The Yogi Adityanath government is gearing up to revitalise Paniyala (Indian plums) fruit of Purvanchal, enhancing both its production and quality in Uttar Pradesh.
The Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture in Lucknow, affiliated with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, has been actively working on this initiative since last year. The district horticulture department of Gorakhpur and local progressive farmers are also contributing to these efforts.
CISH Director Dr T Damodaran, emphasised that the institute aims to enhance the yield and quality of paniyala.
Gardeners will receive canopy management training, facilitating orchard maintenance.
Historically, paniyala was plentiful in Purvanchal about five to six decades ago. However, today, it is found only in Gorakhpur, Deoria and Maharajganj districts of UP. The fruit is known for its unique flavor — sour, sweet, and slightly astringent notes. Its ripe, round, flat purple fruits develop a sweeter taste when shaken. Besides its distinctive flavor, paniyala is valued for its medicinal properties.
In order to enhance production and quality of paniyala, scientists from the CISH surveyed paniyala-dominant areas of Gorakhpur and nearby districts last year. Head scientists Dr Dushyant Mishra and Dr Sushil Kumar Shukla collected fruit samples from healthy plants.
The fruits will undergo physical and chemical analysis in the institute’s laboratory to assess their diversity. The best trees will be selected for preservation, and new plants will be produced through grafting to make them available to farmers and gardeners.
Dr Dushyant said, “During last year’s visit, the season had ended, and the fruit quality was subpar. Nevertheless, the collected fruits and plants are cultivated in a dedicated block. This year, around Dussehra, when paniyala is in peak season, the team will return to collect high-quality fruits for evaluation. The best specimens will be used to establish nurseries, which will then supply farmers.”
Dr Damodaran added, “The organisation will assist farmers with technology and market access.”
Paniyala is known for its antibacterial properties, which are found in its leaves, bark, roots and fruits. These properties make it beneficial for various stomach ailments, dental issues, bleeding gums, coughs, pneumonia, and itching. Additionally, the fruit is helpful for liver diseases and contains several antioxidants.
During the Chhath festival in eastern UP, paniyala fruit is sold for Rs 300 to Rs 400 per kilogram. In recognition of its value, the Government of India is working to designate this fruit as a geographical indicator of Gorakhpur.
Paniyala can also be preserved as jam, jelly or juice, extending its shelf life. It is valuable for wood, fuel and agricultural uses.
GI tagging is poised to be a game-changer for paniyala, a fruit that is a treasure trove of medicinal properties. This designation is expected to ignite a surge in its demand, potentially catapulting it to the status of a distinguished product of Gorakhpur, akin to the revered Terracotta.
Dr SP Singh, senior horticulture scientist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Belipar (Gorakhpur), explained that the benefits of GI tagging would extend beyond Gorakhpur’s farmers to include gardeners from neighbouring districts such as Deoria, Kushinagar, Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, Basti, Sant Kabir Nagar, Bahraich, Gonda and Shravasti. These districts share the same agroclimatic zone, resulting in similar agricultural product qualities.
It is worth mentioning here that the GI tag legally protects regional agricultural products, preventing unauthorised use and enhancing their significance. It also acts as a trademark on the international stage, boosting exports and increasing local income.
Paniyala farming yields higher profits compared to traditional crops. A few years ago, R Dubey of the UP State Biodiversity Board visited Paras Nishad’s home in Karamha village within the Karamhiya assembly area. At that time, Paras had nine paniyala trees.
In October, the fruit sold for Rs 60-90 per kilogram, and he earned approximately Rs 3,300 per tree. Today, the price has increased five to six times, leading to a corresponding rise in income. Notably, the trees grow to about nine metres in height, making them relatively easy to maintain.
