India is a major producer of papayas

The papaya is a large, tree-like plant, with a single stem growing from 5 to 10 m (16 to 33 ft) tall, with spirally arranged leaves confined to the top of the trunk.

India is the world’s largest producer of papaya; unsurprisingly, then, it’s also one of the easiest fruits to find.

India is the major producers of papaya, providing 44% of the world total of 12.4 million tons in 2013 (FAOSTAT chart).

Gaining in popularity among tropical fruits worldwide, papaya is now ranked fourth in total tropical fruit production after bananas, oranges, and mango. Global papaya production has grown significantly over the last few years, mainly as a result of increased production in India. Papaya has become an important agricultural export for developing countries, where export revenues of the fruit provide a livelihood for thousands of people, especially in Asia and Latin America.

Health Benefits

Papayas offer not only the luscious taste and sunlit color of the tropics, but are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids; the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium, copper, and magnesium; and fiber. Together, these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system and also provide protection against colon cancer. In addition, papaya contains the digestive enzyme, papain, which is used like bromelain, a similar enzyme found in pineapple, to treat sports injuries, other causes of trauma, and allergies.

• Papaya's Potential Protection Against Heart Disease
• Papayas Promote Digestive Health
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Papayas
• Immune Support by Papayas
• Papaya's Potential Protection against Macular Degeneration
• Protection against Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Papaya and Green Tea Team Up to Prevent Prostate Cancer

Nutritional Profile

 Papaya is an excellent source of vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids) and vitamin C. It is a very good source of folate. In addition, it is a good source of dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, copper and vitamin K.

Increase of papaya volumes in India

2016 was a good year for papaya growers and exporters. The total acreage for papayas grew by 5% to 10% due to a program for increased production. Starting from January, this should lead to an increase in volume of at least 10%.