Government’s Response to Pomegranate Crop Disease Outbreak in Rajasthan
Context
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Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan took cognisance of reports of damage to pomegranate crops due to various diseases, including ‘Tikri’ disease, in Balotra district and adjoining regions of Rajasthan.
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The Minister has ordered an immediate investigation and directed the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to deploy a special team of scientists to assess and address the issue.
Background
About the Issue
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Location: Balotra district and nearby pomegranate-growing areas in Rajasthan.
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Crop Affected: Pomegranate (Punica granatum) — an important commercial fruit crop in arid and semi-arid regions.
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Problem: Large-scale crop damage due to disease outbreak, primarily ‘Tikri disease’ and other fungal/bacterial infections.
About Tikri Disease (in Pomegranate)
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Nature: Commonly known as fruit rot or bacterial blight in local terminology.
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Causative Agents: Often caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae or Cercospora species.
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Symptoms:
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Black or dark brown spots on leaves, stems, and fruits.
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Premature fruit drop.
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Shrinking and cracking of fruits.
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Favourable Conditions: Warm and humid weather, poor pruning, and excessive irrigation.
Government Action Plan
1. Immediate Steps Ordered
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ICAR’s Role:
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Deploy a special team of scientists to visit affected areas.
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Conduct an on-ground assessment of crop health and disease causes.
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Review existing cultivation and disease management practices.
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2. Scientific Institutions Involved
| Institution | Role |
|---|---|
| ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture (CIAH), Bikaner | Research on arid region fruits; technical support for pruning and pest management. |
| ICAR-National Research Centre on Pomegranate (NRC), Solapur | Expertise in pomegranate crop diseases and integrated pest management. |
| ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Jodhpur | Focus on soil-water management and dryland horticulture. |
| Agricultural Universities & Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) | Training farmers, spreading awareness, and implementing on-field solutions. |
3. Long-Term Measures Proposed
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Comprehensive Action Plan:
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Proper pruning and canopy management.
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Integrated Disease Management (IDM) practices.
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Balanced use of fertilisers and pesticides.
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Soil health testing and improved irrigation techniques.
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Promotion of modern horticultural practices and disease-resistant varieties.
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4. Farmer Support
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Farmers to receive:
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Technical training from experts.
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Guidance on improved cultivation methods.
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Awareness campaigns via ICAR and KVKs.
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Key Institutions Involved (for Prelims)
| Institution | Headquarters | Key Function |
|---|---|---|
| ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) | New Delhi | Apex agricultural research body under Ministry of Agriculture. |
| CIAH (Central Institute for Arid Horticulture) | Bikaner, Rajasthan | Research on fruit crops suited to arid conditions. |
| NRC on Pomegranate | Solapur, Maharashtra | Dedicated institute for pomegranate crop improvement and disease control. |
| CAZRI (Central Arid Zone Research Institute) | Jodhpur, Rajasthan | Develops technologies for sustainable farming in arid regions. |
| KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendras) | Across districts | Extension arms for farmer training and technology dissemination. |
Importance of Pomegranate in Indian Agriculture
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Major Producing States: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
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Uses: Fresh fruit consumption, juice, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and exports.
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Economic Importance:
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High export value (India is among top 5 exporters globally).
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Supports small and marginal farmers in arid and semi-arid zones.
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Relevance to NEP 2020 & Rural Development
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This initiative aligns with the “Farmer First” and “Lab to Land” approach of ICAR.
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Promotes scientific agriculture and capacity-building at the grassroots level.
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Reflects the government’s focus on horticulture under schemes like:
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Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
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National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
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Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
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UPSC Relevance
Prelims:
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Diseases of important crops (Pomegranate – Tikri disease).
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ICAR and its specialized research institutes.
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Horticulture schemes (MIDH, NHM).
Mains (GS Paper III – Agriculture)
Possible Question:
“Pomegranate cultivation in arid regions faces multiple disease-related challenges. Discuss the steps taken by the Government of India to support farmers and promote sustainable horticulture practices.”
Answer Framework:
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Explain importance of pomegranate in Indian horticulture.
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Describe disease outbreak and Tikri disease.
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Mention ICAR intervention and research institutions’ coordination.
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Highlight benefits: improved productivity, farmer income, sustainable horticulture.
Challenges Ahead
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Climate Sensitivity: Disease spread aggravated by erratic rainfall and humidity.
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Poor Farm Hygiene: Inadequate pruning and sanitation practices.
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Limited Awareness: Many farmers lack scientific training.
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Infrastructure Gaps: Need for cold storage, pest control labs, and extension support.
Conclusion
The pomegranate disease outbreak in Rajasthan underscores the importance of timely scientific intervention and farmer training.
By mobilizing ICAR institutes and adopting an integrated, research-driven, and cooperative approach, the government aims not only to control the current crisis but also to strengthen India’s horticulture resilience in arid regions.
This initiative supports the broader vision of Doubling Farmers’ Income and Atmanirbhar Krishi (Self-Reliant Agriculture).
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