Almond Farming in India: Best Varieties, Cultivation Guide & Health Benefits

Do you guys remember in our childhood we were forced to eat almonds on our exam days as our Indian mothers believed that almonds are the best source for sharpening memory and helping to learn fast?

Well! What if you get to know that they are absolutely correct, as almonds have long been associated with brain health and memory enhancement in Ayurveda, Unani medicine, and modern science? Let's understand almonds more deeply.

Exploring almond trees

1.  Almond trees have delicious nuts called almonds that are added to your daily dry fruits and belong to the rose family. These trees are the native to Middle East, Iran, and Central Asia, and are famous for their beautiful blooms.
2. The average height of an almond tree is 30 feet tall and has a lifespan of 25-30 years. In scientific language, it is called Prunus dulcis. This tree also produces pretty flowers with frangats in pink or white color, which are generally seen in late winter to early spring.
3. Along with the flowers, the almond tree also grows fruits that are named as a drupe which comprises a hard shell on the outside and a soft shell inside which covers the seeds completely. They are mostly cultivated for their seeds rather than flowers.
4. The entire process of extracting nuts from trees is done. When it reaches maturity, its shell splits open, which allows the dried almond fruit or nuts to be readily extracted from the hard, brittle shell.

Also Read: Walnuts in India - Top Varieties, Cultivation Guide, Health Benefits & Uses

Different varieties of almonds in India

India is popular for its diverse variety of almonds that are grown in different states. Sometimes it can be challenging to grow almonds due to unfavorable climates, or other requirements. Here are 3 different varieties of almonds:

Mamra Almonds

• Mamra almonds are commonly called mamra badam in local languages in India. 
• The unique taste and colour make it different from other varieties of almonds along with its exceptional health benefits.
• They are cervical in shape and light brown, in color with a delicate outer coating. It contains a high percentage of oil, approximately 50%, which contributes to its creamy texture. 
• If we talk about its taste, its taste is slightly sweet with a lot of nutty flavor, it gives a wonderful crunch and nutrients to your body.

Gurbandi almonds

• In India, Gurbandi almonds are famous with the name "Choti Giri," primarily cultivated in Afghanistan, and certain regions of India, such as Kashmir.
• These Almonds are comparably smaller than other varieties and have a distinctive shape. They are light brown in color and have a slightly wrinkled surface which makes them different from others. 
• It is bitter in taste and is mostly applicable to culinary use as it flourishes the food with its flavors. they contain a higher amount of oil as compared to California almonds which helps to increase the antioxidant nutrients in them.
• You can eat almonds without removing the peels or soaking them in water, unlike other almonds, to remove dirt and toxins. These almonds are mainly available in the markets of Punjab, Delhi, and Rajasthan.

California Almonds

• These almonds are widely consumed on a global level among other varieties of almonds, accounting for almost 80% of the world's almond production. Even they are considered a staple in many diets.
• One variety of California almonds is nonpareil almonds having a thin shell and smooth surface. These can be ideal snacks for your diet such as roasted and salted almonds.
• These almonds mostly thrive in Mediterranean climates with warm temperatures and take 2 to 3 years to bear fruits and flowers and fruits mature in the autumn season.
• Gujrat, Rajasthan, and Punjab are the states where these almonds are produced and sold in their native market.

Shalimar Almonds

• These almonds originate from Jammu and Kashmir and have unique and exceptional appearance, taste, and texture. They have a plump texture and oval shape which makes them the largest almond variety among others.
• These almonds are sweet and contain a lot of rich flavors, therefore they are mostly famous for a delightful aroma that enhances their culinary appeal.
• These almonds are rich in vitamin E which is a surplus nutrient to enhance eye health.

Cultivation of almonds in India

In India, almonds are majorly produced in northern states such as Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The Almond farming profit per acre in India ranges from ₹600 to ₹1,500 per kg. Cultivating almonds consists of various main steps from selecting the seeds to techniques of harvesting the almonds. Here are the steps:

1. Suitable climate

These require an ideal temperature of 30°C to 35°C. For thriving also they can survive in -22 degrees but only for a short period of time. The average altitude ranges from 750 to 3200 meters above sea level.

2. Soil requirement

Almonds are grown in well-drained loamy soil type which has a balanced pH between 7.0 to 8.5, Poor-drained soil can adversely affect the growth of plants and lead to root diseases.

3. Planting techniques

Popular varieties such as Nonpareil, Butte, and Gurbandi almonds, have their own suitable climate, and soil type to grow. They are planted by grafting onto suitable rootstocks, best planting time for them is typically from February to March.

4. Irrigation system

It is important to provide regular irrigation to the crops, especially during the establishment phase and kernel-filling stage in spring. The drip irrigation system mainly manages the irrigation process of almonds.

5. Pruning and maintenance

Regular pruning is an essential task for the healthy growth of plants which includes thinning branches that improve the air circulation, and sunlight to trees. Using balanced fertilizer will help to grow plants more effectively.

6. Harvesting

Almonds are mainly harvested in the months of July and September. It can be done by both the methods manually like using poles to shake the nuts from the trees and by machines. Preventing the fungal spread over the tree after harvesting requires hulling and drying to reduce moisture content to around 5-7%.

Also Read: Types of Millets in India

Nutritional health benefits of eating almonds

1. Support heart health: Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fat and magnesium which help to maintain the blood vessels and lower the bad cholesterol which leads to a healthy heart.
2. Weight management: Due to its high fiber and protein content it helps to achieve ideal weight by increasing the metabolism and abiding the extra craving of eating. 
3. Bone health: Almonds are packed with several nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus that help to maintain bone density and help in maintaining bone health.
4. Skin health: Almonds Contain vitamin E which helps to maintain skin health by protecting against UV damage and improving skin hydration.