Amla or Emblica officinalis is highly nutritious and is an important dietary source of Vitamin C, minerals and amino acids. The fruit also contains considerably higher concentration of most minerals and amino acids than apples.
Like many other herbs, Amla has been in use for centuries in India. This hardy plant is suited for being raised in wasteland, be it arid, semi-arid, salt affected, coastal or ravine areas. Intensive cultivation is being done in the salt-affected districts of Uttar Pradesh including the ravenous area in Agra, Mathura, Etawah, Fatehpur and semi-arid tracks of Bundelkhand. It is spreading rapidly in the semi-arid regions of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and the Arawali ranges in Haryana, Kandi area in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh extending to Ghar area of Uttar Pradesh.
A tree continues to bear fruits up to 65 to 70 years. The yield, however, would vary depending on the variety. The yield per tree could range from one to three quintals and the production per ha around 15 to 20 tonnes.
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