Revolutionizing cherry cultivation in India: successful propagation of Maxma® 14 rootstock through tissue culture

13 Jun 2023
2512

Tarun Arora, director at the Indian company IG International, recently announced "a groundbreaking development in the Indian agricultural sector: the successful propagation of Maxma®  14 rootstock for cherries through tissue culture".

According to Tarun Arora "this achievement marks a significant milestone as India sets its course towards becoming a leading producer of high-quality cherry trees and cherries themselves. The introduction of Maxma®  14 rootstock in India holds immense potential for revolutionizing the cherry cultivation landscape. With its proven ability to enhance yield, disease resistance, and overall tree vigor, this rootstock promises to elevate the quality and productivity of cherry crops."


The director of IG International declared "this remarkable feat, made possible by cutting-edge tissue culture techniques, is a testament to the continuous advancements and innovative approaches embraced by India's horticulture sector. The successful propagation of Maxma®  14 rootstock showcases our commitment to leveraging modern techniques and research to drive agricultural excellence and meet the rising demands of a global market."

Furthermore, according to Mr. Arora, "as we witness India's trajectory towards development in cherry production, it is essential to recognize the tremendous potential this holds for our country's economy and agricultural landscape. The cultivation of cherries offers promising opportunities for farmers, creating new avenues for growth, employment, and income generation. 

Moreover, the export potential of Indian cherries holds immense promise, further strengthening our position on the global stage. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the scientists, researchers, and experts involved in this groundbreaking achievement. Your dedication, expertise, and hard work have paved the way for a vibrant cherry industry in India."

Cherry production in India is still in its early stages, and according to FAO the country is in 30th place in the global ranking of producing countries, with a harvested volume of about 11,000 tonnes on an area of about 3000 hectares. 

According to local press, almost all of India’s cherry production was centered around four districts of the Kashmir Valley, namely Ganderbal (3,610 MTs), Shopian (3,000 MTs), Srinagar (~1,500 MTs) and Baramulla (~1,500 MTs). 

With a short cultivation and harvest cycle, cherries are primarily harvested in the warmer months during the local Ratkol crop cycle (Mid May-July), which is when they enter the market. 

Cherry cultivation has shown significant fluctuation in recent years due to extreme weather events, lack of adequate demand, absence of perishable storage and transport infrastructure, and a general preference for other horticultural crops such as apples and plums.


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Putrescine makes trees more resistant to late frosts, while reducing the risk of cracking

Tech management

17 Jan 2024

The results showed that putrescine-treated buds decreased the overall malondialdehyde content (and thus the level of oxidative stress), while the rate of fruit set increased during most of the growing seasons evaluated.

Ovalle doubles cherry production and leads the early Chinese market

Production

24 Sep 2025

In northern Chile, Ovalle is set to double its cherry production thanks to a favorable winter and new orchards coming into play. Over 2,000 tons are expected, with air shipments to China starting in week 42, kicking off the season with early, premium-quality fruit.

In evidenza

Why retractable rain covers are the smart choice for family-run cherry orchards

Covers

27 Mar 2026

Retractable rain covers enhance yield and fruit quality in family cherry orchards in Chile. They provide climate protection, increased light exposure and efficient labor management, offering a flexible solution for small growers seeking stability and cost optimization.

Insect nets in cherry orchards: microclimate and phenology effects in France

Covers

27 Mar 2026

Insect nets in cherry orchards modify temperature, humidity and solar radiation, shaping the microclimate without altering plant phenology. Data from the Ceris’innov project in France highlight effects on heat, wind, fruit development, quality and orchard management.

Tag Popolari