53. Production of deciduous fruits (apple, pear, peach, plum, apricot and persimmon) in Asia is limited compared with tropical fruits grown in these countries and with deciduous fruits grown in other continents. As a result substantial quantities are imported to meet domestic demand. There appears to be good potential for further development in many Asian countries. Strong interest for rapid expansion of these fruits already exists in most Asian countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Nepal, Bhutan, India etc.). Considerable opportunity also exists for some countries, such as Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan to gain valuable foreign exchange from export. These fruits can now be grown in a wide diversity of climates from warm subtropical to temperate due to the recent availability of both low- and high-chill varieties from breeding programmes in USA, Australia and elsewhere. The availability of low-chill varieties allows for expansion into new areas where temperate fruits were not previously grown. Hence, the Consultation recommends that efforts should be made to realize the full agricultural potential of the deciduous fruit crops in Asia.
54. Most production however occurs in mountainous ranges at different elevations. The people living and practicing agriculture in these marginal lands are extremely poor and malnourished. These people will benefit the most from growing deciduous fruits as these fruits are highly priced compared with tropical fruits in Asian markets. Temperate fruits will supply some of the daily nutrient and vitamin requirement. In addition, the improvement in income from sustainable deciduous fruit production will reduce unemployment and lessen the migration of these people to cities.
55. Mountainous areas are prone to soil erosion and environmental degradation due to land clearing. Vegetative cover with perennial fruit crops will provide protection of the hills. This will promote sustainable land use as well as generate regular income. Traditionally hill and tribal farmers in the mountain ranges practice organic farming. Deciduous fruits produced through eco-friendly practices such as minimal use of chemicals would not only improve the local environment but the clean and eco-friendly product should receive consumer preference in selected markets.
56. Yields of deciduous fruits in most Asian countries are currently low (3-6 t/ha) compared with developed countries (25-35 t/ha). This is due to a number of factors including unsuitable varieties and poor crop management practices. Often small growers are unable to properly manage their orchards. Most production units are small and often located in isolated and inaccessible areas where infrastructures such as roads, irrigation and storage facilities are inadequate. In countries such as China and India with large production areas, even a small improvement in tree productivity could result in significant increase in production tonnage. Increasing production will increase consumer awareness leading to more market demand and consumption.
57. A major constraint in deciduous fruit production, identified by the Consultation, was the lack of suitable varieties/rootstocks and knowledge on the performance of varieties in other Asian countries besides the participants’ own country. The Consultation identified the need to develop a deciduous fruit species/varietal and rootstock database for low, medium and high chill varieties. The Consultation also identified the need to characterize elite germplasm through systematic evaluation so as to facilitate the exchange of the most desirable germplasm. It was generally agreed that all the countries maintain their own germplasm and varietal collection blocks as they were in the best position to identify their own country’s needs. This will eventually lead to identification of location-specific varieties and their exploitation.
58. It emerged from the discussions that there was considerable lack of knowledge on nursery management procedures, nursery hygiene and the most desirable propagation methods to use with different species/varieties and rootstocks. In many countries seedling material of inferior genetic performance is still used as the main rootstock. The acquisitions of skills in nursery practices, propagation methods, micro-propagation techniques and nursery hygiene were identified as high priorities for training so as to ensure rapid multiplication of healthy, high quality planting material.
59. Inadequate technical knowledge of research and extension officers on how to best manage deciduous fruits in both low-and high-chill areas was identified as a major constraint to improving the productivity and fruit quality of deciduous fruits in Asian countries. All participants agreed that the availability of decision support manuals, conduct of regular regional training workshops and study tours to other countries and advanced training in specialized areas would be highly beneficial to improving their knowledge and effective transfer of advanced technology. For some Asian countries production techniques developed in other countries would need some modification and refinement to suit local conditions and needs. However, this was not perceived by the participants as a major limitation to implementing such training programmes.
60. Besides improving the skills of research and extension officers it was also identified by the Consultation that it was essential to improve the orchard management skills of the growers of deciduous fruits. This could be achieved through the establishment of demonstration blocks, on-farm training, seminars, field days, publications and exchange visit programmes.
61. Some participants identified that post-harvest losses from their countries are quite high due to a number of factors including lack of storage, handling and packaging systems. In many areas processing may provide an alternative means to utilize poor quality fruit leading to value addition and greater income generation. Training on post-harvest handling techniques covering on-farm storage, cool storage, and primary processing could help in minimizing post-harvest losses.
62. It was highlighted that market awareness and information are very important for proper development of deciduous fruit industries. Better marketing opportunities could be realized through improvement in pre- and post-harvest practices and through extension of harvesting and therefore marketing season.
63. Diverse agroclimatic conditions in the region offer the scope of exploitation of counter-seasonal advantages. Widening of varietal base through selection of varieties with different chilling requirements, identification of production zones at different elevations and exclusion of disease-prone areas should ensure regular supply of good quality fruit for an extended period. Off-season market arrivals could result in higher income and export opportunities.
64. It was noted that despite the efforts of most countries to upgrade aspects of deciduous fruit production there are still many constraints hindering further development. Most of the problems appear to be common to all countries. The Consultation therefore recommended that assistance should be sought for the formulation, funding and implementation of a Regional Project to address the existing problems.
65. The possibility of setting up a network for Research and Development of deciduous fruits in Asia was discussed during the meeting. It was felt that such a network may facilitate pooling and sharing of resources for the development of the deciduous fruit sector. The Consultation endorsed this approach for Regional Co-operation and recommended the establishment of such a network. It is expected that if a Regional Project on deciduous fruit production is implemented it will gradually lead to the establishment of a Regional Network on Deciduous Fruits in Asia.
