variety comes with small seeds, ensuring 80% pulp recovery and more nutrients on the platter,” revealed BM Muralidhar, fruit scientist at IIHR-Chettalli station.
Initially popular in the coffee growing belt of Karnataka, avocados are now cultivated in large numbers in Mandya, Ramanagara, Bengaluru Rural, Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts.
“The new variety is adaptable to all conditions and over 25,000 plants are being distributed. The IIHR has retained the mother seed and only grafted seedlings will be distributed to the farmers,” he pointed out.
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Meaty alternative for vegans
Catering to the growing tribe of vegans and those switching to gluten-free diet, IIHR scientists have developed a healthy alternative to meat by utilising the popular jackfruit. With high content of dietary fibre and bio active components that regulate blood sugar in the body, the ‘Arka tender jack frozen patties and kababs’ are projected as healthy alternatives to meat and maida.
Preethi P, IIHR scientist in post-harvest technology, said, “Most of the vegan patties, kababs products that are in the market are usually a blend of multiple products and full of preservatives that affect health. However, this is completely made from tender jackfruit chunks and free of any preservatives.”
It will be available at half the price of existing brands in the market, she said.