Achieving Bhagwa Grade Pomegranates: Full Guide

Bhagwa is the premium grade of pomegranate in India. It commands prices that are 2 to 3 times higher than ordinary grades. But achieving Bhagwa quality consistently requires attention to several farming practices throughout the growing season. Here is a complete guide.

What Makes a Pomegranate Bhagwa Grade?

Bhagwa grade pomegranates have deep red to orange-red skin colour, a weight of 250 grams or more per fruit, soft seeds, sweet taste with good juice content, and no cracking, sunburn, or disease marks on the skin. The name Bhagwa means saffron colour in Marathi and refers to the deep reddish-orange colour of the fruit.

Bahar Treatment Timing

To achieve Bhagwa quality, Mrig bahar is generally recommended. Flowering in June to July followed by fruit development in the cooler months gives better colour and sweetness. Avoid Ambe bahar for premium quality because summer heat during fruit development reduces colour development and increases the risk of sunburn.

Fertiliser Management for Better Colour

Potassium is the key nutrient for fruit colour and taste. Increase potassium application in the last 60 days before harvest. Reduce nitrogen fertiliser at the same time because high nitrogen promotes leaf growth at the expense of fruit quality. Foliar spray of potassium nitrate at two percent concentration every 15 days in the last two months gives excellent results.

Fruit Bagging for Premium Quality

Bagging individual fruits in white paper or plastic bags when they are about 60 days old protects them from sunburn, fruit borer, and bird damage. Bagged fruit develops more uniform colour and smooth skin. The bags are removed 15 to 20 days before harvest to allow final colour development. Bagging adds cost but the premium price more than compensates.

Harvesting at the Right Time

Harvest too early and the fruit lacks colour and sweetness. Harvest too late and the fruit cracks or loses firmness. The right time to harvest Bhagwa pomegranate is when the fruit skin colour changes from green to fully orange-red, the fruit feels slightly firm when pressed gently, and the metallic sound changes to a dull sound when tapped.