How to Start an Apricot Business in India?

Apricot is a stone fruit with a flavour that is likely to be delectable, sweet, tangy, and wonderful. This stone fruit is also called Armenian plums and is mostly grown with apricot species. Apricots have been farmed for generations all throughout the world. Apricot cultivation is common in many countries, and wild apricots are sometimes gathered. Organic dried apricots are cultivated by a certified organic farmer who follows organic agricultural regulations. Apricot plants are one of the types of self-pollination plants, which means they don't need a pollinator. In many nations, it is also the most preferred fruit for everyday cooking. Apricot fruit trees need very little water and are best suited to moderate winters.

Prunus Species

An apricot is the fruit of the Prunus species. There are two kinds of Prunus species, namely Prunes Armeniaca and Prunes Mume. Mostly, it is the variety Prunes Armeniaca that is grown across the world. The apricot tree is a small tree that has a tree trunk of around 40-50 cm in diameter, possessing a good foliage that is thick and wide. The expected height of this tree is approximately 7 to 12 meters. The leaves of the apricot tree are oval in shape and have a pointed tip. They bloom with a beautiful whitish pink flower, which through pollination, yields a fruit about the size of 1 inch. Often fruits of Apricots are mistaken to be peaches.  The origin of the species Prune Armeniac is in the country of Armenia. This variety was later spread across the globe. The Prune Mumu species originated in Japan, however, its fruits and flowers are generally used for decorative purpose only.

Names For Apricot–Plum Hybrids

Typically, apricot varieties are grafted onto peach or plum rootstocks. The plant's growth traits are provided by the rootstock. 'Blenheim,' 'Wenatchee Moorpark,' 'Tilton,' and 'Perfection' are some of the most popular apricot varieties in the United States. There are some of the apricot cultivars that prove to be self-compatible.

Vulnerable To A Variety Of Illnesses

Apricots are vulnerable to a variety of illnesses, the relative significance of which varies among the primary producing locations due to environmental variances. Hot temperatures may result in pit burn, which is characterised by mushy and brown fruit surrounding the pit. Bacterial illnesses such as bacterial spot and crown gall are examples of bacterial diseases. Monilinia fructicola infection of the bloom causes Brown rot, which causes "blossom wilt", in which the blossoms and young shoots become brown and die; the twigs die back in a severe assault; later in the season, Monilinia infection causes brown rot of the fruit. Unlike peaches, apricots are not susceptible to leaf curl, and bacterial canker (which causes sunken spots in the bark, which subsequently spread and destroy the afflicted branch or tree) and silver leaf aren't severe hazards, therefore late-winter pruning is regarded as safe. The kernel's culinary applications are restricted due to its natural amygdalin concentration. Because amygdalin is not oil soluble, oil generated from apricot kernels is safe for human consumption without treatment. Shell powder is used as an exfoliator in cosmetics. It is an ecologically beneficial alternative to plastic microbeads as an exfoliator. Plant milk may be made from apricot kernels.

Where is Apricot Fruit Grown?

Apricots are native to China, the world's largest nation, where apricot farming is extensive, according to the Globe. With a total output of 15,789 tonnes, Ladakh is India's greatest apricot grower. After Ladakh, India's largest apricot producing states are Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. Apricot fruit is also grown to a lesser degree in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the North-Eastern mountainous area.

How to Start an Apricot Business?

In India, commercial apricot growing is fairly restricted. Apricot producers in India are very few. This article will assist you in starting a prosperous apricot farming company since apricot fruits demand a mountainous environment to develop. One can start a commercial apricot growing operation and earn profit handsomely. Apricot farming is a well-established industry with a large number of individuals engaged in it in a variety of nations. As a result, you may benefit by obtaining information or assistance about this firm. Apricot tree maintenance may be challenging. However, if you have the right expertise and information, you can make it simple and turn this into a profitable venture. As a result, you may benefit handsomely from this opportunity. Because of its wide area of cultivation, apricot fruit is accessible in many nations throughout the globe. Its demand and price progressively rise. So, when the time comes, you may start a dry apricot farming company and profit.

Where are Apricot Plants Found?

Apricot plants may be found practically everywhere, although they thrive in colder climates. The profits on apricot production are excellent, and the expense is low. The marketing of apricots is quite simple due to a well-established market. As a result, you are free to start this company. You may produce apricots yourself and sell them with information about their health benefits. If you want to establish an apricot farm, you must first choose an appropriate apricot variety. The most common varieties of apricots grown in India are ‘Rival’, ‘Autumn Royal’, ‘Blenheim’, ‘Goldkist’ and ‘Goldcot’.

Choose the Finest Apricot Nursery

To cultivate apricot plants, one must choose the finest apricot nursery. Apricot cultivation will benefit from fertile, well-draining soil that is exposed to full light. Apricot plants dislike damp roots and prefer soil with sufficient drainage. Appropriate pH levels of 6.7 to 7.5 are ideal for developing apricot plants. Every year, at a temperature of 0°C to 8°C is needed and apricot trees need 600 to 900 cold hours. These plants are sensitive to temperatures below 0°C. 37 degrees Celsius is the optimal summer temperature. Temperatures exceeding 37 °C will also inhibit their formation. For a larger yield, farmers should plant red apricots in the sun. Planting them in frost-prone places is not a good idea. During the growing phase of these plants, around 100 cm of yearly rainfall would be ideal.

Preparing the Soil

You must fully prepare the soil before planting the apricot plant. Plant growth is normally best in well-drained, rich soil. For the planting of the sapling, dig a hole of size 3 x 3 x 3 foot and fill each hole with the soil mixture and around 50-60 kg of well-decomposed cow manure.

Choose The Correct Timing

When it comes to the correct timing for planting the sapling, then early spring is the perfect time to do so. Farmers should maintain a normal spacing of 20 to 25 feet between the plants. The spacing is based on the expected height of a normal apricot tree, which may grow to reach between 20 and 30 feet tall. Farmers should irrigate as soon as the little plants are planted. In addition, planting plants in the afternoon is usually a good idea. Apricot plants are relatively low-maintenance. However, it is important to pay special attention to the plant's proper development and productivity. Apricot plants are relatively simple to care for.

Look For Appropriate Irrigation

Appropriate irrigation is required for apricot cultivation, particularly during the fruit growth season in April and May. The frequency of irrigation is determined by the kind of soil, seed quality, the age of the tree, and the weather. During severely dry and hot conditions, irrigate every 8 to 10 days. To minimise water logging after severe rains, install an efficient drainage system. Mulching is quite important, particularly just after planting. It not only helps to keep moisture in the soil, but it also helps to keep weeds at bay.

Importance of Weed Management

Weed management is critical for apricot production because weeds eat the majority of the nutrients in the soil. Pruning is also required to maintain the tree's form. Pruning should thus be done during the first dormant season. Apricot plants, like other commercial crops, are subject to a variety of diseases, the relative significance of which changes owing to climate variances in the key producing locations.

Taking Good Care

Apricots often ripen in the first week of May or June, depending on the variety. From the fifth year onwards, trees begin to yield fruit and reach their peak fruiting stage between the eighth and tenth years. The trees continue to give fruit until they reach the age of 35. As a result, you may physically harvest the fruits. However, as the surface colour changes from green to yellow, you should pick the fruits for fresh selling. Apricots that are completely ripe may be harvested for drying, freezing, and canning. However, since these fruits are perishable, they must be handled with extreme care after harvesting. After harvesting, evaluate the fruits according to their size and put them in plastic or wooden boxes.

Approach Bank for Finances

There is a big market for fresh and dried apricots. The apricot price is season dependent. One can approach banks and financial institutions to obtain a small loan to purchase equipment for drying, processing and packaging of apricots. Thus many can become apricot suppliers and earn good profits. Apricot juice is a very healthy juice which is known to aid weight loss, sugar control as well as ease breathing difficulties.

Conclusion

Apricots are always in demand. The fruits are delicious and their products such as juice, jams, jellies, etc are loved by its users. In fact, every part of the fruit has a commercial value. The apricot trees thrive in optimal temperature conditions and are the best option for farmers in the hilly terrain of India.

FAQs: Apricot

Q. How can I start an apricot farm in India?

Ans. You can use the article here to gain an idea about the necessities of apricot farming. It is better to connect with your local agriculture officers and agriculture colleges to get more insights about apricot farming.

Q. Is apricot business viable?

Ans. Apricots are generally grown only in the hilly regions of India. Dried apricots are a highly priced commodity and always fetch good revenues. Other sources of revenues include juice making, pulp, jellies and jams.

Q. What is the fresh apricot price and dried apricot price?

Ans. The price of fresh apricots varies from place to place, depending on the geography. However, one can easily expect a price of 1000 rupees a kilo for dried apricots.

Q. Where do I buy apricots near me?

Ans. Fresh apricots can be found in fruit seller shops, dealing with exotic fruits. While dried apricots can be found at any dried fruit wholesaler and retailer.