India is witnessing a clear rise in blueberry consumption, says Dr. Bharat Bhojane of Cal Pacific Agri Solutions. “As per a report by the International Blueberry Organization (IBO) published this year, India’s blueberry production grew at 14.5% while imports soared by 70%, showing that demand is outpacing supply.”

Cal Pacific collaborates with EMCOCAL’s warm-climate breeding program to bring in key low-chill Southern Highbush varieties like Cupla, Falcon™, and Albus™. “Cupla stands out for its large berries and sweet wild-blueberry flavor with strong shelf life. Falcon™ offers vigorous growth and firmness suitable for long-distance shipping, whereas Albus™ delivers a balanced flavor, wax bloom, and consistent berry size. These varieties are well-adapted for India’s warm subtropical zones and evergreen cultivation systems.”

© Cal Pacific Agri Solutions

Dr. Bhojane explains how his team supports projects across several locations in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Delhi. “Applying substrate cultivation, precision fertigation, and purpose-built berry tunnels helps maintain consistent yields despite the country’s varied climates. An international project in Brunei also showcases the adaptability of this very approach.”

Still, there are certain critical challenges which are slowing down India blueberry production scale. Dr. Bhojane observes, “Growers often lack detailed knowledge of blueberry-specific agronomy, including substrate design, pH control, fertigation precision, pruning, and canopy management. Limited access to superior genetics stems from breeder rights issues, while cold-chain gaps affect fruit quality and shelf life. High upfront costs for substrate and protected cultivation slow the adoption rate further.”

© Cal Pacific Agri Solutions

“Bridging this gap means combining premium genetics with technical training and ongoing grower support. With this in mind, Cal Pacific provides an integrated turnkey solution covering genetics, production system design, and agronomy advisory.”

Looking forward, new varieties Sentinel™ and Colossus™ are being trialled for premium markets. Dr. Bhojane encourages international breeders to view India as not just an expanding consumption market but an emerging production hub for Asia, strengthened by EMCOCAL’s warm-climate expertise. “With science-led genetics, modern cultivation techniques, and grower support, we are seeing India’s blueberry industry mature steadily. Though challenges remain, the ongoing efforts building a strong foundation for the future.”

For more information
Dr. Bharat Bhojane
Cal Pacific Agri Solutions
Tel: +91 98 22 098 103
Email: [email protected]
www.calpacificagri.com