Forget Viagra, Pomegranate Is As Good!

Medicinal properties of this fruit as described in ancient treatises have been established by modern scientific research.

- Maharaaj K. Koul

 

“One who plants one peepal, one neem, one ber, ten flowering plants or creepers, two pomegranates, two oranges and five mango trees will not go to hell!”

— Varah Puraan

For the first time, India has exported pomegranates to the United States of America. The first consignment of 1.25 tonnes was processed at the Maharashtra State Agriculture Marketing Board’s (MSAMB) irradiation centre in Vashi, Navi Mumbai before being exported in April 2016. The next consignment of 4.5 tonnes was exported in July. According to the norms, irradiation of fruits is mandatory before exporting them to the USA.

Speaking to the press, S. Chavan, an MSAMB official said, “We have finally got access to the USA for export of pomegranates. We are exporting mangoes to the USA for the past many years, which are processed at the Lasalgaon irradiation centre near Nashik. There had also been demand from exporters for pomegranates. Accordingly, we made efforts for the past four years. Finally, Indian pomegranates got access to the markets in the USA.”

With about 100 hectares of land under cultivation, Maharashtra is the largest producer of pomegranates in the country followed by Andhra Pradesh. Tapping Maharashtra’s potential of producing quality fruit; the Union Government has approved the revised package to control diseases of this fruit. The beneficiaries will get package of Rs 50,000 per hectare under the National Horticulture Mission.

King Solomon was proud of his pomegranate orchard and this fruit has been described as a ‘Blessing from the Creator’ in the Quran. More commonly, we have all heard of the old saying: “Ek anaar, sau bimaar”, meaning that one fruit is effective in treating hundreds of ailments. It also testifies the fruit’s relevance to mankind and humanity.

Held in high esteem