Fruits
Fruits have been recognized as a good source of vitamins and minerals, and for their role in preventing Vitamin C and Vitamin A deficiencies. People who eat fruit as part of an overall healthy diet generally have a reduced risk of chronic diseases. Eating a diet rich in fruit may reduce risk for stroke, Cardiovascular diseases and type-2 diabetes.
Mango and Banana are the leading fruit crops in Tamil Nadu accounting for over 81% of the total fruit production. Mango holds nearly 53% of total fruits area. Mango contains high level of vitamin c, fibre and pectin making it a perfect fruit that helps in controlling high cholesterol level. Off-season production of Mango and round the year production of Grapes is the unique feature of Tamil Nadu. Bananas are one of the best fruit sources of vitamin B6 and potassium, Potassium in banana is good for heart health and maintains normal blood pressure.
Pomegranates are not only delicious and beautiful; they're also one of the most nutritious fruits you can eat. It has 82% water and about 50 calories. It is an excellent source of potassium (199 mg) and a good source of fiber and low in calories.
Guava today has picked up market. Guava predominates and it is valued for processing. 'Redland', the first named cultivar in Florida, was developed at the University of Florida. The Other cultivars are'Supreme' , 'Red Indian', 'Ruby', 'Lucknow 42', Lucknow 49', 'Safeda'–'Smooth Green', 'Allahabad'–Kerala,'Nagpur Seedless' 'Seedless' 'Red-fleshed', 'Wickramasekara'.The guava thrives both in humid and dry climates.
Papaya is gaining importance nowadays because of the medicinal properties and rich nutrients. Papaya fruit is rich in nutrients and carries a wide range of amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals and ensures strengthening the bones, preventing muscle cramping and increasing energy. There are two types of papaya, Hawaiian and Mexican. Papayas need a light, well-drained soil. Papayas are normally propagated by seed and cuttings.
The other common fruits of Tamil Nadu are Amla, Sapota, Water Melon Jack, ect.,
| SI.NO | Name of the Crop | Area(Ha) | Production (M.T) | Productivity (M.T/ha) | Major Fruit Growing Districts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mango | 1,52,569 | 12,68,017 | 8.31 | Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, Vellore and Tiruvallur |
| 2 | Banana | 82,632 | 32,05,035 | 38.79 | Erode, Thoothukudi, Dindigul, Coimbatore and Kanyakumari |
| 3 | Lemon | 9,652 | 1,57,910 | 16.36 | Dindigul, Thirunelveli, Theni, Thoothukudi and Virudhunagar |
| 4 | Guava | 9,691 | 1,55,058 | 16.00 | Dindigul, Madurai, Vellore, Virudhunagar and Cuddalore |
| 5 | Water Melon | 9,095 | 2,16,316 | 23.78 | Kancheepuram, Viluppuram, Thiruvallur, Thiruvannamalai and Erode. |
| 6 | Amla | 7,435 | 1,52,868 | 20.56 | Dindigul, Thirunelveli, Tiruppur, Sivagangai and Theni |
| 7 | Sapota | 5,761 | 1,69,957 | 29.50 | Dindigul, Vellore, Virudhunagar, Thirunelveli and Theni |
| 8 | Jack fruit | 2,371 | 64,266 | 27.10 | Cuddalore, Dindigul, Kanyakumari, Namakkal and Pudukkottai |
| 9 | Grapes | 2,160 | 58,927 | 27.27 | Theni, Dindigul and Coimbatore |
| 10 | Papaya | 1,525 | 1,41,584 | 92.83 | Dharmapuri, Erode and Vellore |
During 2018-19 and 2019-20 the State focus will be towards increased production of quality planting materials in SHFs, High density planting and massive promotion of MI, particularly in Banana and other fruit crops.
