Ranchi, Aug. 25: The state, which was hitherto dependent on imports from Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, Tripura, Assam and Shillong for the pineapple, will now cultivate the fruit to meet its demand.

ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Plandu (Ranchi), through a research has found out that Queen variety of pineapple is suitable for organic farming in the state as there is no threat of pests unlike mangoes and litchis.

So far, the state had to be satisfied with the surplus produce of Kew variety from Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, Tripura, Assam and Shillong. The Kew variety is larger in size with a tangy taste while the Queen variety is sweet and smaller.

Bikash Das, the fruit scientist working with Ranchi research centre, said intensive research resulted in development of technologies for successful cultivation of pineapple.

“We found out that induction of flowering can be done by use of hormone like ‘ethephon’, which will help in synchronisation of fruition. It will be useful for farmers during harvest,” he said.

The technology has been implemented successfully in Bengal and Tripura.

“The problem in growing pineapple in the traditional way is fruition takes place at different times which makes it difficult during harvest,” he said.

The quality of Queen pineapples will be much better here because the climate and soil condition is perfect for cultivation. Farmers will be getting better returns from pineapple cultivation, he pointed out.

“We are trying to popularise the Queen variety in Jharkhand because of the tropical and sub-tropical climate which is suitable for growing pineapples,” Das added.

During the course of research, it was found that this variety could be grown as inter-crop in young mango and guava orchards. “In Jharkhand, the plant can be grown in 10,000 hectares and the annual production of fruit will be around 5 lakh tonnes,” the fruit scientist said.

Das added: “We are also planning to impart training to farmers in technical and financial assistance and setting up organised marketing network.”