OOTY: Despite advancements in medical technology in treating barren couples, the demand for the rare ‘durian’ fruit that is considered a fertility fruit, continues. It has now begun to fetch around Rs 600 per kg.
This fruit, a rare fruit in the country and which is of Malaysian origin,
is considered to be a ‘magic fruit’, believed to possesses some instinctual traits that helps to solve problems related to infertility.
The fruiting season has commenced on the Burliar slopes on the Ooty-Coimbatore NH in Nilgiris. With a green spiky outer appearance and pulpy white inner edible portion, the ‘durian’ emanates a pungent odour.
Mr. N.Mani, joint director of Horticulture in Nilgiris, said that there are 31 trees in the State Horticulture Farm (SHF) at Burliar, which has long been the hub of ‘durians’ in this part of the country.
The agro-climatic conditions in Burliar are very conducive for growth of ‘durian’.
“May be durian is a natural tonic for fertility. Even though scientific evidence is lacking to claim that ‘durian’ has the medicinal property in it to cure problems related to infertility, from ancient times, it is firmly believed to be a fertility fruit for childless couples. That’s the reason why it has become a much sought after fruit. and fetches high price in the market,” he explained.
The main fruiting season of the ‘durian’ begins in mid-July and runs up to the first week of September. Around 1,500 kg of ‘durian’ fruits are sold during this period at the SHF. It is now priced at Rs 600 per kg and quite a few people, especially barren couples, have made advance booking for this fruit. Some private farmlands now too raise this fruit in small numbers, he added.
“Those who want this fruit can contact the SHF at Burliar or the office of the Assistant Director of Horticulture at Coonoor to make the bookings,” he added.
