Bengaluru pomegranate farmers achieve strong harvest despite drought and disease

Farmers across the agricultural belts surrounding Bengaluru have achieved a robust pomegranate harvest this season, defying statewide drought conditions and severe bacterial blight outbreaks that previously threatened fruit orchards across Karnataka.

Growers in Bengaluru Rural and Chickballapura districts have sustained high production by adopting drip irrigation infrastructure, strict soil monitoring, and disease-prevention protocols. The success has earned them official recognition from the Karnataka Department of Horticulture and the Institute of Agricultural Technologists.

Scientific management drives yield

In Devanahalli taluk of Bengaluru Rural, long-time grower Gonuru Srinivas expects his 15-acre farm in Gonuru village to produce over 70 tonnes of pomegranates this season. Srinivas, who has cultivated the fruit for 14 years, noted that while pomegranates tolerate dry weather, targeted water delivery remains critical to maintain plant health and keep fruit seeds from drying out.

Growers G.C. Mune Gowda and M.R. Devaraj from Thondebhavi in Chickballapura district have recorded similar success. Their systematic approach to controlling bacterial blight—locally known as Macche Roga—has provided a practical model for growers across the region.

To document these methods, the Institute of Agricultural Technologists published a practical guidebook titled Karnataka Daalimbe Sampada 2026. Institute president A.B. Patil said that while bacterial blight previously hampered cultivation in northern districts like Koppal, Ballari, Vijayapura, Raichur, and Belagavi, disciplined field practices are now allowing southern districts to secure steady harvests.

Export-quality grading and standard protocols

Growers attributed their crop resilience to upfront soil testing, keeping pH levels between 6.5 and 7. Recommended protocols also require sourcing clean, certified seedlings from reliable nurseries and relying on drip irrigation to maximize water efficiency.

The region primarily cultivates the premium Bhagwa variety, which yields large, deeply coloured fruit that meets international export standards.

Farmers also perform scheduled insecticide and pesticide treatments once or twice a week to protect developing fruit from pest damage. State agricultural bodies are encouraging wider adoption of these practices to strengthen fruit production against seasonal climate challenges.