Major Crops: Food Grains and Oilseeds
Vijayapura is a major producer of traditional field crops, including jowar, pulses (tur, gram), wheat, sunflower, and oilseeds. According to the Karnataka Department of Agriculture, the district regularly ranks among the top ten for pulse production in the state, with over 8–10% of Karnataka’s annual tur (pigeon pea) output. Local APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) yards handle daily arrivals of grains and pulses—vital for trade in North Karnataka.
Horticulture: Grapes and Pomegranates Take Center Stage
The last decade has transformed Vijayapura into one of Karnataka’s strongest horticulture districts, particularly for grape and pomegranate cultivation:
- Grapes: As per the Karnataka Horticulture Department’s 2023–24 district profile, Vijayapura has ~6,800 hectares under table grapes (primarily Thompson Seedless and Bangalore Blue), producing ~95,000 metric tons each year. Export earnings for 2023–24 reached ₹285 crore, much of it destined for the European Union via specialized pack-houses and cold storages. Tikota, Chadchan, and Muddebihal taluks are centres of grape farming.
- Pomegranates: Rapid expansion and high returns have made pomegranates (Bhagwa and Arakta varieties) Vijayapura’s second major fruit crop, with ~4,200 hectares and ~52,000 metric tons annually, per the National Horticulture Board. Exports to the Middle East touched ₹32 crore in 2023–24.
Both crops command premium prices versus staples, especially for farmers with irrigation, and have driven investment in post-harvest infrastructure (cold storage, grading lines).
