Karnataka pomegranate exports to rise 15 per cent

Pomegranate exports from Karnataka are likely to see a 15 per cent hike this year (2007-08) at 4,000 tonnes compared with 3,500 tonnes exported last year (2006-07).

Consequently, the state's export realisations for 2007-08 will touch Rs 25 crore, Rs 5 crore more than the last year's figures. Price realisation for pomegranate growers is also expected to be higher at Rs 70,000-75,000 a tonne compared with Rs 60,000-66,000 a tonne realised last year.

"The main reason for the rise in prices is the incidence of bacterial blight disease, which is rampant in pomegranate growing regions in Maharashtra," said an official from the horticulture department.

Karnataka accounts for nearly 70 per cent of the country's total pomegranate exports, which is estimated at 6,000 tonnes. The balance is grown and exported from Maharashtra. "The state exports nearly 80 per cent of its produce to the European Union (EU) and a few West Asian countries. In the domestic market, it is transported to states like Delhi, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu," he said. Koppal district in Karnataka alone accounts for nearly 70 per cent of the crop output.