Pecan trees are native to North America, but their cultivation has been introduced in India, primarily in the Himalayan regions. The cultivation is still in its initial stages, but it is considered a potentially profitable venture for farmers in these areas.
In Himachal Pradesh alone, approximately 700 acres are dedicated to pecan cultivation in the Kullu, Mandi, Solan, and Kangra districts. Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir is also known as the "Pecans Capital of India."
Ideal Conditions for Pecan Farming:
Climate: Pecans thrive in warm, temperate conditions with long, frost-free growing seasons (240-280 days). They require a moderate rainfall of about 75-100 cm and prefer a mean temperature above 27°C during the growing season.
Soil: The trees need deep, fertile, well-drained soil with a good water-holding capacity. A slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 7 is considered satisfactory.
Altitude: Pecan trees are well-suited to altitudes between 1,000 and 2,000 meters, making the Indian Himalayan regions ideal.
Cultivation Practices:
Propagation: Pecan trees are typically propagated from seeds. For better germination, seeds are stratified at low temperatures for 12-16 weeks before sowing. High-quality nurseries are being developed through vegetative propagation methods like budding and grafting.
Planting : Trees are planted in late winter or early spring, with a recommended spacing of 10-12 meters for optimal growth and air circulation.
Maturity and Yield: Pecan trees take time to mature. They may start producing a few nuts in 3-4 years, with significant production beginning in the ninth or tenth year. A mature tree can yield up to 30-35 kilograms of nuts annually.
Market Size and Trends in India
While local cultivation is limited, the market for pecans in India is growing rapidly, driven by increased health consciousness and rising disposable incomes. India is currently a net importer of pecans, with significant potential for market expansion.
Market Size and Growth:
The global pecan market was valued at approximately $2.02 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $3.64 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 6.1%.
The overall packaged nuts and seeds market in India is expected to reach $4.96 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.8% from 2024.
Specific data on the Indian pecan market is limited, but a significant indicator of its growth is the reduction of India's basic customs duty on pecans from 100% to 30% in 2023. This move is expected to boost U.S. pecan exports to India, with projections of annual exports potentially expanding to $2-5 million.
In 2022, the U.S. exported about 109 metric tons of pecans to India, valued at over $1.3 million.
Market Trends:
Premium Product: Pecans are positioned as a "luxury nut" in the Indian market, often endorsed by celebrities to appeal to affluent consumers.
Health and Wellness: The growing awareness of the health benefits of nuts, such as their high nutritional value, antioxidants, and positive impact on heart health, is a key driver for consumption.
Culinary Applications: Pecans are increasingly used in the bakery and confectionery industries for products like cakes, ice creams, and other desserts.
Consumer Preferences: There is a growing demand for shelled and processed pecans for convenience. The trend of using nuts as a year-round snack, rather than just for specific festivals, is also contributing to market growth.
E-commerce: Online platforms and supermarkets are providing new avenues for marketing and sales, giving farmers and importers direct access to a wider consumer base.
