20 Haxpnook oF HORTICULTURE fan overall share of 49.1%, followed by Karnataka (12.9%), Orissa (7.6%), Maharashtra (6.3%), Rajasthan (6.2%), West Bengal 5.9%) and Tamil Nadu (25%) ‘Turmeric hasa share of 19% inthe total produetion of spices. [tis grown mainly in ‘Andra Pradesh, Temil Nado, rises, West Bengal and Karnataka. Garlie, cor Ander, einger and cumin contribute 16, 12,9 and 4% respectively ‘More then 90% of the spices produced in the country are used for domestic consumption and the rest exported as raw as wel es value-added products. The per caput consumption of spices in India has been estimated at 2.689 kg during 1998-2000 compared to per caput consumption of 1.448 kg in USA. Betelvine ‘Betelvine, commonly known as pan is cultivated in most tropieal and sub- tropical regione of Inde, Ieeovers an ares of 50,000 ha It is a cash crop in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Goa, Karnateke, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra Mizoram, Nagaland, Oris, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and ‘Weet Bengal. The annual turnover of betel leaves is estimated to be worth Rs 800 crores, Betelvine cultivation being labour intensive provides employment through ‘out the year for cultivation, harvesting, grading, packing and marketing operations. ‘There isa huge potential for export of betel leaves to the neighbouring countries. FUTURE PROSPECTS Coverage of 15 million ha and with « production of about 147 million tonnes of horticultural produce and with a target to reach 360 million tonnes, show ample scope for agribusiness in horticulture. Thus, agr-business could be for inputs like seeds and planting material, equipment, greenhouse designs and construction, irrigation equipment anc above all markating information and marketing of hor: ticultural produce. Besides, value-addition lke grading, pecking and processing, horticultural erope provides opportunity for ool chain and ecommerce. With the focused attention of the Government, the horticulture sector is bound to receive frvourable policy enviroment and increased investment. The increased awareness on hi-tech horticulture eepecilly precision farming will provide much more op- portunity for agr-business, Since horticulture sector istechnology-driven, i further fenkances the scope for sgr-business. Thus, ample opportunities for skilful em- ployment in the ngri-businees could be expected in the coming years. a Dt, 22 24-30 Dekel. 2, Agroclimatic zones rorcoLocicaL zone is defined ae a and unit in terms of majorclimates, suit le forertain range of crops and cultivars. Delineation of agrelimatic zones inas largely been attempted for eld crops. Caster in 1954, using Thonthwaite system of climatic elasefication, delineated 6 climatic regions, Subsequently at tempts have been made for climatic mapping in terms of moisture and thermal regions, Since rainfall varies from 100-12,000mm, 27 different soil types ere recognized. Of whick, 4 groups—elluvial, black, red and laterite sils—are more prominent The Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi has recognized Biagroclimatie zones for effective land-use planning (Table 1). ‘Table 1, Agrostimate ones of India ‘Agroctimatic region ‘Saten amma and Kashmir, Hivachal Pradesh, Kumeon and Garhwal in Utaraachal Humid Benga Assam Region Weet Benga and Assan ‘Humid Eastern Himalayan Rogion Bay islands, Arunachal Pradesh, [Naeland, Maaipur, Mizoram, Teipura, Sinkin, Maghalaya and Andaamen and ‘Nictbarllanda ‘Subhumid SaeeGaaga Alluvial Paina Punlab, Delhi, Uttar Prado plains and ‘har Subshumid to Humid Zastern and South _Eastera Madhya Pradesh Orissa and Eesers [lands ‘Andre Pradesh ‘Ald Western Plains Haryana, Rajesthaa, Gujarat, Dadra fed Nagar Havel, sd Duman and Div Semi-arid Lave Platerucs nd Cental Maharashtra, Western Cental Madhya Toland Pradesh and Gon Humid to semi-arid Wester Ghats ‘Karnataka, Trail Nadu, Kerala, Pondicherry and Lakshadweep Islands Frnt en athe iene ‘During 1986-80, the Planning Commission accepted 15 broad agroslimatic tones beset on phytiography and climate for effective planning, These zones are Western Himeleyan Region; 2, Eastern Himalayan Region; 3, Lower Gangetic Plains Region 4, Middle Gangetic Plaine Region 5, Upper Gangetic Plains Region: 6, Trans Gangetic Plains Region; 7, Eastern Plateau end Hills Region; 8, Central Plateau end Hills Region: 9, Western Plateeu and Hills Region; 10, Southern Ple teas and Hills Region; 11, East Coast Plains and Hille Region; 12, West Coast Pinins and Ghate; 18. Guiarat Plaine and Hills Region; 4, Western Dry Region; and 15, The Island Region. ‘Under National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) each egroclimatic zone is divided into sut-zonea, The tub-zones totalling 120, are primarily based on ‘rainfall exating empping pattern end administrative units, wherein each state is ‘levided into 2-12 sab-zonee, Theae delineations are to many for planning process ‘tational level, heving similar agrocimatic conditions The NBSS & LUP, Nagpur.2 Hawpaoox oF HoamicuLtuRE. delineated the country into 21 agroecologicl regions, ssing physiogrephy, soils bioclimatic types and growing periods. Growing period (GP) was based on water ince starting with Period having precipitation 0.5 exzess of evaporation (PET) tending with ullzation of 100mm of stored soil moisture once precipitation falls below PET. In this eystem of delineation, arid zone hed GP of 90 days, semi-arid region corresponded to 90-150 days of GP, and the subvarid zone correlated with ‘region having GP between 160 and 210 days, The humidand pre-humid zones had GP of 210-270 days and more than 270 dayslyear respectively. These zones are: 1. Western Hitaalaya, cold ard ecoregion with shallow skeletal sols and length of GP 210 days. 21, Telands of Andaman-Nicobar and Lakshadweep, hot perhumid ecoregion. swith red loamy sans soils and GP <210 Ayn "Agroecological zonee delineated in thie aystem arecomprehensive and can be ‘ured for the delineation ofhortculturl and plantation copa cultivation zone added ‘withthe data from field experiments considering ts perennial nature, different AGROCLINATIC ZONES 23 response to soil moisture for growth, production and quality added with disease tnd pest problems. ‘GROWING REGIONS OF HORTICULTURAL AND PLANTATION CROPS ‘Fruits and vegetables ere widely distributed ecross the country while plantation ropa are reetrieted 1 a fow regions. Fruit crops ; ‘Sse uta, banana ranks fst in production. Andhrs Pradesh, Asam, Bibs, Gujarat eraleRarontaba, Makarashtre, Madhya Pradesh, Oris, Tamil Nad cterieastarnrepion are major benana-erowing repens with highest produc {yin Marner and loest not osareoe Clive end rosin See sy dcpanding upon agrosclogal region and pefeence, Iteretig]y, ‘Shvonds grup in adopted largely in dy ropone where sigataka laf spot i not {tontretet whe in huidroglon other cultivars are grew. ‘ange widely distubuted ie also grown in all the statee except temperate region, Although Uttar Pradesh i having the largest aren under mango, produc WeGTiatnoch wer compared to Andre Pradesh Phenomenon of double cropping Sno ete ln Ranyabumest date of Temal Nadu, Varying cimetie conditions Sab be gainfully uted for extending its ealivaion Riatdann, swet orange, ei lime and lemon collectively trait are grown wodely,Proditivity varies depending upon are Butte diieat to delineate the ect of eimate op productvty fom cultivars et uctonayptm. Mandarin x predominantly grown in Vidarbe region of ManEiestra para cfMadhye Pradesh, Pio (Kianow end noreatar ron. Siattay end Pean hill eral Nad lg grow aubotanial amount of mandarins Ser espe ere largely grown in Andhra Pradesh, Nakarashra and parts of ‘Tan Neda, aad Panjb, Haryana and Rajasthan in north-westera region, Acid Tila comononin Andara Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kernatake, Tams Nadu, Bihar {ind West Benge Although iti dificult to delineate the influence of agrolimatic sReaitons on productive, trie quality is iaverably nfuenced wnder similar can ene reions having marked seasonal veiaton fr physicechemicl gusl- iin Vidharthe repons water coqirement is muca higher for ambia crop {Gaaber- November teen ibe mrg, On the other hand mig rp Ofebroary-Marc) Sana racve cleo coniay tomb rp oe nen ‘dng wth maturation proves TSS and reduces ait ing pei grown largely in Mabarashtre, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh es copies! prop and in Punjab, Heryana and parte of Utar Pradesh as aubtropical SeBet eal grown in Kinnaur districts of Himachal Pradesh ap temperate Geb: Cultivar abd production ayeteme largely vary, the highest productivity being ‘hursecr high production technology haa been adoptod. Hight productivity of encpsle ia reported from Wet Bengal and lowest fen northeastern reins See Peres to in ha and dy onion wi high productivity in Karst tnd Gujarat, and lowes in Wott Bengal Thin ingrown ata rainfed Marra Sena, ont ivigned in Gujarat and in widely adopted across the SE evince duc of pape igh Karoaai and ew in north easter region et i ibeeoneotve, prevalence of ruiner sip a tet often obverved ice ate Te frat atiins lower 198 10" Ben) under ol climate conrary SSEMIRES Sie Papaya ingepot run PREV, o devtating nase of peeye,u HANDDooK oF HORTICULTURE {is seriou in north-western and north-eastern regions but incidence ofthe disease if rarely noticed in tropical region, Guava is widely distributed with highest productivity in Gujarat although ‘best quality fruits ure producedn Uttar Pradesh, Season of availabilty of fruit markedly governed by agroclimatic conditions, Litchi, exacting in climatic requirement ia confined to Bihar, West Bengal, [Uttar Pradesh and parts of Punjab and Haryana. Of the total area, 75% belongs to Bihar. tempts made to introduce this fruit in Mahareehtra, Gujarat, Kernetalce ‘and Tamil Nadu have not met with success, Prevailing temperature, rainfall pat- tern and soil types largely determine ite eucceae, Subtropical climate with dry iod preceding flowering and rainfree monthe atthe time of maturity are essen le, pear and many stone fruits are adapted to humid temperate region. oop ow diag sone Pulte me bowen are ogee sede te “Among eraperate fruits, tpple a most popular endti largely grown a Kashar, Himachal Pradesh and hills of Uar Pradesh. Aren under apple in Arunachal Pradesh, Negland and Sikkim is negligible, Many other teaperate sane fate sollte gowa ihe empath zone rite determinedby pater of Gowerng and fruiting and adaptive sodiiation in morpho-anatomisa strctire of canopy are largely grown in etd ‘nd semi-arid climates having dep root sytem coupled wth tendency to ower ‘withthe onset of monsoon and harvesting of fruits before onset of monsoon Ber, Pomopranae, ste, ansona andtamarind have become commercial, epesilly ih low rainfall eeas, Development of high-yielding cltivers and proton techy nologies have largely contributed to thet widespread adoption acroe the county. Vessiahie crops fostef the vegetable are gw widely inthe country through adjstmentin season and eopoinented engin Siemens Cole crop, confined to temperate end subtopial regions, have also been extended to topical regions with cooler night tempersture, through the develop. tent of heat talerantculivars. However, quality eel superior in eubtropiel Fepions. Cueurtita,okr and cil sre widely grown stro the country. However ‘skmelon, watcrinelon ete, have specie climate requirement, With supple ‘nental ivigation snd adjstiect in season, mort ef the vegetables can be grown Suwon sagen cnitng Hower ined open ed Gisass onda als ton scouted soe Kinesis mid veion ‘Maharashtra, Gujarat, UterPrades, Karnataka Ores and Bihar re major onion preducng state, acostng for more than 79% af reduction Frodacty highest in Gujarat folowed by Punjab end Haryana, Ononis grown aitrignted ‘ell as ranted crop depending upon tenon by aicion of outa cular ‘hari onion as bee succoafln inna ct Biba, Uttar Praderh and ajastnen, ity hao eahuneed the adaptability of enion inva wide range of Potato ‘There has been unprecedented growth in production of potato and other tuber crops in the Inst few decades owing to better cultivars and production technology, “Major potato-growing states are bar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujaret and parts of north-eastern states. However, its production in Karnateke and Maharashtra has been successful. Kharif potato has alsobecome popular. Its pro: ductivity is highest in Gujarat and lowest in Assam. Gujerat, Bihar, West Beagel and Uttar Pradesh account for more than 80% af potato area in the country ‘AgROCLIMATIC ZONES. coy ‘Tee ganve and sweet poate, important tropic] tuber crop, ae grown widely. Majo cassava growing sate are Tamil Neds, Kersla, Karnataka, Ons and ‘Andra Pradesh Sweet potato is arely grown in Orissa, Uttar Pradesh Bihar. Maharashtra, Tamil Neda, Madhye Pradesh and Kerneiaka, Among the swest potato growing sates Dihar, Ones and Uttar Pradesh ccount fer €0% of eee Tatpraduccuityin' 6-12 ftoraevh, highest beigin Gujrat andlowest in Asam. Plantation rope ‘lantation crops re largely confined tocoatal areas which are characterized bylite vaiadon i tenperature with high humidity. However, with development cltvare and produto technsogies culation of plantation cope hes bee Setonded to new areun. Major coconut-producing states are Kerala, Coastal ‘Rosostka Ten Nacu: part of Manarathts, Gujarat, West Bengal and Orisa, ‘Sane ceenguhes brn ntendedtr era ono reaon ‘eeurcen, node ltt county hasbeen mca ent Tnedcton fl palin ie paced north West Bengal and north-eastern state. ‘Cashew, an important exportearning crop, is grown largely in Kerela, Karnatake, Temil Nadu, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. It has potential for ciltilvation in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and north-eastern region, Spice “Among spices, black pepper, large and small cardamom, ginger, turmeric and chilli are important. Of which, pepper and cardamom are confined to Kerala and Karnataka, while ginger turmeric and chilli are widely cultivated across the coun- tay. There iva scope for extending area under black pepper in Temil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and north-eastern states ‘Undoubtedly, most horticultural crops, except a few temperate fruits, vegeta- bles and plantation crops are widely distributed indifferent agroclimatic zones. ‘Their distribution patern has played a pivotal role in extending their availablity {ora longer period of time, Interactive knowledge of agroclimatic regions added with information on climatic response of fruit and vegetable crops and varieties {an be gainfully utilized to eet higher economic returns. Efforts made through the ‘All-india Coordinated Research Project has demonstrated that with little modifi {ation in production technologies many horticultural and plantation crops can be ‘sdopted toa wide range of agroecological zones and the weekness can be converted into opportunity for extended harvest. INFLUENCE OF CLIMATE rf eter poh ton an tone ae ihr ith ei ne ee stplnenallenonrareromy i eeren ae ee ee dg a a ae iy bed rare oe ol ncn er aces dear eater ener Saeed aes Neen ee oe a te 2 a ies ttn essen y tempers on el vith mean ete h ep eters eee acaba—— 6 HaNDBooK oF HORTICULTURE temperature below the mean temperature owing t reduced rate of leaf production. sltantly fiat crop cycle varies from 11-12 montha in Kerala or coastal ‘armataka to 135 or 185 months in semi-arid subtropics (Mabarashtra). On the contrary, bananasin eml-arideubtropicsareleast affected by disenses which are ‘more prevelent in humid tropics. Low temperature also affects the shooting and [nger filling resultant lower production if shooting coincides with winter. This tadveroe effect of low temperature is wmeliorated by adjusting the time of planting ‘and modified cultural practices. Interestingly, fruite produced in regions experi fencing mild temperature have better quality. ‘Growth pattern, lowering, fruiting, maturity and fruit quality of citrus are influenced by temperature. Shoota producod in cooler and warmer months differ ‘nslze of leaves and internodal length, Trees attain larger canopy in tropical climate than in eubtropial climate. In gubtropial regions, lowering reaches its peal in ‘March, while in tropical rogion tis adjusted with sol moisture stress. Cool weather {in aubtropies and moisture atressin tropics are known to condition a major part of the shoots to lower atone time during the year. However lime and lemon continue to flower and fruit all the year round in tropics. While in the region with dry ‘summer and cool winter, these bloom mainly in spring. Regulated eoil moisture tteee in several ctrua crops resulta in profuse bloom, Seasonal variability in weed feantent of citrus fruits indicates indirect effect of temperature on pollination and fertilisation. More pronounced influence of temperature is seen on maturation of fruit, Fruite produced in cooler climate require longer period for maturation than those in warmer climates whichis true forall the cultivars of citrus. ‘Rate of citrus fruit growth between 10 and 30°C increases with temperature ‘other factors are constant, Bven under the same agroecologicel conditions, fruits ‘produced in different seasons have varying time taken for maturity. Mandarin [produced in north-eastern India, especially in Darjeeling, Sikkim and Meghalaya, fre fatter, and smaller having no neck. wi produced in central Maharashtra are larger with neck, Fruit colouration is also influenced by tem rature, cool nights with hot dry days favour best colour development. 'Kinnow mandarin which have attractive colour remain groen or yellow ‘when grown in tropical environment Similarly, Sathgudi which does not attain ‘range colour in south India develope attractive orange colour when grown in ‘north-western or north-eastern India. Seasonal variation in colour development in Nagpur manderins is evidently due to temperature prevailing during the fruit development and maturation, Evidence alse suggests forthe influence of tem ‘perature oa internal quality of fruits Dry hot weather favours degradation of acid ‘contrary tothe fruits grown in husmid cool climate ‘Grape ie widely adapted in arid elimate ofboth tropie and subtrpice However, fruits produced in arid tropes have better quality. High humidity and rain during fruit development and maturation adversely affect the quality and production Mango in widely adapted in tropical and eubtropical regions although suitability, of cultivare varies in different agroclimatic zones. Mangoes from coastal Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are earliest tocomein the market, ‘while late crop of mango is produced in north-western India. Dasbebari a popular Tango of Uttar Pradesh when grown in Andhra Pradesh produces 40-50 days early crop. This influence of temperature is gainfully utilized for early marketing of Una variety. Kanyakumari and parts of Madurai dstrcta of Tamil Nadu produce 2 crope of mango in a year. Thus varying agro-ecologcal conditions have been advantageously utilized for advancing and extending their availability Similarly, ‘varying agro-scologial conditions, especially with respect to temperature have ‘been beneficial for ber als. It matures irs in south India, fllowed by central and ‘north-western Indi. ‘AcRocuMaTiC 20NEs 2 “Most ofthe vegetables are sensitive to temperature, For cptimum growth and development, temperature needs should be met. There is mo curd formation in ‘cauliflower or head formation in eabbege at the temperature below optimum, ‘Thermosenuitiveness of these crope impedes ite adoption in the agroclimaticcon- ditions not having required temperature regimes. However, through widening the genetic base it hes been possible to get curd formation even at little higher tem. erature, Slace most of vegetables are of short duration, through the adjustment Fn season of planting optimum potential is achieved. However, muskmelon, ‘watermelon, and onion are restricted. In potato, tuberization does not take place if diference in night and day temperature isnot wide. The agroclimatic ‘conditions play a vital ole in optimization of the yield of potato. . ‘Cocomit, aecanut and eashew are confined to humid tropics as flowering is, adversely afecled at lower temperatures as well ax in dry conditions. Similarly, pepper and cardamom have poor growth at an average temperature below 15°C. However, best productivity in large eardamom is achieved in humid subtropics, (CULTIVATION OF HORTICULTURAL AND PLANTATION CROPS IN DIFFERENT AGROBCOLOGICAL ZONES Following the agroeeological regions of India delineated at the NBSS_& LUP, Nagpur, attemptshave been mace to dently the horticultural and vegetsble crops {for diferent regions based on potential as wel as information from the adapti trae conducted, wherever available. The agroscoregions ars: sroecoregion 1 ‘Ae Te fepresentad by cold and agro-coreion ofthe wester Himalayas ering Ledatih and Gilgit dstricta,Valloy area in this region bas high potential for (growing elmond, walnut and pecan nut. Chinese ber and deciduous pomegranate ‘Gluneian type) can also be grown in thia region. With exploitation of water respurces, temperate grape hae also potential inthe region. During summer period tomato, ‘ole erope and brinjal can be grown. ‘Western part of Rajasthan, southor parts of Haryana ind Punjab, the Kutch ‘and northern parte of Kathiawar peninsula are covered under the region. Ferepreseate typical hot arid region with hot summer and cel winter. Date pal, citrus, grape, ber and aonla are potential crops in the area with supplemental {rrigation. Cuourbite and cole crops can also be grown. Aaroocoragion 8 Tie role sopra the Decan plates outing Pachur and Belay in arnt nd Anaaparin Andra Pree, Cirun estranged, carte puiber poogrnets ant eapea sre gown with ropplomectl ge eae ial sod coche do wall with nopplomest vinon- Aroscorgion 4 Tar nates nortber plain cesta hghnds and Gujarat pain eae eran year an ol winter Chun rt, gars as chuwechiling voce re ue grove Bannon and xpos Gnd fovour i plane Gur Botesclo tropa voqeale cope baveptal wiht modifeaion ISreductonechalgy tears ‘Aeroecoregion 8 Tie adudes the westarn prt of Madhya Pate, ester part of ajertas ol Genres cartcaed oy ht aod ry summer end ld winter Bel'jomeguant, wns; amaing poe, care fits, mango and epote ars Af Inter eel ely28 HANDBOOK oF HorricuaURE grown, Banana is al grown with supplemental irrigation. Among the plantation frops, coconut, ol palm, eashew and black pepper are potential. All the vegetable except cole erops can be growa, Agroccoregion 6 Represented by Maharashtra, northern parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, this region has excelled in production of several fruit crops resultantly revolution in fruit production. Most ofthe frut crops in the region are grown with, supplemental irrigation. Grape, citrus fruit, ber, pomegranate, sapote, banana, ‘mango and custard apple are major fruit cropa grown inthe region. This region bas less protlems of diseases, the major inputs being water and nutrition. Coronut, aarecarut and oil palm and potato and onion are also potential in the region. Aeroecoregion 7 ‘Decean plato and Easter Ghat covering major partof Andhra Pradesh are ‘nchided nthe region Sepota custard apple, mango, banana citrus ruta, guava tnd pomegranate areiargly growing in tie rogion. Grape eospies ignifant Poston, se highy potent for growing frat crops wit euplementl ign ion, Ceshewot, opal, coconut and solanaceou vgeables and cucuritscen be grown inthe roion. Agroccoregion 8 ‘The region compring Decenplatens, Tamil Nadu uplands and western prt of Karotaka characterised by bet ry suncer end mil winters Mango, spot, fava ber, tone, gape, benaba, tastarind and cron Ete are major crops of {ne epi, However on hil low shling pear, plum end pescbee may be grown, ‘There lt of variability in climatic condition nthe region, making diferent Frit rope suitable Coco, recent, cashow andl vegstbles excep pas are frown in his reion. Agroecaregion 9 AE Northen nt hui even ith alli dred sl cnt the orn indogangot pains. Mango, queva, cru rte (ime an mon, avs an lwellling one fats ar grown nha repo. Al vegetables depending {pon the evnson cae grown. Agroecoregion 10 Central highlands (Malwa and Bundelihan hot mb-bumd ecoregion wth sodium and deep back ella covers apes of central highand ncoding the tie ‘cts of Raisin, Seger, Bhopal. Shore, Shabjehanpur and Hoshaogabed. Ber Domegranat, cole bel and mango re potential fut eropfr the region wndet Droteciveierigeion, Al vegetables have potential Gepending upon the reson ‘Agroccoresion 11 ‘Deca pltons and central highlands Bundelkhand) hot ub humid exoregion vith red and black snes characterized by bot summer nd wild ister. Beedes Sigh quality mendarns ts pteotial growing region for guava, eapota, mango, ber and pomegranste Cashew and aed spices ay ean be growa in ha region Agroccoresion 12 ‘astern pater (Chhatagnh region) hat sub-bumid ecoregion with red and ela sis charac hat ame en ol wir, Manan cr rt shew nut nv, papaye and pineapple ae potential ft erope othe region Ga high hls pont can sao be grown susceeflly, Banana bas alo proved ae. eval in the vepon Cashew iv als potential cepa thie rion AGROCLIMATIC 20NES 29 Agroscoregion 13, Bestera Chhotanagpur plateau and Eastern Ghats, hot sub-humid ecoregion with red loamy sols characterized by bot summer and cool winter. Mango, guava, Senana, papaya, jackfrut, pineapple, cashew nut and several minor fruits are tgrowa in this Fegion. Aonla, ber and pomegranate have potential for commercial Sxpldtation. Banana and itch can ls be growa especially in platoau of Bibar. Cashewnut is also potential vegetable which can be grown all round-the-year, Agroecoregion 14 ‘astern pia, hot sub-huméd ecoregion with elluvium derived soils is charae- tered by col winter and bot eummer. Best litchi fruits are grown in this region. ‘Mango, jackfrult, gueva, bee, aon, aid lime and banane are predominant fruit {rope n this region, Coconut and arecanut are potential erops in this region, The ‘gion can grow all kinds of vegetabl Agroecoregion 16 ‘Westera Himalayas warm sub-humid with brown forest and podzolie soils characterized by warm sub-humid to cool humid climate. The region is suit sblefor growing apple, pear, peuch, plum, apricot, and almond, Apple cultivation hhas beon successfully exploited in the region. All temperate vegetables have po- tential inthe zone. Agreecoregion 18 ‘Mssam and West Bengal plains, hot humid (including sub-humid) ecoregion with alluviumn-derived soil constitute the region. Banana, pineapple, mango end a are predominant fruit crops alUnough litzi is elao grown in sub-zones of {the region Citrus fruits are aleo grown especially in Assam valley. Guava, sonia tnd bael have also potential in the Tepioz. Cashew nut, coconut, arseenut and ‘mos. of the vogetable crops except peas have potential inthe region Agroecoregion 17 ‘Eartorn Himelayas, warm per humid ecoregion with brown hill soils passes ‘rough Northern tip of the West Bengal, northern parts of Arunachal Pradesh tnd Sikkim. Apple, pear and plum are potential crops inthe region. Mandarin is ‘cessfully grown in vally areas. In the warm season, al kinds of vegetables can be grown, Large cardamom, turmeric and ginger have potential, Agroecoregion 18 ‘North eastern hill (Purvanchal), warm humid ecoregion with red and laterite soils constitutes this region. The region represents hilly states of Nagaland, “Meghalaye, Manipur, Mizoram and south Tripura. Citrus fruits, banana and pine- apne are predominant fruit erope, Region has potential for growing low-chlling ‘Sone fruite and passion frit. Cashew is most potential cop. Agroscoregion 19 ‘Gastern coastal plain, hot sub-humi ecoregion with alluvium-derived soils covers the eastern coastal plain, extending from Cauvery delta to Gangetic delta. ‘The region hes predominance of mango and banana, although pineapple is also potential i the region In recent past, area under sapota and guava has also been Pxtended. Pomegranate has problem of foweringin the region. Coconut, arecanut, Casew, bleck pepper and seed spices are grown in this region. All the vegetables fexeapt ole crops are grown. Agroecoregion 20 Western Ghats and coastal plains, hot humid per humid ecoregion with red,30 HANDB0oK oF HonmicuuruRE lateritic and alluvium derived sole covers Sahyadari and Western coastal plains of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala. In western coastal Maharasbtre, mango, apata and cashew nut are predominant while in coastal Karnataka banana, pine. ‘apple, cashew nut and mango are largely grown. In coas tbenana and pinespple are predominant fruit crops. Mango is grown to a limited extent only Coconut, spices and cashew nut and a namber of vegetables except cole crops are frown in the region, ‘Agroecoregion 21 Taland of Andaman Nicober and Lakshadweep hot humid ecoregion with red foamy and sandy cole is typified by tropical conditions with litle difference in ‘mean sol temperature in winter and sustmer. Coconut is predominant crop along ‘with banana. Pineapple, mangosteen, sapota and mango are potential crops in this sone. Cashew, pepper, seed spices und vegetables also have potential inthis “Application of agroecological zones fr planning the cultivation of horticultural and plantation crops is directed towarca improved production and productivity. But database isnot sulicient to delineate their cultivation. Since there is si nificant variability within the zone, micrclevel planning based onfeld performance ‘would be required for gainful utilization ef agroecologcal zones. Wider adaptability, Climatic acclimatization, response to production system and wide genetic base of horticultural and plantation crope are aivantageous for extending the area under different zones for harnessing the maximum potential. In addition to soil and climatic conditions, incidence of diseases is also required to be considered while ‘delineating cultivation of these crops a 3. Soils ‘orncutunacrops require sols as growing medium. The scls provide mech ‘trical support, nutrients and water for plant growth. The demand of fruit rope from the ooils are mainly water, nutrients and other growth-controling hor- tmones, However, number of factors affect rots, absorbing nutrients and moisture ‘Toensure development ofan eficient rot system, the soils must contain adequate ‘supply of er, water and low bulk density. Most of die husticutural cope require ‘rellarained soils and cannot tolerate waterlogging. Therefore, deep and wel Urained soils, free from herd sub-aoils, hard pan and layer of calcium carbonate fre needed for optimum growth and yield. The saline, saline-sodie and sodic soils should be avoided. The characteristics of different soils of India in relation to their suitability for horuleural cop production is given. PHYSICAL CONDITIONS OF SOIL FOR FRUIT CROPS ‘The fruit crops take mainly water and nutrients from soll. However, a number of factore affect growth of roots. The physical conditions of eos playing an impor- tant role in fruit production are: depth of soi, sol texture, soil structure and its stability, presence of physical obstruction, soll drainage and freedom from injur- fous material Red solls (Alfsoils) fed galls in India belong to 2 orders—red sols (Alfisols) and laterite soils (Utisels)—oecupying 107 million ba, They are distributed in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Temi Nadu, Oriesa, parts of Madhys Pradesh and Maharashtra, Go, ‘Aasam end north-eustern region of India. These soils are bestsuited to frult crops ‘because oftheir depth, drainage and fairly good reserve of plant nutrients. Soil [moisture rogimes evaluated in these sails up to 100cm depth show that they can, Sustain many cropa without any dificulty. “The need for Fein fruit crops is easily met since these soils ae rch in Fe and Mn, Red soila belonging to Ultisola are similar to that of Alfsols with less base Saturation, Owing to the low pH encountered in some areas, Al-toxcity has been recorded, as in guava orchards of Hassan district in Karnataka, These soils are ‘universally poor in N and K due to excessive leaching. They have high P fixation ‘capacity dus tothe presence of kalinitic clay along with sesquioxides, There is 8 sharp drop in the sll reaction on application of chemical fertilizers, uren and immonium aulphate, due to low organic matter and clay. Hence fertilizer man- fagement in these ails hes to be concentratedon Ca and Mg by liming, apart from N.P and K. The § and Zn deficiency is quite prevalent in seeded grapes, papaya, ‘banana, coconut and eucurbite, Widespread K deficiency has been noticed in banana feven after K application. The lght-textured soils also have B deficiency on geting heavy rains. Laterite solls (Uitisols) ‘Uitisols aro potential coils for fruit production. They usually produce good crops for the first few years and then decline as the nutrient reserve is depleted ‘ecause of low fertility, organi matter and base status. Sols in Ratnagiri district