Bel (Bael) Tree: Where It Grows in India and How to Plant It
Aegle marmelos
Bel is a hardy native fruit tree that handles 48 °C heat, drought and salty soil. Learn where it grows across India, when and how to plant it, how to care for it, its uses, and the cautions to know.
Varieties
Known varieties and forms of this tree in India, how they differ and where they grow.
Released variety (6)
Goma YashiFruit weight: 1.25 kgRipening time: Matures in March (mid group)
ICAR calls it popular with farmers and ideal for high-density planting; it has spread from Gujarat to ten more states. It was released at state level by the Gujarat State Variety Release sub-committee in 2021.
- Tree shape
- Small stature; semi-dwarf
- Thorns
- Thornless
- Fruit weight
- 1.25 kg
- Ripening time
- Matures in March (mid group)
- Best for
- Processing
- Other
- Papery-thin shell; suits high-density planting
Sources: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner, ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner, ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner
Thar DivyaFruit weight: 1.51 kgYield: 85.20 kg per plant (9th year)Ripening time: Earliest: second half of February
Bred for rainfed hot semi-arid areas, where ICAR-CIAH reports higher yield under low rain and high heat. It was released at state level by the Gujarat State Variety Release sub-committee in 2021.
- Tree shape
- Vigorous, semi-spreading, compact canopy
- Thorns
- Very few spines
- Fruit weight
- 1.51 kg
- Yield
- 85.20 kg per plant (9th year)
- Ripening time
- Earliest: second half of February
- Tolerance
- Drought tolerant
- Best for
- Powder and RTS drinks; also table use
Sources: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner, ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner
Pant ShivaniFruit weight: 1.2–2.0 kgYield: 50–60 kg per treeRipening time: Mid season
Released by GBPUAT, Pantnagar. Lemon-yellow fruit with better storage quality and low to medium seed and fibre.
- Tree shape
- Tall, vigorous, dense, upright
- Fruit weight
- 1.2–2.0 kg
- Yield
- 50–60 kg per tree
- Ripening time
- Mid season
Sources: G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, IGNOU eGyanKosh
Pant AparnaFruit weight: 0.6–0.8 kg
Released by GBPUAT, Pantnagar. Mucilage and seeds sit in separate segments, so IGNOU calls it ideally suited for processing.
- Tree shape
- Dwarf, drooping sparse foliage
- Thorns
- Almost thornless
- Fruit weight
- 0.6–0.8 kg
- Best for
- Processing
Sources: G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, IGNOU eGyanKosh
Pant UrvashiFruit weight: 1.6 kgYield: 27–30 kg per treeRipening time: Mid season
Released by GBPUAT, Pantnagar. Lemon-yellow fruit with yellow pulp and a pleasant flavour.
- Tree shape
- Tall, vigorous, dense, upright
- Fruit weight
- 1.6 kg
- Yield
- 27–30 kg per tree
- Ripening time
- Mid season
Sources: G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, IGNOU eGyanKosh
Pant SujataFruit weight: 1.14 kgYield: 45–50 kg per treeRipening time: Early-mid season
Released by GBPUAT, Pantnagar. Light-yellow fruit with a thin rind, better storage quality and low seed, mucilage and fibre.
- Tree shape
- Medium dwarf, drooping and spreading
- Fruit weight
- 1.14 kg
- Yield
- 45–50 kg per tree
- Ripening time
- Early-mid season
Sources: G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, IGNOU eGyanKosh
Research selection (14)
Narendra Bael-5 (NB-5)Fruit weight: 0.9–1 kgYield: 50–60 kg per tree (10+ years)
IGNOU lists it among the "promising new selections" made at NDUA&T; the fruit is sweet with low mucilage and few seeds. ICAR-CIAH found NB-5 and NB-9 performed well in the irrigated hot arid zone.
- Height
- 3–5 m
- Fruit weight
- 0.9–1 kg
- Yield
- 50–60 kg per tree (10+ years)
- Starts bearing
- Precocious bearer
Sources: IGNOU eGyanKosh, ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner
Narendra Bael-9 (NB-9)Yield: 70–80 kg per tree
One of the "promising new selections" made at NDUA&T (IGNOU). Sweet, mildly acidic fruit with soft orange-yellow flesh and a thin shell.
- Height
- 4–6 m
- Tree shape
- Spreading
- Yield
- 70–80 kg per tree
Sources: IGNOU eGyanKosh, ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner
Narendra Bael-7 (NB-7)Fruit weight: 3–4.5 kgYield: 70–80 kg per tree
One of the "promising new selections" made at NDUA&T (IGNOU). Very large round fruit with moderate seed and fibre.
- Height
- 5–7 m
- Tree shape
- Less spreading
- Fruit weight
- 3–4.5 kg
- Yield
- 70–80 kg per tree
Source: IGNOU eGyanKosh
Narendra Bael-8Fruit weight: 1.23 kgYield: 108.89 kg per plant (6-year average)Ripening time: Late: first half of April
A "promising bael selection" from ANDUAT, identified as a variety at the AICRP on Arid Zone Fruits meeting of April 2022. It has very little fibre.
- Tree shape
- Vigorous, semi-spreading, compact canopy
- Thorns
- Very few spines
- Fruit weight
- 1.23 kg
- Yield
- 108.89 kg per plant (6-year average)
- Ripening time
- Late: first half of April
- Best for
- Powder, juice, murabba, candy, RTS
Source: ICAR-CIAH (AICRP on Arid Zone Fruits), published by ANDUAT, Ayodhya
Narendra Bael-10Fruit weight: 1.87 kgYield: 104.34 kg per plant (5-year average)Ripening time: Earliest: first half of March
A "promising bael selection" from ANDUAT, identified as a variety at the AICRP on Arid Zone Fruits meeting of February 2021. Suited to dry land.
- Tree shape
- Vigorous, semi-spreading, compact canopy
- Thorns
- Very few spines
- Fruit weight
- 1.87 kg
- Yield
- 104.34 kg per plant (5-year average)
- Ripening time
- Earliest: first half of March
- Best for
- Powder and RTS drinks
Source: ICAR-CIAH (AICRP on Arid Zone Fruits), published by ANDUAT, Ayodhya
Narendra Bael-11Fruit weight: 1.87 kgYield: 99.60 kg per plant (6-year average)Ripening time: Early: first half of March
A "promising bael selection" from ANDUAT, identified as a variety at the AICRP on Arid Zone Fruits meeting of April 2022. Suited to rainfed hot semi-arid areas.
- Tree shape
- Vigorous, semi-spreading, upright, compact
- Thorns
- Very few spines
- Fruit weight
- 1.87 kg
- Yield
- 99.60 kg per plant (6-year average)
- Ripening time
- Early: first half of March
- Tolerance
- Drought tolerant; moderately frost resistant
- Best for
- Powder, juice, murabba, candy, RTS
Source: ICAR-CIAH (AICRP on Arid Zone Fruits), published by ANDUAT, Ayodhya
CISH-B-1Fruit weight: 1.01 kgYield: 50–80 kg per treeRipening time: Mid season: April–May
IGNOU: "a selection from open pollinated seedlings" made at CISH, Lucknow. Thin-shelled fruit with a pleasant flavour and little mucilage.
- Tree shape
- Tall, vigorous, erect, dense canopy
- Fruit weight
- 1.01 kg
- Yield
- 50–80 kg per tree
- Ripening time
- Mid season: April–May
- Best for
- Canning and slices
Source: IGNOU eGyanKosh
CISH-B-2Fruit weight: 1.80–2.70 kgYield: 60–90 kg per tree
IGNOU: "also a selection from open pollinated seedlings" at CISH, Lucknow. Orange-yellow pulp; IGNOU calls it an excellent, high-yielding variety for pulp and nectar.
- Tree shape
- Dwarf, medium spreading
- Thorns
- Almost thornless
- Fruit weight
- 1.80–2.70 kg
- Yield
- 60–90 kg per tree
- Best for
- Pulp and nectar
Source: IGNOU eGyanKosh
Thar NeelkanthFruit weight: 1.50 kgYield: 70–75 kg per plant (8th year)Ripening time: Ripening starts 3rd week of April
Listed by ICAR-CIAH among bael "varieties identified at institute level". In 2023 ICAR-CIAH licensed it to Ambica Agro, Anand for mass multiplication.
- Height
- Medium (5.0 m), compact, semi-spreading
- Thorns
- Few spines
- Fruit weight
- 1.50 kg
- Yield
- 70–75 kg per plant (8th year)
- Ripening time
- Ripening starts 3rd week of April
- Tolerance
- Drought tolerant
- Best for
- Powder, candy, murabba, RTS
Sources: ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Thar SrishtiFruit weight: 1.55 kgYield: 91.50 kg per plant (9th year)Ripening time: Late April to first week of May
Listed by ICAR-CIAH among bael "varieties identified at institute level". In 2023 ICAR-CIAH licensed it to Ambica Agro, Anand for mass multiplication.
- Tree shape
- Compact canopy
- Fruit weight
- 1.55 kg
- Yield
- 91.50 kg per plant (9th year)
- Ripening time
- Late April to first week of May
- Starts bearing
- Fruits from 3rd year
- Best for
- Powder, slices, sharbat; table use
Sources: ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Thar PrakritiFruit weight: 1.40 kgYield: 115.75 kg per plant (12th year)Ripening time: Late: first week of May
Listed by ICAR-CIAH among bael "varieties identified at institute level". Round, uniform fruit with good flavour and aroma.
- Fruit weight
- 1.40 kg
- Yield
- 115.75 kg per plant (12th year)
- Ripening time
- Late: first week of May
Source: ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner
Thar ShivangiFruit weight: 1.45 kgYield: 109.15 kg per plant (11th year)Ripening time: Late: 4th week of May
Listed by ICAR-CIAH among bael "varieties identified at institute level". Rich in antioxidants, with shining leaves.
- Tree shape
- Drooping branches, semi-spreading
- Fruit weight
- 1.45 kg
- Yield
- 109.15 kg per plant (11th year)
- Ripening time
- Late: 4th week of May
Source: ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner
Thar GauriFruit weight: 1.37–1.45 kgYield: 133.70 kg per plant (11th year)Ripening time: Late: May
Listed by ICAR-CIAH among bael "varieties identified at institute level". Bears in clusters, with deep yellow fruit.
- Tree shape
- Small, spreading, compact canopy
- Thorns
- Small spines
- Fruit weight
- 1.37–1.45 kg
- Yield
- 133.70 kg per plant (11th year)
- Ripening time
- Late: May
- Tolerance
- Drought tolerant
- Best for
- Powder, pickle, candy, slices, sharbat
Source: ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner
Thar BhavyaFruit weight: 0.65–0.78 kgYield: 97.18 kg per plant (10th year)Ripening time: Mid: April
Listed by ICAR-CIAH among bael "varieties identified at institute level". Small round fruit; suited to high-density planting at 5 m x 5 m.
- Tree shape
- Comparatively dwarf, semi-spreading
- Thorns
- Small spines
- Fruit weight
- 0.65–0.78 kg
- Yield
- 97.18 kg per plant (10th year)
- Ripening time
- Mid: April
- Tolerance
- Drought tolerant
- Best for
- Murabba, candy, sharbat, slices
Source: ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner
Local type (6)
Mirzapuri
A popular traditional type. IGNOU says such types were "named after the locality, where they are easily available".
Source: IGNOU eGyanKosh
Kagzi Gonda
A popular traditional type. IGNOU says such types were "named after the locality, where they are easily available".
Source: IGNOU eGyanKosh
Kagzi Etawah
A popular traditional type. IGNOU says such types were "named after the locality, where they are easily available".
Source: IGNOU eGyanKosh
Darogaji
A popular traditional type. IGNOU says such types were "named after the locality, where they are easily available".
Source: IGNOU eGyanKosh
Rampuri
A popular traditional type. IGNOU says such types were "named after the locality, where they are easily available".
Source: IGNOU eGyanKosh
Deoria Large
A popular traditional type. IGNOU says such types were "named after the locality, where they are easily available".
Source: IGNOU eGyanKosh
Compare all varieties
| Variety | Tree shape | Height | Fruit weight | Yield | Ripening time | Starts bearing | Thorns | Tolerance | Best for | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goma Yashi | Small stature; semi-dwarf | — | 1.25 kg | — | Matures in March (mid group) | — | Thornless | — | Processing | Papery-thin shell; suits high-density planting |
| Thar Divya | Vigorous, semi-spreading, compact canopy | — | 1.51 kg | 85.20 kg per plant (9th year) | Earliest: second half of February | — | Very few spines | Drought tolerant | Powder and RTS drinks; also table use | — |
| Pant Shivani | Tall, vigorous, dense, upright | — | 1.2–2.0 kg | 50–60 kg per tree | Mid season | — | — | — | — | — |
| Pant Aparna | Dwarf, drooping sparse foliage | — | 0.6–0.8 kg | — | — | — | Almost thornless | — | Processing | — |
| Pant Urvashi | Tall, vigorous, dense, upright | — | 1.6 kg | 27–30 kg per tree | Mid season | — | — | — | — | — |
| Pant Sujata | Medium dwarf, drooping and spreading | — | 1.14 kg | 45–50 kg per tree | Early-mid season | — | — | — | — | — |
| Narendra Bael-5 (NB-5) | — | 3–5 m | 0.9–1 kg | 50–60 kg per tree (10+ years) | — | Precocious bearer | — | — | — | — |
| Narendra Bael-9 (NB-9) | Spreading | 4–6 m | — | 70–80 kg per tree | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Narendra Bael-7 (NB-7) | Less spreading | 5–7 m | 3–4.5 kg | 70–80 kg per tree | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Narendra Bael-8 | Vigorous, semi-spreading, compact canopy | — | 1.23 kg | 108.89 kg per plant (6-year average) | Late: first half of April | — | Very few spines | — | Powder, juice, murabba, candy, RTS | — |
| Narendra Bael-10 | Vigorous, semi-spreading, compact canopy | — | 1.87 kg | 104.34 kg per plant (5-year average) | Earliest: first half of March | — | Very few spines | — | Powder and RTS drinks | — |
| Narendra Bael-11 | Vigorous, semi-spreading, upright, compact | — | 1.87 kg | 99.60 kg per plant (6-year average) | Early: first half of March | — | Very few spines | Drought tolerant; moderately frost resistant | Powder, juice, murabba, candy, RTS | — |
| CISH-B-1 | Tall, vigorous, erect, dense canopy | — | 1.01 kg | 50–80 kg per tree | Mid season: April–May | — | — | — | Canning and slices | — |
| CISH-B-2 | Dwarf, medium spreading | — | 1.80–2.70 kg | 60–90 kg per tree | — | — | Almost thornless | — | Pulp and nectar | — |
| Thar Neelkanth | — | Medium (5.0 m), compact, semi-spreading | 1.50 kg | 70–75 kg per plant (8th year) | Ripening starts 3rd week of April | — | Few spines | Drought tolerant | Powder, candy, murabba, RTS | — |
| Thar Srishti | Compact canopy | — | 1.55 kg | 91.50 kg per plant (9th year) | Late April to first week of May | Fruits from 3rd year | — | — | Powder, slices, sharbat; table use | — |
| Thar Prakriti | — | — | 1.40 kg | 115.75 kg per plant (12th year) | Late: first week of May | — | — | — | — | — |
| Thar Shivangi | Drooping branches, semi-spreading | — | 1.45 kg | 109.15 kg per plant (11th year) | Late: 4th week of May | — | — | — | — | — |
| Thar Gauri | Small, spreading, compact canopy | — | 1.37–1.45 kg | 133.70 kg per plant (11th year) | Late: May | — | Small spines | Drought tolerant | Powder, pickle, candy, slices, sharbat | — |
| Thar Bhavya | Comparatively dwarf, semi-spreading | — | 0.65–0.78 kg | 97.18 kg per plant (10th year) | Mid: April | — | Small spines | Drought tolerant | Murabba, candy, sharbat, slices | — |
Sources: Bael Variety 'Goma Yashi' at Farmer's Doorstep: A Success story – Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR); ICAR-CIAH Bikaner signs MoAs for propagation and dissemination of varieties of semi-arid fruit (30 September 2023) – Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR); Variety Release (SVRC): Bael Goma Yashi (CHESB-1) and Thar Divya (CHESB.5) – ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner; Varieties identified at institute level (Fruits: Bael) – ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner; Research achievements: varieties released by CIAH; bael genotype evaluation – ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner; Varieties released by GBPUAT, Pantnagar (till 31 July 2026): Bael – G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar; Arid Fruits, Unit 3: Bael (Aegle marmelos Correae), 3.6 Varieties – IGNOU eGyanKosh; AICRP on Arid Zone Fruits office orders of 13 May 2022: identification of bael varieties Narendra Bael-10, -8 and -11 – ICAR-CIAH (AICRP on Arid Zone Fruits), published by ANDUAT, Ayodhya
This article was prepared with AI assistance. Please check important details against the sources shown in each section.
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