8/2/2019 Jain Irrigation MFarm

1/2

Jain Irrigation has developed hi-tech cultivation methods for Mangos: UltraHigh Density Plantation (UHDP) of Mango at JISLs farm in Ellaymuthur,

Udumalpet, Coimbatore

Jain irrigation started large scale mango plantations during 1996 we did not follow conventional plantingdistance of 10m x 10m; instead we adopted 4.5m x 4.5m, which is considered as medium density plantation(MDP). Results of MDP were remarkable and the orchard could start commercial production in the fourthyear itself and later on yields were better than those from the conventional besides several other

advantages. During year the 2005 JISL expanded its mango plantation in Ellaymuthur village of Udumalpet(taluka), district Coimbatore and replicated the same planting method. We could realize commercial yieldfrom fourth year onwards and high yields are not enough to recover investments on land development andorchard establishment thus we were in search of better technology which can give higher yield. ThoughUHDP has shown success in mango at experimental levels but commercial plantations are not available inthe country. During 2006 three scientists from JISL participated in a conference on Mango in South Africaand visited UHD plantations of Tommy Atkins variety of mango on large scale at a farmer cum scientistsfield. It gave us confidence that Indian varieties also could be grown successfully under this plantingsystem. Subsequently JISL decided to have a semi commercial scale trial in Ellaymuthur farm and planted4.5 acres of UHDP of cv. Alphonso and Ratna. Encouraged by the initial success of the UHDP, we haveextended UHDP to 50 acres by including other commercial varieties like Totapuri (Bangalora),Imampasand, Baneshan etc.

A. Where it can be grown : Ultra high density mango planting can be done at all those places where

traditional mango is grown. Specifically it well drained soil with pH between 6.5-7.5 having no

hardpan or calcium carbonate layer till 1.5m depth.B. Process : Mango grafts of commercial varieties are planted at very close spacing of (3mx1m or

3mx2m) which allows attaining good growth during initial years and orchard attains commercialproduction from 3rd year onwards. Special techniques of training and pruning are used to developsufficient number of branches and shoots since planting and tree growth and flowering areregulated through a combination of regular pruning and Pachlobutrazol application. Special care fornutrition management and pest control is followed.

C. Advantages of UHDP vis-a-vis traditional mango cultivation :

8/2/2019 Jain Irrigation MFarm

2/2

ParticularPlanting Type

Traditional Medium Density Ultra High Density

Gestation Period (years) 7-9 4.-5 3-4

Duration to reach full potential (years) 12-15 7-8 4-5

Yield Potential Medium High Very High

Orchard Management Activities

Pruning Very difficult Manageable Easy

Spray operation Difficult Manageable Easy

Spray efficiency Very Poor Fairly Good Good

Harvest Very Difficult Possible Very Easy

Control of Fruit Quality Impossible Possible Easy

Expected yield at maturity (t/ha)

1. High volume varieties 10-12 18-20 20-25 (expected)

2. Low volume varieties 5-6 8-10 12-15 (expected)

Expected annual income (Lakh Rs/ha)

1. High volume varieties (@Rs4/kg) 0.40 - 0.48 0.72 - 0.80 0.80 - 1.00

2. Low volume varieties (@Rs10/kg) 0.50 - 0.60 0.80 - 1.00 1.20 - 1.50

Commercial orchard life (years) upto 50 30-35 20-25

D. Benefit to farmers :a. Very low gestation period allows farmer to reduce cost burden and early income

generation.b. b. Suitable for small, medium and semi-large farmers as it is management intensive and

yields good quality fruits which can get better market price.c. It makes sensible bankable project to offer financial support due to assured high early

returns.