Ambia Bahar in Pomegranate: Benefits and Process

In India, pomegranate is cultivated mainly in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. To get better yields, farmers take proper care of the plants through farming activities like fertilizer management, irrigation, weed control, etc. Even after this, many times the quality of yield, size, and sweetness of fruits are not up to the mark. To counter this issue, controlling the bloom in pomegranate is a great option. Pruning is a method used to control plant growth and make flowers grow in specific seasons.

Different types of 'Bahar' in Pomegranate 

Because pomegranate plants yield fruit three times annually, it results in the existence of three distinct seasons. In which the first is 'Mrig Bahar', performed in the month of June-July, the second is 'Hast Bahar', performed in the month of September-October and the third is 'Ambia Bahar', performed in the month of February-March.

Requirement of Ambia Bahar in Pomegranate

Pomegranate plants bloom three times every year. If fruits are harvested every time when there is flowering, the yield and quality of the fruits start to deteriorate. Due to the small size and sweetness of pomegranate fruits, farmers do not get fair prices in the market. In such a situation, through 'Bahar' management, fruits are prevented from coming in one or two seasons. This helps in obtaining high-quality fruits next time.

Various Methods of Controlling Ambia Bahar

By removing the soil near the roots: In this method, the plants are not irrigated and the top surface of the soil around the stem is removed. This provides sunlight to the roots. Due to less moisture in the soil, the leaves of plants start falling. After about 20-25 days the soil is filled back.

By stopping irrigation: In this process, the irrigation of plants is stopped. Due to this, the leaves of the plants start falling. During this time, plants store nutrients in their branches. After stopping irrigation, carry out weeding and then irrigate using fertilizer. Flowers start appearing after 25-30 days.

By bending the branches: The straight branches of the tree bear fewer fruits. Therefore, in this process, the branches are bent downwards and tied. After this, small twigs and leaves are cut leaving the upper leaves of the branches. After 10-15 days of this process, new twigs and leaves emerge, on which more flowers and fruits grow.

Benefits of Ambia Bahar in Pomegranate:

There are many benefits of carrying out Ambia Bahar in pomegranate plants. Some of the benefits of which are as follows:

Increase in fruit size: The process of Ambia Bahar helps in increasing the size of pomegranate fruits. Bigger fruits fetch higher prices in the market and farmers get more profits.

Improves the quality of fruits: Ambia Bahar helps enhance the color and sweetness of pomegranate fruits. Along with this, the acidity of the fruits is also reduced by carrying out this process.

Increase in yield: Ambia Bahar causes the development of new shoots in pomegranate plants. Due to this the number of flowers and fruits per plant increases.

Fruit maturity: Ambia Bahar helps in early flowering and enhanced fruit production. Due to this, the fruits mature quickly. In such a situation, farmers get higher prices in the market by harvesting fruits before time.

Fruit fall: This process reduces the problem of untimely fruit fall in pomegranate plants.

Cost-effective: Ambia Bahar is a process that does not require any equipment or extensive labor. Due to this farmers do not need to spend much money in adopting this process. Hence, this process is cost-effective.

Safe process: Ambia Bahar is a safe process for the proper growth of plants. Since no chemicals are used in this process, it is also eco-friendly.

Factors to consider during the Ambia Bahar process

• To get good yields through the Ambia Bahar process, pluck the flowers from the plants at the time of Mrig Bahar and Hast Bahar.
• To get a better yield, stop irrigation about 45 to 60 days before the flowers grow on plants. Due to this, the plant starts dropping its leaves.
• Prune the branches of the plants after 80 to 85 percent of their leaves have fallen.
• After this, carry out mild weeding around the plants, apply an appropriate amount of fertilizers, and irrigate.

Have you ever followed the Ambia Bahar process in pomegranate plants? Tell us your thoughts and experiences through comments. If you liked this information, then like this post and also share it with fellow farmers. For more agricultural-related information, you can also consult our agri-experts by calling the toll-free number 1800-1036-110. Don't forget to like and comment on this post. For more such information, follow the 'Horticulture' channel now.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Ambia Bahar?

A: Stopping irrigation of crops and cutting and pruning of plants to get flowers in the plants in the month of February-March is called Ambe Bahar or Ambia Bahar.

Q: When do the fruits of Mrig Bahar mature?

A: The fruits of Mrig Bahar are ripe in about 240 days. Whereas the fruits of Ambia Bahar take about 270 days to become ripe.

Q: When do flowers grow on pomegranate plants?

A: Pomegranate plants bloom many times. The blooming of flowers also depends on the area cultivated along with the plant varieties. In India, pomegranate plants generally flower from February to May.