
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that is large, sweet, and fragrant. It’s one of the most rapidly increasing fruits globally in popularity. It is even consumed fresh, but it can be processed into different products such as flour and chips due to its versatility. So, if you want to grow this fruit, then you should know the farming processes to be able to harvest it efficiently. Here is a complete guide on how to farm jackfruit, from soil preparation to post-harvest handling.
Steps to Grow Jackfruits on Your Farm:
In the below mentioned section, you can read about the farming processes of jackfruit farming. Carefully read them so you can grow healthy jackfruits on your farm.
Soil Preparation
Proper land preparation is the foundation of a successful jackfruit farm. Jackfruit trees require well-drained, loamy soil as they do not tolerate waterlogged conditions. The soil pH level should be slightly acidic, ideally between 6 and 7.
Before planting jackfruit, it’s essential to clear the land of any weeds, stones, or other debris that might obstruct growth. You have to plough and loosen the soil so that the roots can grow with ease. Ideally, a good tractor would make this much easier. The Mahindra 415 is an ideal tractor here. It will provide enough power to break up the earth and prepare the right conditions for the roots to breathe.
After the land is tilled, it must be levelled in a way that it will not puddle some portions. Your cultivation practice would then create either ridges or furrows. It would, after levelling, also improve soil fertility if you put compost or manure that is highly rotten; that will improve fertility, which will enhance healthy growth in your jackfruit tree.
Selecting the Right Variety and Plantation Process
After the land has been prepared, the next is to choose the appropriate variety of jackfruit. A variety of jackfruits exist, which are selected for different uses. Some varieties are best consumed fresh, while others are famous for processed products such as chips, pickles, and flour.
Once you have selected the variety, it’s time to plant the trees. Jackfruit tree usually thrives best in monsoon weather when there is moisture in the air. The seedlings should be 10-12 meters apart because this will provide ample space to expand and stretch out their limbs as they grow.
Jackfruit trees can be reproduced through grafting or air-layering. The methods help to produce disease-resistant, high-yielding trees. Water the newly planted trees regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging.
Care for Jackfruit Trees
Once established, care for jackfruit trees is generally low-maintenance, but regular attention has to be given to the trees to get them growing optimally. Watering the trees regularly, particularly during dry spells, is essential in the early days of the plantation. Applying mulch around the tree base will help retain moisture and cool the soil, as well as suppress weeds competing with the tree for nutrients.
Another very essential part of the care and maintenance of the jackfruit tree is fertilisation. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium-containing fertilisers must be applied periodically. Organic fertilisers such as compost or cow dung can also be used to mix nutrients into the soil. This promotes the general health of the tree and guarantees that it receives the right nourishment to grow healthily.
Pruning the trees is an important culture in jackfruit farming. Constant pruning helps encourage a healthy shape, removes dead or diseased branches, and promotes better air circulation, preventing fungal infections. With proper pruning, sunlight can penetrate the inner parts of the tree, thereby helping to improve fruit production.
Harvesting Stage
The jackfruit trees start fruiting between 3 and 5 years, according to the type and growing conditions. The fruit is harvested when ripe. You’ll know it is ripe when there is a sweet smell from the fruit and the skin changes colour to become slightly yellowish. Ripe jackfruit requires special care due to its large size and heavy weight.
To harvest, a sharp knife or pruning saw should be used to cut the fruit from the tree without damaging the fruit or the tree. Jackfruit should be harvested at the right time in order not to harvest overripe fruits, which will spoil within a short time.
Post Harvest Time
Once harvested, jackfruit should be handled so that it does not reach the markets in a badly damaged condition. The fruit is huge, and for commercial plantations, good transportation equipment is essential. It requires a tough and powerful machine to transport these harvested fruits, such as processing units or nearby markets. Among such machines is the Mahindra Arjun 605, which is perfect for a tractor to help transport those harvested jackfruits. It is quite a powerful tractor that can lift to 2200 kg. Furthermore, the Mahindra Arjun 605 Price starts at Rs 9,36,250 and reaches up to Rs. 9,57,650. Anyone who is looking to improve their post-harvest logistics can use this tractor.
After harvest, jackfruit can either be consumed fresh or transformed into value-added products. Freshly harvested jackfruit needs to be packed before transport to minimise damage. In the case of processed products like jackfruit chips, pickles, and flour, it is best if they are preserved correctly. If you are processing jackfruit into products, ensure that you store them in clean, dry conditions in order to maintain their quality and shelf life.
The Final Words
Jackfruit farming is a very rewarding and profitable venture if properly taken care of. With the growing demand for fresh and processed jackfruit, this crop offers great economic opportunities. With proper farming practices, you can be sure to get a healthy yield and enjoy the benefits of growing this versatile fruit.