Why is pineapple farming important?
Pineapple Season in Pakistan: Pineapple is one of the world’s most important commercial fruit crops and the most popular fruits worldwide, owing to its pleasant taste and flavor. Pineapple is a good source of vitamins A and B, along with minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. It also contains a proteolytic enzyme, which is a digestive enzyme. In addition to eating the fruit fresh, it can be canned and prepared in various ways. One of the most popular tropical fruits is the pineapple (Anascomosus). The pineapple originated on the American continent, most likely in Brazil and Paraguay. It has spread throughout tropical and subtropical climates. Pineapple season in Pakistan is considered one of the most important seasons of the year. Juice has a global market. Fruit and juice are also in high demand in the industrial sector. On the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent, some people use it to sweeten rice. Pineapple is used in bakery items such as cakes, confectionery, ice cream, drinks, and non-alcoholic punch. The pineapple is an herb with long, sword-like leaves spiraled around a central stem and terminal flower. Depending on the variety and cultural customs, leaves may or may not have marginal spines.
Which soil and climate are suitable?
Adult pine apple plants can grow to be 3 to 6 feet (0.9–1.8 meters) tall and wide. The plant flourishes in tropical and subtropical climates, although it may also adapt to milder climates. As a result, pineapple farming is well suited to Pakistani soil. It may be cultivated in a variety of fertile soils with good drainage and an ample supply of water during the ripening period. It grows well on the plains as well as at elevations up to 900 meters. Pineapples can thrive in practically any type of soil, as long as it drains well. Pineapple growth requires slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.0. The soil should be light in texture and well-drained. Heavy clay soil is not suitable. It thrives on sandy, alluvial, or laterite soils. It does not endure extreme heat or frost.
How does pineapple grow?
The fruit is cultivated through its seed, crown, and suckers that form beneath the fruit. Cultivation during the rainy season yields higher outcomes. Sucker plants provide fruit in 18 months, whereas other methods take approximately two years. In three years, vegetative propagation produces two crops.
P is added to the pits used for planting suckers at a rate of 4 g per plant in the form of rock phosphate at the time of planting. N and K are sprayed in four splits beginning 3-5 weeks after planting to achieve 8 g per plant. Organic manures that are frequently used are poultry manure and cow dung. This material is used in the pits dug for suckers or subsequently. N and K are provided after 70–80 days for flower induction. Irrigation is done every 2-3 weeks whenever irrigation facilities are available.
Which season does pineapple grow in Pakistan?
Pineapple flowers between February and April, and the fruits are ready from July through September. Off-season blooms can develop and bear fruit between September and December. The best category comes from Kerala, which is in high demand throughout Pakistan and abroad since it is considered the best in terms of quality, sweetness, and flavor. The crop is expected to plant before the summer month(before march) due to poor irrigation facilities. Generally, suckers planted in January or February are harvested in December or January. Fruits are picked 130–135 days after transplanting. Now that developments have improved the production of pineapples in many locations in Pakistan, this crop has significant export potential and strong market demand worldwide.
Pakistanis enjoy pineapple season in Pakistan.