A scientist explains to the farmers about litchi cultivation. Picture by Prashant Mitra

Ranchi, May 14: On the eve of the litchi festival that starts at Palandu on the outskirts of the state capital tomorrow, horticulturists claimed to have developed a technique to prevent the fruits from cracking.

The juicy and succulent fruit is often marred by the skin cracking up, allowing the flesh of the fruit to dry up and collect dust and other foreign material.

Three hundred and odd farmers from several districts of the state gathered today at the Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Institute to listen to horticulturists explain the potential of litchi cultivation in the state and how it needs to be done.

A scientist at the institute, Bikas Das, said while it will not be possible to completely avoid the cracking-up of the skin, the incidence can be substantially reduced if remedial measures are taken

Two varieties of litchi — Shahi and Chinee — are grown in the state, with Netarhat, Hazaribagh, Lohardaga, Latehar, Gumla and Ranchi providing the ideal climatic condition for growing the exotic fruit. The second variety of the fruit is less sweet and watery and matures after the first flush of the rain. It is the first variety that is much sought after and is sweeter.

With litchis canned and sold throughout the year, and litchi juice and squash making a mark, the scientists pointed out the potential of marketing the fruit in both domestic and international markets.

The Shahi litchis, which mature during the height of summer, are more prone to crack up, partly because of the heat. Regular spraying of nutrients, by way of chemicals, the scientists claimed, could reduce the cracking to a great extent.

Another scientist at the institute, Shivendra Kumar, demonstrated another breakthrough by which several fruits, including litchis, are grown on the same bed. Since litchis take time to mature, Kumar pointed out, it would be fruitful for the farmer to plant guavas, lemons and custard apples which bear fruit earlier.

Litchi growing is not considered profitable because the fruit takes long to mature and lasts for barely a month and a half. It is highly perishable and prone to cracks and diseases. But the new techniques, the scientists hoped, would help fruit-growers in Jharkhand to overcome the odds.

Under the National Horticulture Mission has started a five-year programme for litchi growers in Jharkhand.

Agencies such as Ramakrishna Mission and Vikas Bharti are providing technical training and material support.