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 Maharashtra
The main pomegranate districts of Maharashtra are Solapur, Sangli, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Pune. Maharashtra is India's leading producer of onion, grapes, pomegranate, banana (with Gujarat and Andhra), tur, soybean, cotton and sugarcane, and of Alphonso mango and Nagpur orange. Its mandis at Lasalgaon, Latur, Sangli, Solapur and Vashi are among the best known in India.
Season in Maharashtra
Three bloom seasons; supply most of the year. Exact arrival dates in Maharashtra depend on local sowing and the monsoon, so check current arrivals before planning purchases.
How Pomegranate Is Sold in Maharashtra
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. Maharashtra has been a leader in FPO-led marketing and in allowing direct sales outside APMC yards for fruits and vegetables.
Key markets for Pomegranate in Maharashtra
- Vashi APMC, Navi MumbaiFruits, vegetables, AlphonsoAboutExplore
- SolapurOnion, pomegranate, jowarAboutExplore
Other major markets in Maharashtra
- Lasalgaon and PimpalgaonOnion, tomato, grapesAboutExplore
- LaturTur, soybeanAboutExplore
- SangliTurmeric, raisinsAboutExplore
- Kalamna, NagpurOrangeAboutExplore
- JalgaonBanana, cottonAboutExplore
State Agencies in Maharashtra
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.
- Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB)Regulated markets, export facilitiesAboutExplore
- MahaFPC (Maharashtra Farmer Producer Companies)FPO procurement and 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 Maharashtra. 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 Maharashtra
New varieties, crop advice and seed for pomegranate growers in Maharashtra come from the state agricultural universities below and from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in each district.
- Mahatma Phule Krishi VidyapeethRahuriAboutExplore
- Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi VidyapeethAkolaAboutExplore
- Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi VidyapeethParbhaniAboutExplore
- Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi VidyapeethDapoliAboutExplore
Pomegranate in Other States
Karnataka · Gujarat · Andhra Pradesh · Rajasthan
Related: Pomegranate – all India · Maharashtra · 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