India trials raspberry cultivation in warmer regions

India is conducting trials to expand raspberry cultivation into warmer regions to address a structural shortage of fresh berries. Due to strict import restrictions and limited domestic supply, premium retailers, cafés, and bakeries face difficulties meeting demand.

Agricultural experts are testing low-chill and zero-chill varieties, such as Kokanee, RaNi, KalyaNi, PradhaNi, RajNi, and the Italian-developed Enrosadira. These varieties are being evaluated for their ability to grow in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, which were previously considered too warm for traditional raspberry types that require specific chilling periods.

While smaller-scale cultivation exists in cooler areas like Uttarakhand, the shift toward low-chill varieties aims to develop more reliable domestic production systems.