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Aloe, known for laxative property is one of the old natural remedies that have emerged as modern miracle drug. Popularly known as ‘nature’s sun screen’ has growing use as skin tonic in cosmetic industry and as a nutraceutical. Aloes are also quite popular among succulent ornamental plants because of their stiff, harsh and rugged habit and are commonly grown in deserts and other dry situations. Genus Aloe is indigenous to African continent and Mediterranean countries such as Greece and Southern Italy, and got naturalized in arid tracts of India. In India, Aloe barbadensis is cultivated on a small scale in Rajastan, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat (CSIR, 1998).

Botany

Genus Aloe belonging to Liliaceae comprises 275 species distributed in Africa, Asia and America. Forty-two species belong to Madagascar region, 12-15 to Arabian Peninsula and rest are distributed over tropical South Africa. Aloe barbadensis, A. ferox and A. arborescens are used as herbal drugs. In India, only four species occur and of these, Aloe barbadensis is the most widely naturalized species. These taxa comprise several varieties viz., officinalis, chinensis, littoralis and they cross freely and several intermediary forms occur in semi wild state.

Good Agricultural Practices

Guidelines for Good Agricultural Practices of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants is intended to apply to the growing and primary processing of all such plants traded and used in food, feed, pharmaceutical, flavouring and perfume industries. The main aim is to ensure that the raw material meets the demands of the consumer and maintains standards of the highest purity. Important aspects are that, these are produced hygienically, in order to reduce microbial load to a minimum, and are produced with care, so that the negative impacts affecting plant during cultivation, processing and storage can be minimised. The guidelines provide guidance for producers to reduce raw material contamination to the lowest level. This document can be used in bilateral relationship between the supplier and the customer and the products documentation is regarded confidentiall (EUROPAM).

Medicinal plants and their various products are extensively utilized not only in traditional systems of medicine but also in modern medicine throughout the world. In recent times, they have also attracted attention of scientists encompassing various disciplines of medicine and biotechnology for search of new drug molecules and modern drug development. Although several research strategies are followed for drug development only the traditional, empirical and molecular methods/strategies are mostly applied. There is also need of scientific validation for safety, efficacy and rational use of traditional form of medicine along with development of standards for identity, purity and strength (Singh and Bagchi, 2002).

Approaches of Drug Developement

Following approaches are generally employed to discover and invent new therapeutic agents from plants viz. screening of plant materials, identification of active constituents, pharmacological and clinical evaluation and drug design.

Phytochemistry

Pytochemistry is concerned with enormous variety of organic substances that are elaborated and accumulated by plants and deals with chemical structures of these substances and biosynthesis, and their natural distribution and biological function. Chemical constituents of plants can be classified in different ways. Based on biosynthetic origin, solubility properties and presence of certain key functional groups, it is classified as phenolic compounds, substances that are readily recognized by their hydrophilic nature and by their common origin from aromatic precursor shikimic acid. Terpenoids share lipid properties and a biosynthetic origin from isopentenyl pyrophosphate (Fig. 1). Organic acids, lipids, alkenes and related hydrocarbons, polyacetylenes and sulphur compounds are derived biosynthetically from acetate. Nitrogen compounds of plants like amino acids, amines, alkaloids, cynogenic glycosides, indoles, purines, pyramidines and cytokinins and chlorophyll are basic substances recognized by their positive responses to either ninhydrin or Dragendorff reagent. Monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, sugar alcohols and cyclitols are water-soluble carbohydrates and their derivatives. Macromolecules of plants such as nucleic acids, proteins and polysaccharides are easily separated from other constituents by their high molecular weights (Harborne, 1984). Some of the therapeutically active compounds are discussed below:

Plants have been a major source of therapeutic agents since time immemorial. The increasing acceptance of traditional herbal systems of medicine, like Ayurveda, within India and outside has resulted in the revival of ancient traditions of medicine. Medicinal plants and their derivatives are thus looked upon not only as a source of affordable healthcare but also as an important commodity item of international trade and commerce. As per World Health Organization estimates, traditional medicines, mostly plant drugs, cater to the health needs of nearly 80% of the world population. The medicinal plant related trade is growing rapidly every year due to the growing recognition of natural products being non-narcotic, with relatively less side effects and being easily available at affordable costs.

In India, medicinal plant sector has traditionally occupied an important position in the socio-economic, cultural and spiritual arena of rural and tribal lives. About 8000 flowering plants, 650 lichens, 650 algae, 200 pteridophytes and 150 bryophytes are attributed with medicinal properties. The Indian coded systems encompasses a large number of treaties on recognized systems of medicine viz. Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha. The Ayurvedic system of medicine, which cater to the health needs of a major segment of population currently utilizes as many as 1000 single drugs and over 8000 compound formulations of recognized merit. Other systems of medicine viz. Siddha, Unani and Amchi (Tibetan) systems of medicine together utilize about 1800-1900 medicinal species. Many medicinal plants are the source of clinically useful prescription drugs being used in modern systems of medicine. Also incredible knowledge on phyto medicine is acquired in non-coded form by tribals and rural community, as is clear from evidences related to folklore medicine. Recognizing their importance, medicinal plant sector has been identified as one of the key areas by the Government of India and the Department of Indian System of Medicine and Homeopathy.

Agronomic Research

Statistical tools are used in all branch of agriculture. It is mainly used for efficient planning of experiments and for interpreting experimental data. A good researcher should be aware of statistical techniques, which helps not only summarization of data but also interpretation of data.

10.1. Parameters Used in Statistics

Population

The aggregate or totality of all possible objects possessing the specified characteristic is called a population. Thus, a population may consist of all plants in a plot or field.

Sample

A portion of the population is known as sample. For statistical inferences about a population from a sample, it is essential that the samples are representative of the population.

Cost of Cultivation

The expenditure incurred from sowing to harvest including the field preparation can be worked out and expressed in Rs. ha^-1.

Gross Return

Total income obtained from multiplication of unit cost of main product as well as byproducts and its total yield and expressed in Rs. ha^-1.

Net Return

Net return is obtained by subtracting cost of cultivation from gross return and expressed in Rs. ha^-1.

Net return = Gross return – total cost of cultivation

The thrust of Indian Agriculture in the post green revolution period was an enhancing agricultural productivity through sustainable practices. In order to achieve its, the government of India implemented a national level programme for the development of rainfed areas through the watershed approach. A watershed is a community-based programmes that is organized in a specifically earmarked area with a defined time frame and focuses on a wide range of issues and activities for integrated development of the village. The main focus is laid on water, food and fodder security and employment generation

The watershed approach aimed at augmentation and stabilization of production and productivity, minimizing ecological degradation, reduction in regional disparity, opening up of greater opportunities for employment of rural poor in the rainfed areas. A similar approach has been adopted for developing the more resource poor areas — drought prone, desert and wastelands — and to provide sustainable means of livelihoods to the rural poor in these areas. Promotion on the economic development of the village community, optimum utilization of the watershed’s natural resources like land, water, vegetation, employment generation and development of the human and other economic resources of the village and encourage restoration of ecological balance in the village are the main objectives of watershed development programmes.

Comparison of different cropping systems with reference to land use and yield advantages is possible through various efficiency indices. The various cropping and farming systems practiced in an area have to be properly evaluated to decide their suitability and relative advantages. The comparisons can be made with reference to many factors viz., yield, monetary, water use efficiency, nutrient use efficiency, total dry matter production, intensity of land use etc., The cropping as well as farming systems research are being perused at national level with major focus for identification of location specific efficient systems since 1990. However, on perusal of research publications we find that the data of cropping systems are interpreted in different ways with major focus only on production and net return on hectare basis. In fact, these two aspects are not the indicator of the efficiency of a particular system. Many advances have been made in recent years to identify the efficient system for a particular location. Some of the methodologies, which are of concern to crop scientists in general and agronomists in particular, are highlighted here for ready reference to the researchers, agronomists and crop planners. Different indicators of system efficiency are as follows (Gangwar et al., 2003).

Weed management practices are evaluated for its efficiency in terms of effective control of weeds and economics of control measures through various indices under sole crop situation as well as intercrop situation.

6.1. Indices for Sole Crop Situation

The absolute effect of particular method or a chemical in reducing the weed competitions and increasing the crop productivity are measured effectively by various indices. The comparisons of weed control methods are usually based on the yield, weed population and weed dry matter from the control as well as treated plots.

Agricultural water consumes about 85% of the available water. The future hopes to solve world’s food problem lies in irrigation development. Considering the need of efficient management of water, which is crucial at this point understanding of different efficiencies of the irrigation related experiments or projects, is necessary. Irrigation efficiency is used to evaluate how effectively the available water is used in crop production. Water is conveyed through canal system, watercourses and channels to crop fields. Irrigation is applied to store water in the effective root zone of soil for use of crops. A considerable loss occurs after its diversion from sources to its actual use by crops. The extent of water loss in the process decides the irrigation efficiency. Irrigation efficiency declines as the water loss increases. A high efficiency of an irrigation project is always desirable. The efficiency may be estimated for various operations beginning from diversion of water to its actual use by crops, uniformity in its distribution in the root zone, its use for crop productivity, economics and so on.

Importance of nutrient management in crop production can be very well explained by conducting various field trails by different fertilizer nutrient, methods of application and sources of fertilizer. Experiments on nutrient management are being carried out to study the impact of nutrient application, new techniques of fertilizer application, sources and doses of fertilizers on plant growth, yield and soil fertility and their efficiency over existing one was elucidated through various efficiency indices. The following efficiencies are normally being used in nutrient management studies.

3.1. Growth Analysis

Growth and development analysis of plants provides information related to influence of various factors either negative or positive on plant growth. The basic idea of this analysis is the estimation of crop growth at various stages and finally towards the yield. It will help us to understand the performance of a genotype as well as impact of agronomic practices on the crop at any stage of growth and also on final yield. This would also identify the factors responsible for high yield and thereby provide the basis to tailor agronomic practices. The most common parameters used in growth analysis are leaf area index, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate and leaf area duration.

2.1. Rainfall

Rainfall is one of the prime natural resource that decide the economy of a country. Inadequate and improper distribution of rainfall during cropping period will have serious threat to crop production resulted in food insecurity of growing population. So each and every action must be focused to conserve every drop of rainfall in an effective way and the conserved rainfall should be utilized in an efficient manner for crop production.

Food security of a country can be achieved through advanced agricultural research, followed by efficient and effective transfer of technologies. Unlike laboratory experiments, agronomic experiments are being conducted at open environment which leads to lot of variations in outcome/results due to influences of unpredictable weather condition and heterogenic soil characters even though proper adoption of local control. Results of an experiment can be expressed in different ways to make the clients to understand easily recordable output data viz., growth attributes, yield parameters and yield, laboratory analyses data like soil and crop nutrient status and quality parameters of the produce. Nutrient management studies should focus the efficiency of particular fertilizer nutrient over others, methods of fertilizer application, contribution of nutrients to crops from soil and fertilizer etc. Similarly, water management experiments would explain the water conveyance, application and storage efficiencies, suitability of method of irrigation, water saving techniques and water use efficiency of different crops as well as agronomic practices etc. In weed management experiments, the efficiency of particular herbicide in terms of controlling weeds, and increasing crop yields have to be expressed by various efficiency indices. Weed suppression ability of an intercrop can be explained by smothering efficiency.

The English walnut (Juglans regia) is a native of Western and Central Asia. The nut was the food of the royalty and was introduced by the Greeks in Rome, where it became Juglans, a name derived from Jovis and glans, meaning Jupiter’s Acorn or the ‘Nut of the Gods’. The English walnut tree, also known as the Common, Persian or Royal walnut tree, is an ancient tree with many uses, most notably for its use as timber and for the walnut fruit. The common walnut tree has been used as a food, beauty aid, medicine and natural health supplement. In China the tree is used horticulturally in classical garden design.

Strawberries one of the best fruits of the world are native to North America. Strawberry fruits are aggregates made up of several small fruits, each with one seed called an achene. The flesh of the strawberry is actually an enlarged receptacle, non-reproductive material. The word strawberry comes from the old English streawberige, most likely because the plant sends out runners which could be linked to pieces of straw. The name Strawberry was also derived from the berries that are “strewn” about on the plants, and “strewn berry” eventually became “Strawberry”. Strawberry is a delicious fruit taken fresh in several ways. It also makes excellent ice cream and jam on account of its rich aroma. 

Sapota or sapodilla popularly known as Chiku is native to tropical America where it is mainly grown for its chickle, “the gutta parcha” extracted from its latex from stems. It is used as a base material in chewing gum and in some other industrial uses. However, in India it is cultivated for its delicious sweet fruits. The fruit is fleshy berry, variable in shape, size and weight. The skin is thin, rusty brown somewhat scurfy looking like Irish potato, and the pulp soft, melting, crumbling with a sandy or granular texture with 1–5 hard black seeds. The fruit has an exceptionally sweet malty flavour. 

Raspberries are grown for the fresh fruit market and for commercial processing. There are many species of raspberry but the name originally referred with the red fruit to the European species Rubus idaeus. The English name comes from an old English term “raspis”, which refers to the slightly hairy or “rasping” surface of the fruit. The raspberry can be of any colour from orange, pink, red, purple to black. Rubus albescens also known as Mysore raspberry is native to India. It is also called Snowpeaks, Ceylon or Hill raspberry. 

Pomegranate commonly known as ‘anar’ is an ancient favourite table fruit of tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world.  The pomegranate tree is native from Iran to the Himalayas in northern India and has been cultivated since ancient times throughout the Mediterranean region of Asia, Africa and Europe. The word pomegranate comes from the Latin “Pomum granatum” which means “apple of many seeds.” The Romans called it the Punic apple. Ancient Romans not only enjoyed the succulent flesh of this fruit but due to the high amount of tannic acid in the skins, they also used the skins in the process of tanning leather. Perhaps due to the fruit’s princely blossom crown, it has gained distinction as a royal fruit. “Pomum granatum” or seeded apple was the name which was known in the middle ages. The French named their hand-tossed explosive a grenade after the seed-scattering properties of the pomegranate fruit.

A plum or gage is a stone fruit tree in the genus Prunus. The European plum is thought to have been discovered around two thousand years ago, originating in the area near the Caspian Sea, while Japanese plums actually originated in China. However, they derived their name from the country where much of their cultivation and development have occurred. Mature plum fruit may have a dusty-white coating that gives them a glaucous appearance and is easily rubbed off. This is an epicuticular wax coating and is known as “wax bloom”. Plum fruit tastes sweet and/or tart; the skin may be particularly tart. It is juicy and can be eaten fresh or used in jam-making or other recipes. Plum juice can be fermented into plum wine; when distilled, this produces a brandy known as Slivovitz or Rakia in Eastern Europe. Dried plums (or prunes) are also sweet and juicy and contain several antioxidants. 

Pineapple is the second most popular tropical fruit next to bananas. It is also known as Piña, Nanas and Ananas. Native to South America, it was named for its resemblance to a pine cone but it is neither a pine nor an apple. When Christopher Columbus made his second voyage to the Caribbean’s in 1493, he and his crew ate the unusual fruit they found there. They thought the fruit looked like a pine cone, so they dubbed it the “Pine of the Indies.” When they introduced it to the English later on, they added the word “apple” because they thought it should be associated with another delicious fruit that people enjoyed. Thus, the name “pineapple” came into existence. In their natural form, every variety of pineapple has a rough, diamond-pattern skin. Their tastes vary slightly, though they all basically have the same juicy, tart taste. 

Japanese persimmons were introduced into the United States from Japan by Admiral Perry who discovered the fruit growing on the coast of Southern Japan in 1851. It is regarded as the national fruit of Japan and several improved cultivars have been developed there. It is the one of the easiest tree fruits to grow in the home landscape and also the most beautiful especially in fall when the foliage turns to brilliant colours and huge orange fruits hang from the tree like ornaments.

The English term pecan comes from the Algonquian Indian word paccan or pakan, meaning a nut so hard that it had to be cracked with a stone or a nut requiring a stone to crack. Pecan nut is native to North America and United States produces about eighty per cent of the world’s pecans. The Spaniards called it a “type of walnut”. Subsequently, the French turned it into “La Pacaniere”. Eventually, the name pecan nut was created. The nuts of the pecan are edible, with a rich buttery flavour. They can be eaten fresh or used in cooking, particularly in sweet desserts.

Chinese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) is a pear tree species native to China, Japan and Korea. The tree’s edible fruit is known by many names, including Asian pear, nashi or nashi pear, Korean pear, Japanese pear, Taiwan pear, sand pear or apple pear. In South Asia, the fruit is known as Nashpati. The tree is a popular symbol of spring in East Asia and is a common sight in gardens and the countryside. The European pear (Pyrus communis) is a species of pear native to Central and Eastern Europe and Southwest Asia. The European pear is one of the most important fruit of temperate regions.

The word persica, along with the “peach” itself and its cognates in many European languages, derives from an early European belief that peaches were native to Persia. Alexander the Great and his armies found the peaches in Persia and brought them to Greece. Most of the peaches grown in commercial orchards today are fruits that are harvested while too firm with a seed that clings to the pulp called a “clingstone” peach. The best flavoured peaches ripen soft and the seed easily separates from the edible portion, and these are called “freestone” peaches.

The purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is a native of the rainforest margins in the Amazon region of Brazil. Passion fruit acquired its name from Spanish missionaries who thought that parts of the plant’s flower resembled different religious symbols such as the crown of thorns. Passion fruit grows on a vine in tropical regions. It has a tough, smooth, waxy rind that can be either yellow or purple. The flavour is like a cross between melon and guava. Passion fruits get sweeter as they shrivel. The fruit will quickly turn from green to deep purple (or yellow) when ripe and then fall to the ground within a few days. They can either be picked when they change colour or gathered from the ground each day.

The papaya, papaw or pawpaw is the fruit of the plant Carica papaya, commonly known as ‘melon tree’ in the genus Carica. It is native to the tropics of the America. This highly loved tropical fruit was reputably called “The Fruit of the Angels” by Christopher Columbus. Papaya is considered powerhouse of nutrients as it is rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins viz. A, B, C, minerals like potassium and magnesium and fiber. Together, these nutrients needed for function of a healthy immune system, promote the health of the cardiovascular system and also provide protection against colon cancer. In addition, papaya contains the digestive enzyme, papain, which helps in digestion and is widely used in industry for various purposes. 

The olive is native to the Mediterranean region, tropical and central Asia and various parts of Africa. Historically, olive tree was symbol of ‘Peace and Goodwill’. Olive oil has long been considered sacred; it was used to anoint kings and athletes in ancient Greece. It was burnt in the sacred lamps of temples as well as being the “eternal flame” of the original Olympic Games. Olive oil produces many health benefits when used in cooking or when poured over salads. The use of olive oil can improve digestion and can benefit heart metabolism through its low content of cholesterol. Experts claim that olive oil consumption can cause a person to grow shiny hair, prevent dandruff, wrinkles, dry skin and acne, strengthen nails, stop muscle aching, lower blood pressure and cancel out the effects of alcohol. The nutritional value of olives also includes the high vitamin E content. Olives also have high amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids which also act as antioxidants. Apart from this olives are good source of iron, copper, and dietary fiber. 

Mangosteen named after the French priest and explorer Laurentiers Garcin is thought to have originated in Southeast Asia. It was said to be Queen Victoria’s favourite fruit. The correlation of Queen Victoria with the mangosteen is probably related to the fact that numerous people have referred to it as the “Queen of Fruits”. It is one of the most praised tropical fruits and certainly the most esteemed fruit. Most people enjoy mangosteen and the fruit now categorized as a “super fruit” has a ready market in western countries where it is considered a tropical delicacy. Mangosteen is primarily consumed as a fresh fruit.

Mango is the national fruit of India which has been cultivated in India from time immemorial. It is indigenous to India and dates back to around 4000 BC. The wild mango is said to have been originated in the foothills of Himalayas in India and Burma. The mango was cultivated as early as 2000 BC. Gradually, the wild mango developed into an exotic, richly flavoured succulent fruit that is enjoyed even today. In the early stages of domestication, fruits were probably very small and fibrous without much flesh. The Mughals and Portuguese selected and grew mango plants for generations. Centuries of development have produced varieties of mangoes free from both fibre and unpleasant flavour. This eventually led to larger fruits with thick flesh that we are familiar with today. The Chinese traveler Huien T’sang, who visited Hindustan between 632 and 645 A.D., was the first person, so far as known, to bring the mango to the notice of the outside world.

The Loquat is a fruit of south eastern Chinese origin and it is comparable with its distant relative, the apple, in many aspects such as high sugar, acid and pectin contents. It is mostly eaten as a fresh fruit and it mixes well with other fruits in fresh fruit salads. Pies or tarts are made from firm, slightly immature fruits. A major part of total produce is used for fresh consumption, however, it can also be used for making value added products like jelly, jam, preserves, juice and squash.  Loquat syrup is used in Chinese medicine for soothing the throat like a cough drop. The flowers are regarded as having expectorant properties. It is good source of vitamin A, potassium, fiber, carbohydrates and is low in cholesterol. 

Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) a native of China, is grown in India since 18th century. It is member of the genus Litchi in the soapberry family, Sapindaceae. The name of the fruit is derived from the Chinese word lee chee which means “one who gives the pleasures of life”. Litchi is also known as the “fruit of romance” in China. The most important use of litchi is as table fruit in ripe form although it is also used in processed forms such as squash. The fresh fruit has a “delicate, whitish pulp” with a “perfume” flavour. Eating litchi can benefit those suffering from colds, fever and sore throats. Great source of Vitamin C and potassium, it also contains phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and protein. According to a Chinese book, the nature of the flesh of the litchi is warm and it can helps improveing the blood circulation. The Chinese also use litchi for medicinal purposes and for making wine. 

Kiwifruit or Chinese gooseberry (Actinidia deliciosa) is known as ‘China’s miracle fruit, and ‘the horticultural wonder of New Zealand’. From China it spread to New Zealand where it was recognized as a potential fruit and became a popular backyard vine. The name “Kiwifruit” comes from the Kiwi, a brown flightless bird and New Zealand’s national symbol. It has a fibrous, dull brown-green skin and bright green or golden flesh with rows of tiny, black, edible seeds. The fruit has a soft texture and a unique flavour and today it is a commercial crop in countries like Italy, China, and New Zealand. It is native to Southern China, where it was known as Yang Tao (sunny peach). It is known as “Chinese Gooseberry”, because of its visual resemblance to gooseberry.

Jamun is tall evergreen tree indigenous to India.  According to Hindu tradition, Rama subsisted on the fruit in the forest for 14 years during his exile from Ajodhya, because of this, many Hindus regard jamun as a ‘Fruit of the Gods’. It is known by different names in different regions of India: these names are java plum, black plum, jambul and Indian blackberry. Though the fruits of jamun are liked by all and sell at a good price, but it has still not grown as an orchard tree and is generally known as an avenue tree or as a wind break. Jamun is a hardy fruit plant which can be grown under adverse soil and climatic conditions. It is one of the hardiest fruit tree and best suited for wastelands. It is drought tolerant and at the same time can tolerate water stagnation as well as marshy wetlands. 

Jackfruit is believed to be indigenous to the rain forests of the Western Ghats of India and the name “Jack fruit” is derived from the Portuguese word Jaca, which in turn, is derived from the Malayalam language term, Chakka. The jackfruit has played a significant role in Indian agriculture for centuries. Archeological findings in India have revealed that jackfruit was cultivated in India 3000 to 6000 years ago. During the season, each tree bears as many as 250 large fruits, supposed to be the largest tree-borne fruit in the world. The fruit varies widely in size, weigh from 3 to 30 kg and has oblong or round shape measuring 10 cm to 60 cm in length and above 25 to 75 cm in diameter. 

Hazelnut is also known as a cob nut or filbert nut according to species. The hazelnut was native to the Black Sea coast long before our era, where it was found growing wild. Turkey is one of the few countries in the world having a favourable climate for hazelnut production. Hazelnuts are extensively used in confectionery to make praline and also used in combination with chocolate for chocolate truffles and products such as Nutella. Hazelnut oil recovered from hazelnuts is strongly flavoured and used as cooking oil. Hazelnuts are a good source of energy with 60.5 per cent fat content. Hazelnuts have been ranked as one of the most nutritious nuts because they supply significant amounts of protein and fiber, vitamin E and B, minerals like iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium and potassium. 

Guava is native to tropical America, commonly known as ‘Apple of Tropics’ and it has got much greater health benefits than apple, therefore, it is also known as ‘Poor man’s Apple’. It is widely grown in the tropics, enriching the diet of million of people in the world. Guava has spread widely throughout the world because it thrives in a variety of soils, propagated easily and bears fruit relatively quickly in comparison with other fruits. At the beginning of the 16th century the Portuguese introduced it throughout the Pacific as far as the Philippines and the Spanish took it to India. 

Grape cultivation is one of the most remunerative farming enterprises in India. Considered the “Food of Gods” by the ancients, the little juicy ball holds more mysteries than we can think of. Classified by biologists as a ‘true’ berry, it has fleshy insides all the way to the tiny seed, making it a strong powerhouse of nutrition and energy. As one of nature’s richest source of antioxidants, the grape is priceless in its nutritional value. In fact many dieticians believe that it helps lower the incidence of two of the deadliest diseases in the urban world- coronary disease and cancer. In its juice form, the grape is known to cleanse the liver and remove excess uric acid from the body. One interesting but little known fact is that grape seeds are healthier than the fruit itself. They contain powerful antioxidants serving to prevent premature ageing, disease and decay. Grapes, one of the most delicious fruits, are rich sources of vitamins A, C, and B6. In addition to this they contain essential minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and magnesium.

Fig is one of those fruits which are known to mankind since early ages. Legend maintains that the Fig was the “Autumn Fruit’ as revealed by the Greek Goddess, Demeter, and the tree is still held sacred in most parts of the Mediterranean. The fig’s nutritional value is so high that it is often referred to as the ‘Fitness Fruit’. It is a rich source of dietary fiber. It contains a good amount of vitamins and various useful minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, etc. The matured fruit has a tough peel either pure green, green suffused with brown, brown or purple. The interior is a white containing a seed mass bound with jelly-like flesh.

Durian, an exotic fruit, native to Malayasia and Indonesia, is considered to be the ‘King of all fruits’ in South East Asia. The term ‘Durian’ has been derived from the Malay word ‘Duri’ which means thorn. The fruit has a tough, thick, thorny husk that resembles the husk of jackfruit. The notorious odor has given rise to the unflattering terms like “Civet Cat Tree”, and “Civet Fruit” in India and “Stinkvrucht” in Dutch. Durian is delicious, soft and succulent with a distinctive sulphuric smell. It is characterized by the rich, buttery smooth and luscious flesh. The fruit is distinctive for its large size, unique odour and formidable thorn-covered husk. The fruit is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber and energy. Some of the other durian fruit benefits are their high iron content and lack of cholestrol. It is rich in vitamin B, C and E, as well as in amino acids. The jelly is prepared from over ripe fruits which is sour in taste.

Phoenix dactylifera commonly known as the true date palm, is a palm in the genus Phoenix, cultivated for its edible sweet fruits. The fruit’s English name as well as the Latin species name dactylifera, both come from the Greek word for “finger,” Daktulos, because of the fruit’s elongated shape. The date palm is believed to have originated in the lands around the Persian Gulf. Date palms are said to thrive with their “feet in water and heads in the sun” because they need plenty of ground water but high heat and arid weather to produce fruit. Therefore, date palms grow best in hot and arid climates.

The custard apple is believed to be a native of the West Indies but it was carried in early times to southern Mexico through Central America. The custard apple, is generally rated as “ugly duckling” species among the prominent members of the genus Annona. It is sometimes erroneously termed “sugar apple” or “sweetsop”. The custard-apple is also called bullock’s heart or bull’s heart. The name “Custard Apple” is due to its custard like taste. The fruit has a peculiar aroma which makes a sweet drink and can be used as a milk substitute. Custard apple fruit with a sugary, grainy taste is rich in calories. The fruits are packed with vitamins (A, B and C) and minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium). The fruit flesh can be scooped from the skin and eaten as is or served with light cream and a sprinkling of sugar. Often it is pressed through a sieve and added to milk shakes, custards or ice cream.

Coconuts are the fruit of the coconut palm, botanically known as Cocos nucifera, where nucifera means “nut-bearing”. The fruit-bearing palms are native to Malaysia and southern Asia. The coconut has been regarded as ‘man’s most useful tree’, ‘mankind’s greatest provider in the tropics’, ‘one of the nature’s greatest gifts to man’, ‘tree of life’, ‘tree of abundance’, ‘tree of plenty’ and the ‘tree of heaven’ or ‘Kalpa Vriksha’ in India. In Sanskrit Kalpa Vriksha means “tree which gives all that is necessary for living” because nearly all parts of the tree can be used in some manner or another. The Indian state of Kerala is known as the land of coconuts. The name derives from “Kera” (the coconut tree) and “Alam” (place or earth). It has great antiquity in India which is also evident from the fact that the part of Malabar Coast, extending from South Kanara to Cape Comorin, is known as Keralam meaning the land of coconut. The coconut industry is intimately associated with the rural life and occupation of the people of Malabar Coast.

Citrus fruits are originated in the tropical and sub tropical regions of South East Asia, particularly in India and China. North East India is the native place of many citrus species. Citrus fruit has been cultivated in an ever-widening area since ancient times. Although oranges are the major fruit in the citrus fruits accounting for about 70 per cent of citrus output, the group also includes small citrus fruits (such as tangerines, mandarins, clementines and satsumas), lemons, limes and grapefruits. Citrus fruits are consumed as fresh fruit or utilized for preparing processed citrus products. Approximately one third of total citrus production is utilized for processing. India ranks sixth in the production of citrus fruits in the world. In India, it is primarily grown in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Karnataka, Uttaranchal, Bihar, Orissa, Assam and Gujarat. Citrus fruits have several beneficial health and nutritive properties. They are rich in Vitamin C and folic acid, as well as a good source of fiber. In addition they contain potassium, calcium, folate, thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, magnesium and copper.

Prunus avium means “Bird Cherry” in the Latin language, is commonly known as ‘Sweet cherry’. Cherries have pleased the palates of food lovers for centuries. Their ruby-red colour and tangy taste won the hearts of kings, queens and noblemen in the history, making a special place for cherries on their tables. The ultimate celebration of cherries is the National Cherry Festival. It is held every year in July in the “Cherry Capital of the World”-Traverse City, Michigan. This festival originated from a spring ceremony known as the “Blessing of the Blossoms.” Thousands of visitors come from all over the world to celebrate the harvest and of course, eat cherries. A delicious fruit, cherry is rich in protein and sugars. Cherry is an excellent source of minerals like potassium, manganese, magnesium, iron, phosphorous and copper. Good amounts of vitamins (A, B, C and K) are found in cherries. They also contain anthocyanins, melatonin and fibers. It has more calorific value than apple. 

The English name of cashewnut derives from the Portuguese name for the fruit of the cashew tree, Caju. It is native to the coastal areas of north-eastern Brazil. It was introduced in Goa by the Portuguese in the 16th century mainly to control soil erosion and to use in afforestation programmes but now it has become an important cash crop of Goa. The fruit of the cashew tree is an oval or pear-shaped accessory fruit known as ‘cashew apple’ sometimes called a pseudocarp or false fruit which develops from the receptacle of the cashew flower.  The cashew nut is a popular snack with a rich flavour that is often eaten on its own, lightly salted or sugared. Cashew nuts are also sold covered in chocolate. In Goa, the cashew apple is mashed and juice is extracted and kept for fermentation to prepare beverage called fenny. 

Carambola or starfruit is native to Indonesia. The fruit has ridges running down its sides (usually five) which in cross-section resembles a star, hence its also known as starfruit. It has a waxy, golden yellow to green coloured skin with a complicated flavour combination that includes plums, pineapples and lemons. Carambola consists of two main types of varieties viz.  sour and sweet. The sour types contain as much as 1 per cent acid and the sweet types have low acid (0.4 per cent) content with 5 per cent sugars.

The breadfruit is believed to be native to New Guinea. It is grown throughout the tropics. Breadfruit is a staple food in many tropical regions. Raw breadfruit has a very light fragrant taste that is somewhat like a guava, but not as sweet. The texture of raw breadfruit is rather tough and rubbery. It is used more as a vegetable than as a fruit. It can be eaten ripe as a fruit or under-ripe as a vegetable. Soft or overripe breadfruit is best for making chips and biscuits. The dried fruit can be made into flour. Its flour is much richer than wheat flour in lysine and other essential amino acids. Breadfruit is high in calories and contains a good amount of vitamin C and potassium with smaller amounts of calcium, iron and magnesium. The wood is yellowish or yellow grey with dark markings or orange speckles; light in weight; not very hard but strong, elastic and termite resistant and is used for construction and furniture. Fiber from the bark is highly durable and is used for clothing in Malaysia.

Ber is most commonly found in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Originally native to India, it is now widely naturalized in tropical region from Africa to Afghanistan, China, Malaysia, Australia and in some Pacific regions. The major production regions for Indian jujube are the arid and semi arid regions of India. It is also known as ‘King of Arid Fruits’ and ‘Poor Man’s Fruit’. In Philippines it is called manzana or manzanita (“apple” or “little apple”). Fully ripe fruits are less crisp and somewhat mealy; overripe fruits are wrinkled, the flesh buff-coloured, soft, spongy and musky.