Horticultural development in central (Malwa) highlands and Kathiawar peninsula.
Atul Chandra
Author Affiliation: Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334002, India.
Current Agriculture 21 : 49-63
Abstract : The Malwa plateau is located in central western part of Madhya Pradesh. The climate of Malwa region is dry and the summers are neither very hot nor the winters very cold. Annual rainfall is between 750 and 1250 mm. The major fruit crops grown are: citrus, guava, ber [Ziziphus mauritiana], mango, banana, pawpaws and grapes. Rainy season and summer vegetables are also grown, including potato, sweet potato, tomato, onion, chillies and garlic. Ujjain and Indore divisions are famous for flower cultivation. Kathiawar peninsula (also known as Saurashtra) is the most conspicuous peninsula of western India. Fruits such as mango, sapodillas, guava, citrus, ber, banana, pomegranate, date palm and coconut; vegetables such as onion, aubergines, cluster bean, okra, tomato, cabbage, cauliflower, chillies and garlic; and spices such as cumin, turmeric and coriander are grown. Cultivars developed for cultivation in these parts of India are described. Guava cultivars Gwalior-27 and Dharidar are promising. Pea cultivars Jawahar Mattar-1, JM-2 and JM-3 are promising. A few promising cultivars of dolichos bean [Lablab purpureus] (JDL-17, JDL-37, JDL-71, JDL-77, JDL-79 and JDL-152) have been bred which are promising.