Pear fruit, which originated in central Asia, has been grown in Nepal since time immemorial but its cultivation is limited to homestead gardens. At the end of 2014, pear fruit orchard occupied 4,455 hectares of areas, producing 34,231 metric tons of pears. There are two types of pear trees—Asian and European types. Asian pear, which is locally known as Naspati, is widely cultivated in Nepal. It is well adapted to mid-hill districts of Nepal.Japanese cultivars including Shinsui, Shinko, Kosui, Hosui, Chojuro and Okusankichi are also Asian pears that were introduced in Nepal 25 years ago under the initiative of JICA-funded Horticulture Development Project. These cultivars are suitable for warm conditions like Kathmandu valley and fruit quality is also excellent. However, they require careful management. European pears, on the other hand, came to Nepal many years ago. The better adapted popular cultivars of European pear are Bartlett, Quince, Anjou and Conference.
Both European and Asian varieties grow under similar climates. However, European pears are slightly more cold-hardy. But varieties require specific temperatures, which make suitable for specific locations.
Pear is rich in fiber, and is not only delicious but also contains vitamin A, B1, B2, C, E, as well as niacin, folic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, calcium and iron. There are several health benefits of fresh pear fruit and juice. It is said to prevent Post-Menopausal breast cancer, high blood pressure, stroke, stomach cancer, constipation, sore throat, fever and osteoporosis. It also improves lung function and reduces Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease symptoms such as shortness of breath, breathlessness and coughing. It is also known to lower cholesterol and boost immune system.
Almost all hill and mountain districts in Nepal are suitable for pear farming but Sankhuwasabha, Dhankuta, Sindhupalchok, Rasuwa and Kavre produce most.
Pear fruits grow fast and their productivity is also high compared to other fruits. Cost of production is low and fruit demand high. Pear fruits produced in hilly districts of eastern Nepal are exported to neighboring states of India every year. Pear farming can help generate income for smallholders who live in the vicinity of roads of hilly regions.
But neither the area of production nor quantity of pear fruits has increased as per the increasing demand in both domestic and external markets, mainly due to government negligence. The government has accorded least priority to this fruit. Quality planting materials are not easily available, farmers are not trained in modern cultivation and workers and field technicians with specific knowledge on pear cultivation are few. Faulty harvesting and improper packing and transportation account for 30 percent post-harvest loss of this fruit.
The government has launched special programs for promotion of kiwi and pomegranate. There is a program to boost the production of limes. But these fruits have limited areas of cultivation and production cost is also high.
Pear is cultivated in both mid and high mountains. In fact, it is a native fruit of these areas. If the government launched similar programs for pears, it would directly benefit smallholders. Pear farming is easier to expand as pear trees are more suitable for marginal and sloppy lands.
Pear is second only to apple in terms of area coverage and production among temperate fruits. When production cost is low, potential areas for expansion large and benefit-cost ratio high, why has the government neglected this fruit?
Pear farming should be given the priority it deserves. All mid-hill districts should be prioritized for pear tree plantation. A special campaign including nursery establishment to post-harvest management should be launched for a period of five years. We need to introduce subsidy for orchard establishment and management and for production of organic pears.
There is little research on fruit crops in general and pears in particular. Chinese pears are available in the Nepali markets these days. Local pear trees are usually big, tall and upright. Fruit harvesting from such trees is difficult. Thus it is important to control tree size through use of dwarf rootstock. Improvements are also needed in harvesting and handling techniques.
We need to develop a business plan and cost-benefit analysis. Value chain map showing clear-cut roles of each actor should be developed for each production pocket. Roads should be linked with production pockets. Collection centers and storage facilities at the strategic points are also prerequisites for commercial pear farming. Similarly, using information and communication technology (ICT) tools will help in its commercialization.
The author is former director general of the Department of Agriculture under the Ministry of Agriculture Development
bhairabr@gmail.com
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