Sweet Harvests: The Journey of Peach Farming in India

Mothers are always concern to your health and always tries to give a healthy food and lifestyle thus they offers lots of fruits and vegetables for nutritional built in your body. 

Even doctors suggest eating lots of fruits for staying healthy  like oranges, apples, kiwi and peaches. 

If we talk about peaches then we bet you that you don't know the fun facts about  it like The phrase "peachy keen" originated from the happy glow people get when eating peaches. It also refers to the generosity of sharing peaches with neighbors in Europe.

Peaches have its own cultural traditional and health significance at global level as it is symbolised as the good luck in china. 

Peach wood is believed to ward off evil spirits. It is used in various forms, such as swords, wands, and combs, to protect against malevolent forces. Let's understand more deeply about peaches. 

What are peaches ? 

The peaches are round in shape with the fuzzy skin with soft texture and a juicy, drupaceous fruit from the tree Prunus persica, belonging to the rose family (Rosaceae).

 The average lifespan of this fruit is not exceed more than 20 years and typically grows to about 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 feet) in height when cultivated, although they can reach up to 6.5 meters (21 feet) naturally. 

The leaves of peaches are  lance-shaped, glossy green and usually 7–15 cm (3–6 inches) long and 2–4.5 cm (1–2 inches) wide also the flowers of peaches trees are pink, white, or occasionally red, and bloom in early spring before the leaves appear.

There is little difference between the peach fruit season in India as some states like Himachal Pradesh peaches begin at the end of June and continue until the end of July. However, there is a unique variety called 'Kateru' peaches, and ripe in the month of october. 

These peaches are mostly cultivated in himachal pradesh, jammu and kashmir, uttarakhand, punjab and assam in the northern east. 

Also Read: Strawberry farming in India

Peach varieties in India

There are several varieties of peaches cultivated in India, every variety has its own characteristics, taste and different climatic conditions across India, including both temperate and subtropical regions.

         1. Shan-e-Punjab: This variety is one of the popular and commercially cultivated peach                          varieties in India, particularly in regions like Punjab and Bihar. They are mostly known for                      their large size that ranges in maximum length of about 5.51 cm and a maximum fruit                          weight of approximately 58.59 grams.

• Shan-e-Punjab is noted for its high yield, with reports indicating up to 21.39 kg per tree, and mature in the first week of may. It is a low-chill variety, suitable for cultivation in subtropical regions like Jammu and Punjab, along with it having superb flavor, making them ideal for fresh consumption.

• The maturity of the fruit reaches in 76 days from full bloom, with harvesting usually occurring by the end of April. It is often grown as a grafted plant to enhance its growth and fruiting characteristics.

        3. Flordasun: This peach is mostly famous for its texture and appearance, typically having a                    yellow skin with a red blush, although specific color details for Flordasun are not extensively              documented in the provided sources. Along with that it is also known for its early maturity                  and high fruit quality.

• Flordasun is a low-chill variety, suitable for cultivation in subtropical regions where other peach varieties might not thrive.

        4. Red june peaches: The Red June peach variety is an early-season peach known for its                           vibrant  red skin and sweet, juicy flesh. The average size is medium to large, typically around               2 ½ inches in diameter. Flesh of this variety  is firm, juicy, and sweet, with a good balance of               sugar and acidity.

Also Read: Mulberries: Types, Benefits, Cultivation & Culinary Uses in India

Peach cultivation in india

There is a complete guide for cultivation high yield peach variety in favourable climate, soil and  regional conditions.Here is an overview of it: 

1. Soil preparation: Peaches plants mainly thrive in sandy loam soil rich in organic matter with good drainage. The ideal pH range is between 6.0 and 7.0, though some sources suggest a slightly broader range of 5.8 to 6.8. Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage
2. Planting: The time for planting peaches is in early spring, when the tree is dormant  in a location of a sunny area, standard peach trees need about 20 feet of space, while dwarf varieties require around 10-12 feet. Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the tree and Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the graft union is about 2 inches above the soil line. 
3. Watering and mulching process: Irrigate the tree thoroughly from the day of plantation and maintain regular watering, especially during the first few years. Also apply a 2–3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to control weeds and retain moisture. 
4. Fertilisers and weed management: Feed your peach trees with a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer to encourage flowering and fruiting. Also try to remove weeds from the crop land by using weedicides and integrated pest management techniques to control pests, apply insecticides like Chlorpyriphos to prevent damage.
5. Harvesting process: Peaches are typically ready for harvest 3 to 5 months after flowering, depending on the variety. Harvest peaches when they are slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma.

Health and nutritional benefits of eating peaches 

1. Peaches are rich in fibre content that helps to maintain the digestive health of the body by preventing constipation and bloating.
2. Peaches are a good source of potassium, which helps manage blood pressure by balancing sodium levels and relaxing blood vessel walls. 
3. Peaches contain vitamin C and various antioxidants like polyphenols and carotenoids, which boost immunity and protect against infections.
4. lutein and zeaxanthin content present in peaches are beneficial for eye health and can protect against age-related macular degeneration.
5. Peaches are a nutritious addition to a balanced diet, offering a range of health benefits that support overall well-being.