Mango (Mangifera indica), one of the oldest and most beloved tropical fruits, is revered as the "king of fruits" in India, which leads global production, contributing 44% of the total supply.
Unlike many fruits, mangoes are carefully harvested with their stalks intact. Improper handling, such as pulling the fruit, can cause the stalk to break, leading to sap leakage and a decline in fruit quality.
Mango: Soil and Climate
Mango trees thrive in warm, tropical and subtropical climates, requiring temperatures between 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F) for optimal growth. They are highly sensitive to frost, which can damage the tree and fruit.
Soil Requirements:
Choosing the Right Variety of Mango
Selecting the right mango variety is crucial for successful farming, as different varieties perform best under specific climatic conditions and market demands. Alphonso thrives in the hot, humid climate of Western India, while Kent and Haden are more adaptable to warmer subtropical regions. Kesar and Raspuri are known for being relatively resistant to pests compared to other varieties. Some varieties like Tommy Atkins are high-yielding and less prone to dropping fruit, while others may require more care but produce high-quality fruit. International markets may prefer varieties like Kent, Haden, or Tommy Atkins, which ship well and have long shelf lives.
Mango Planting
Choosing the right planting material and disease free sapling ensures strong, healthy trees that will bear high-quality fruit. Propagated from seed or propagated vegetatively. Plants are generally propagated by using several techniques like veneer grafting, inarching and epicotyl grafting etc.
Dig the plant hole which is about 2–3 times wider than the root ball of the mango tree and 1.5 times deeper. Typically, a hole around 2–3 feet wide and 1–1.5 feet deep is sufficient for most mango saplings. The hole should be roughly circular to allow the roots to grow outward in all directions. Mulch around the mango tree base to suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature.
In India and other tropical regions, the best time to plant is typically from April to June, just before or during the onset of the monsoon season.
Spacing for Grafted Mango Trees
Grafted mango trees, characterized by a more compact growth habit, can be planted closer together than seed-grown varieties, typically around 20 to 25 feet (6 to 7.5 meters) for commercial purposes and about 15 feet (4.5 meters) in backyard settings. When planting in rows, it is recommended to space the rows 30 to 40 feet (9 to 12 meters) apart to facilitate machinery access, pruning, and harvesting. Larger varieties (like Alphonso and Tommy Atkins) require more space, while smaller or dwarf varieties (like Kesar and Raspuri) can be spaced closer together.
Effective Drip Irrigation for Mango Trees
Drip irrigation is one of the most efficient and sustainable ways to water mango trees. It delivers water directly to the root zone, minimizing wastage and providing the tree with consistent moisture.
Drip irrigation minimizes water wastage by directly supplying water to the trees roots. Drip systems are automated, reducing the need for manual watering and saving labor costs. By setting up a well-planned drip irrigation system, you can ensure your mango trees receive adequate water, minimize water wastage, and promote healthy, high-yielding trees. Proper installation, monitoring, and maintenance of the system will contribute to the long-term success of your mango orchard.
Implement good nutrition management
To ensure healthy growth of mango trees, it is essential to conduct a soil test to identify nutrient deficiencies. Based on the test results, apply appropriate organic fertilizers tailored to the specific needs of the trees, and consistently monitor and maintain their nutritional requirements.
Mango trees have a deep root system, so proper soil aeration is essential to ensure that roots have access to oxygen. Use deep tillage methods to break up compacted soil and improve root penetration.
Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 20-10-10) before flowering to promote vegetative growth. After fruit set, use fertilizers rich in potassium and micronutrients to enhance fruit development. After harvesting, apply a light fertilizer to support tree recovery and prepare it for the next cycle.
Apply well-decomposed compost or organic manure around the base of the tree to improve soil structure, retain moisture, and provide slow-release nutrients.
Pruning and Training Mango Trees
Pruning enhances tree structure, leading to a robust framework that improves fruit production quality. It facilitates better light penetration and air circulation, resulting in higher fruit yields. Additionally, pruning minimizes the risk of diseases by eliminating dead or infected branches, and it simplifies the maintenance and harvesting process by making branches more accessible. These practices involve shaping the tree, removing dead or diseased wood, and establishing a strong framework to enhance growth, fruit quality, and management. Proper techniques not only promote long-term productivity but also minimize the risk of diseases and pest issues.
Pest and Disease Management in Mango Farming
Mango trees are susceptible to various pests and diseases that significantly affect their health and fruit production. Key pests include the mango mealybug, which causes yellowing leaves and deformed fruits; mango hoppers, which lead to premature flower drop and mango fruit flies, which damage fruits through tunneling larvae. Control methods for these pests involve cultural practices like pruning, biological methods using natural predators, and chemical treatments with specific insecticides. Additionally, the trees can suffer from diseases like Red Band Needle Blight, and threats from termites and leaf-cutting ants, both of which weaken the tree and reduce growth. Effective management includes maintaining tree health through proper care and targeted pest control strategies.
Weed Control Measures in Mango Farming
Weed control in mango farming involves proactive strategies to prevent and manage weed populations through a combination of cultural practices, mechanical methods, and chemical herbicides. Key cultural practices include mulching, cover cropping, and proper spacing to minimize weed growth. Mechanical methods such as manual weeding and mowing are labor-intensive. The most sustainable approach is integrated weed management (IWM), which combines these methods for long-term weed suppression.
Harvesting Techniques
Proper harvesting ensures that mangoes reach their full potential in terms of taste, texture, and shelf life. The timing of mango harvesting is essential for ensuring optimal fruit quality, as mangoes do not ripen correctly once picked. Indicators of maturity include color change, size, firmness, shape, taste, and aroma. Mangoes can be harvested at different stages depending on their intended market, with tools like harvesting poles and pruning shears minimizing damage during collection. The harvesting process involves careful handling to avoid bruising, especially in wet conditions or direct sunlight. Post-harvest, mangoes require sorting, cleaning, and temperature-controlled storage to maintain quality. Packaging should protect the fruit and ensure ventilation, while treatments like waxing and controlled exposure to ethylene gas may be employed to extend shelf life and promote uniform ripening.
Average Mango Yield per Acre
The yield of mangoes per acre can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the variety of mango, soil quality, climate conditions, farming practices, tree age, and the type of mango cultivation system used (e.g., traditional vs. modern methods). However, the yield per acre can range from 3 to 10 tons of mangoes annually. Typically, traditional mango farms use wider spacing (e.g., 30 feet between trees), leading to fewer trees per acre (around 40-50 trees per acre).
Post-Harvest Handling and Storage of Mangoes
Proper post-harvest handling and storage of mangoes are essential to maintaining fruit quality, extending shelf life, and minimizing losses. Key practices include sorting and grading, careful cleaning and packing, temperature and humidity control, and efficient transportation. Sorting the mangoes based on ripeness level ensure a consistent product for customer. After sorting, washing them with clean water helps remove dirt or residue. Drying them thoroughly before packaging is important to prevent mold growth. If mangoes are being transported over long distances, maintaining the "cold chain" (continuous refrigeration) from harvest to delivery is essential. This prevents the mangoes from ripening too quickly or experiencing spoilage.
Cost of cultivating mango trees per acre
The cost of cultivating mango trees per acre including labor can range apporimately 2 lakhs in the first year, with the mangos yeild per acer for 1 year will be 2.5 to 3 tonnes.
Expected profit per acre
The total profit from the venture would be 7 lakhs in the first year. In mature mango orchards (Year 5 and beyond), the expected profit per acre will increase subsequently, depending on yield and market conditions. A well-managed, high-density mango farm with premium fruit can be a highly profitable venture, especially if yields are high and market prices are favorable.
Conclusion
Starting a mango farming venture necessitates careful planning and adherence to best practices. Key recommendations include selecting the right location, choosing suitable mango varieties, properly preparing the land, ensuring adequate irrigation and nutrition, managing pests and diseases effectively, practicing proper pruning, and harvesting at the appropriate time. Additionally, seeking advice from local agricultural experts and tailoring these strategies to specific conditions can enhance the likelihood of success. With dedication and knowledge, mango farming can be a rewarding endeavor.
The information provided here has been collected from online sources. We inform you that there may be changes in the references when these details are subjected to further research for videos in the future.
To know more about precision farming technique in Mango Farming please click the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8IncJIIvQ8&feature=youtu.be
Edited by Gayathri
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