Fig (anjeer) cultivation

Fig (Ficus carica), known in Hindi and Urdu as anjeer, is a deciduous fruit tree of the Moraceae family grown in pockets of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. It is a minor commercial fruit in India but commands a niche market for both fresh and dried fruit, and has gained interest under arid-zone horticulture programmes led by ICAR-CIAH Bikaner.

Key characteristics

Scientific name: Ficus carica
Plant type: deciduous, multi-stemmed tree or large shrub
Climate: tolerates high summer temperatures and arid to semi-arid conditions; sensitive to low temperatures and frost
Soil: well-drained loams to sandy loams; tolerant of moderate salinity and alkalinity

Cultivation

Most Indian plantings use Poona, the most widely grown commercial cultivar; other planted varieties include Diana, Brown Turkey, Conadria and Kadota. Diana has been multiplied through tissue culture for new commercial orchards. Propagation is principally through hardwood cuttings and air-layering; grafted plants are also used. Plants are spaced around 5 x 5 m and brought into bearing by the third year. Annual pruning to encourage new wood is essential because figs bear largely on current-season shoots.

Pest and disease profile

Major problems include fig rust (Cerotelium fici), fruit fly, mealybug and stem borer. Anthracnose can damage fruit during humid spells.

Adoption and use

The Pune and Aurangabad belts of Maharashtra are the leading commercial growing areas. Fresh figs are sold in urban markets and are increasingly graded for premium retail and export; sun- and tray-dried figs are also produced. ICAR-CIAH's arid-zone horticulture programme has supported new fig plantings in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Karnataka.

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References

Fig. vikaspedia.in agriculture portal.
Common fig cultivation in Indian arid zone. ICAR-CIAH publication.