Saturday 23 March 2013

Choosing the Right Combination of Crops - Localized, Naturalized v/s Exotic Crops

In our Agriculture for Everybody blog series, we are going to see the Right Combination of Crops.


We will see the difference between Localized, Naturalized & Exotic Crops and also will see how to make a little bit more money than the general crops.


What is meant by Localized, Naturalized & Exotic Crops?

Localized Crops - Any crop that grows in your area naturally and is also part of the local community for many centuries are considered Localized Crops

For eg, Coconut, Mango, etc

Naturalized Crops - Any crop that has been introduced into the local community and has been accepted by the local community are considered Naturalized Crops

For eg, Glyricidia, Carrot, Beet Root, Palm Oil, Date Palm etc

Exotic Crops - Any crop that is neither part of the local community nor has been naturalized so far but specifically grown for catering to a specific reason are considered Exotic Crops

For eg, Lettuc, Braccoli etc


Is it necessity to have Localized, Naturalized & Exotic Crops?

Simply putting it, both Localized Crops and Naturalized Crops are better than Exotic Crops.  The Naturalized Crops are those that have been able to grow in our environmental conditions and as well as accepted by the local community.

Only those Exotic Crops that are adaptable to our environmental conditions should be grown and in future this may become a Naturalized Crop.  Until that point of time, it is better to restrict ourselves to a small percentage of Exotic Crops.

By growing Naturalized Crops & Exotic Crops, we are doing ourselves a favour and to the nation by reducing the import of those crops (like Date Palm, Oil Palm etc) and thereby saving outflow of precious foreign reserves.


When & Who should go for Exotic Crops?

Any farmer whose very survival is already taken care of by Localized & Naturalized Crops but would like to get additional (premium) income should opt for Exotic Crops.

Generally, Exotic Crops are favoured only by a few segment of people and hence it is advisable that only those farmers who have a market for these crops should go fo it.  The very purpose of going for Exotic Crops is to get extra premium income from your crops.

For eg, if you live nearby metropolitan cities and if you are able to get contract from 5 star hotels for supplying exotic crops, you will get bumper profit.  Another option is to supply exotic crops to those Bed & Breakfast type of motels/houses.

In my above example, I have mentioned Lettuce & Broccoli specifically keeping in mind American & European visitors in mind.  But you also should consider other exotic crops as there is a possibility of visitors from China, Japan and the Middle East may surpass other visitors in future.


How much percentage of  Exotic Crops is required?

While the Localized Crops & Naturalized Crops should be your main crop and a large portion need to be allocated to it, the Exotic Crops (less than 5-10%) can be limited to very little of your total crops.

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