Surat: Herald the queen, Sonpari, that will rule strawberry fans’ taste buds.
Together with South Gujarat’s signature, the Hafoos collection, gradually losing its label and realm to Kesar due to altering weather patterns, that this brand new assortment that tastes and smells just like Alphonso, however just larger in and much better, is emerging because most worthy successor.
What is more, it lasts longer also, asserts agriculturists from the area.
Called’Sonpari’ following the ripened fruit gold color, the cherry was created in Pariya research center of Navsari Agriculture University.
Scientists created the new breed during cross legged degeneration of Valsadi Hafoos and south west India’s favorite Banganapalli.
First research work began 20 decades back and farmers now are actually appreciating the fruits of their difficult labor.
In the previous eight decades, 14,000 saplings of all Sonpari were dispersed among farmers.
Contemplating 50% of success, at least 4,000 to 5,000 trees have started bearing fruits.
Alphonso and Kesar cherry trees, that can be a few years old, keep 100 to 150 kilograms of mangoes.
However, Sonpari trees were able to generate over those 2 varieties! “Alphonso has couple of issues — one consists of white spongy cells in the fruit, then, its intense sensitivity to climate inclemencies, apart from bearing fruits in alternative years.
But this breed overcomes these issues and yet tastes and looks like Alphonso and in actuality, a number of its fruits are more than Alphonso and Kesar,” explained Dr C K Timbadiya, senior scientist in NAU.
Sonpari’s benefits aren’t only restricted to sweetness and size, but its durability is even greater than Kesar and Alphonso.
Agriculturists see a enormous possibility of exports of Sonpari in the next few years.
“The veggies lasts more than Kesar and Alphonso and after 14 days it doesn’t rot,” explained Dr Chirag Patel, associate research scientist (Horticulture) in Pariya research center.
“Today, the generation is low since the trees are still young, however clients enjoy its flavor so much they I’ve already begun getting question for next year,” said Girish Patel, a farmer in Jalalpore taluka of Navsari.
He added that thanks to the high need, farmers are still selling it to as large as Rs 3,500 to get 20 kilograms, over twice the market cost of Alphonso and Kesar.