Cherry Farming

About Cherry Farming:

• Cherries are delicious and nutritious fruits that belong to the genus Prunus.
• It is a delicate crop and extremely sensitive to extreme weather conditions.
• Having a very low shelf life, cherries cannot sustain heavy rains or high temperatures.
• The Kashmir Valley contributes to 95 per cent of the total cherry production in India.
• Eight cherry varieties grown in Kashmir include makhmali, siya, mishri, jaddi, Italy, dabal, vishkan and stela.
• Climate:
  • It requires cool weather conditions with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C during the growing season.
  • They also require a period of winter dormancy with temperatures below 7°C to induce flowering.
• Soil: The soil should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and have a pH between 6.0 to 7.5.
• Planting: Cherry trees can be propagated by grafting onto rootstocks. The ideal time for planting is during the winter months from December to February.
• Intercropping: Some suitable intercropping crops for cherry cultivation in India include legumes, such as peas and beans, and leafy vegetables, such as spinach and lettuce.
• Fertilization: Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied in adequate amounts to promote healthy growth and fruit development.
• Harvesting: Cherries can be harvested when they reach maturity, usually in late May to early June.
• Area of Cultivation: They are primarily grown in the northern regions of India, particularly in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.