Mon Sep 01 14:20:34 UTC 2025: ## Summary:
A one-day workshop on Juice Bilwa (Bael) fruit cultivation, marketing, and uses was held at the University of Horticulture Sciences in Bagalkot. Experts highlighted the crop’s suitability for the drought-prone Kalyana Karnataka region and announced the introduction of Juice Bilwa to Karnataka. Four farm universities in the state have acquired over 7,000 grafted saplings for distribution to observation nurseries and select farmers for trial cultivation. Attendees received saplings.
## News Article:
**Juice Bilwa Fruit Cultivation Introduced to Karnataka in Pilot Program**
**Bagalkot, Karnataka – September 1, 2025 -** A workshop held today at the University of Horticulture Sciences in Bagalkot marked the official introduction of Juice Bilwa (Bael) fruit cultivation to the state of Karnataka. The workshop, focused on cultivation techniques, marketing strategies, and potential uses for the fruit, highlighted its particular suitability for the drought-prone Kalyana Karnataka region.
Experts speaking at the event emphasized the crop’s resilience and adaptability to arid climates. This initiative marks the first time Juice Bilwa is being commercially introduced to Karnataka.
Four of the state’s agricultural universities have secured over 7,000 grafted Juice Bilwa saplings from the Central Institute of Arid Horticulture in Godhra, as well as other nurseries in Uttar Pradesh. These saplings will be distributed to observation nurseries and select farmers for trial cultivation. Registered attendees at the workshop were also given saplings to begin their own experimental planting.
The program aims to assess the feasibility and economic viability of Juice Bilwa farming in Karnataka, potentially offering a sustainable agricultural option for farmers in water-stressed regions. The initial trials will be closely monitored, and findings will inform future decisions regarding wider-scale adoption of the crop.
First Piper 