About Pomegranate
India is the world's largest pomegranate producer, led by the deep-red Bhagwa variety grown on drylands in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Where Pomegranate Is Grown in Karnataka
The main pomegranate districts of Karnataka are Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Chitradurga, Koppal. Karnataka is India's leading producer of ragi, coffee, arecanut and silk, and a top producer of maize, tur, tomato, onion, flowers, grapes, pomegranate and coconut. Bengaluru is the centre of India's flower trade, and Davangere, Kalaburagi, Kolar and Byadgi host major crop markets.
Season in Karnataka
Three bloom seasons; supply most of the year. Exact arrival dates in Karnataka depend on local sowing and the monsoon, so check current arrivals before planning purchases.
How Pomegranate Is Sold in Karnataka
Farm produce is sold through regulated APMC market yards under the state's agricultural produce marketing law, run by the state agricultural marketing board, with many yards linked to eNAM. Karnataka was one of the first states to run a unified electronic market platform across its APMCs.
Other major markets in Karnataka
- Yeshwanthpur APMC, BengaluruOnion, potato, grainsAboutExplore
- K.R. Market and IFAB, BengaluruFlowersAboutExplore
- DavangereMaizeAboutExplore
- KalaburagiTurAboutExplore
- KolarTomatoAboutExplore
- ShivamoggaArecanutAboutExplore
- ByadgiChilliAboutExplore
State Agencies in Karnataka
Pomegranate has no minimum support price, so it is bought almost entirely by private traders, processors and exporters. State marketing bodies regulate the markets and support farmer producer organisations.
- Karnataka State Agricultural Marketing BoardRegulated marketsAboutExplore
- Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies CorporationRagi and paddy procurementAboutExplore
- CAMPCO and arecanut cooperativesArecanut marketingAboutExplore
Quality and Price Notes
Bhagwa (also sold as Kesar or Sinduri) is the leading commercial variety, with a deep red skin and red, soft-seeded arils that suit both domestic and export markets. Ganesh, Arakta, Mridula and the new Solapur Lal (a biofortified hybrid from ICAR-NRCP) are also grown.
Most fruit is sold fresh, graded by weight (from about 200 g to over 400 g), colour and freedom from cracks and spots. Processors extract ready-to-eat arils sold in cups, and juice and concentrate. Export orchards register on APEDA's AnarNet for residue control. India sends pomegranates to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, the UK, Bangladesh and Nepal, and has opened sea shipments to the USA and Australia.
Bacterial blight (oily spot) can destroy whole orchards in rainy years and cause shortages. The bloom season chosen by farmers spreads supply through the year, but prices are usually highest for hasta bahar fruit harvested in spring.
Buyers, Processors and Exporters
These companies and bodies buy, process or export pomegranate across India, including from Karnataka. Tap a name for details.
- INI Farms Pvt LtdExporter of bananas, pomegranates and grapes to about 35 countriesAboutExplore
- Freshtrop Fruits LtdAhmedabad · listed; grapes and pomegranate exporterAboutExplore
- KB Exports Pvt LtdMumbai · fresh fruit and vegetable exporter (KayBee)AboutExplore
- Sahyadri Farmers Producer Company LtdNashik · grapes, fruits and processingAboutExplore
- APEDAExport registration and residue control (GrapeNet, AnarNet, MangoNet)AboutExplore
Research and Advice in Karnataka
New varieties, crop advice and seed for pomegranate growers in Karnataka come from the state agricultural universities below and from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in each district.
- University of Agricultural Sciences, BengaluruBengaluruAboutExplore
- University of Agricultural Sciences, DharwadDharwadAboutExplore
- University of Horticultural SciencesBagalkotAboutExplore
Pomegranate in Other States
Maharashtra · Gujarat · Andhra Pradesh · Rajasthan
Related: Pomegranate – all India · Karnataka · All crops
Names are listed for reference only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation. The About and Explore buttons open Google in a new tab; results there are generated by Google and third parties, not by this site. Prices, MSP, export rules and schemes change often. Nothing here is financial, legal or purchasing advice. Full disclaimer