Mango Farming in India: Step-by-Step Cultivation Process

Table of Contents

• An Overview of Mango Farming in India
• Popular Varieties of Mango in India
• Step-by-Step Process of Mango Cultivation
  • Soil and Climate
  • Land Preparation
  • Planting
  • Training and Pruning
  • Irrigation Management
  • Intercropping
  • Fertilizer Application
  • Pest and Disease Management
  • Harvesting and Yield
• AI integration in mango farming in India
• Mango Production in India
• India Facts and Figures in Mango Cultivation
• Value-Added Products of Mango

An Overview of Mango Farming in India

Mango belongs to the Family Anacardiaceae, and its scientific name is Mangifera indica. As we know, mango is the king of fruits due to its delicious taste, excellent flavour and attractive fragrance. It is also rich in vitamins A and C. It is also rich in antioxidants. The cultivation of mango originated in S.E. Asia. India has the richest collection of mango cultivars. Though mangoes are considered a low-maintenance and hardy fruit crop, the grafts used in commercial mango farming in India need proper care and maintenance. This pulpy and juicy fruit comes in a wide variety in India. Now, let’s have a look at the popular mango varieties available in India below.

Popular Varieties of Mango in India

In India, about 1500 varieties of mango are grown, including 1000 commercial varieties. Some of the most popular mango varieties are given below:

• Alphonso
• Banganapalli
• Dashehari
• Kesar
• Langra
• Mankurad
• Bangalora
• Chausa
• Himsagar
• Safeda

Step-by-Step Process of Mango Cultivation

Soil and Climate

Mango can grow on almost all types of soil, but the red loamy soil is quite ideal for mango plants. Rich, medium and well-drained soils give much better results. Mangoes prefer slightly acidic soils from pH 5.5 to 7.5. In India, mangoes are grown in both tropical and subtropical conditions. Mango cultivation requires good rainfall and a dry summer. The ideal temperature is between 22°C - 27°C. Heavy winds and cyclones cause flower and fruit shedding and the breaking of branches.

Land Preparation

Field preparation is the most important step in the mango tree cultivation. Deep ploughing followed by harrowing and levelling with a gentle slope for good drainage is required for land preparation. A pit of 1 x 1 x 1 m is ideal. Fill in with topsoil mixed with 10 kg of FYM and 100 g of Lindane 1.3% dust per pit.

Planting

The planting of mangoes is usually done in the month of July-August in rainfed areas and during February-March in irrigated areas.  In heavy rainfall zones, planting is done at the end of the rainy season. Mango can be propagated from seeds or grafts. The spacing pattern should be 10 x 10 m in the dry zones where growth is less, to 12 x 12 m in heavy rainfall areas and rich soils where enough vegetative growth occurs.

Training and Pruning

Usually, frequent pruning is not required for mango plants. However, proper training should be done to get the plant in good shape. It is important, especially when the branches are placed at very low levels. The main branches should be at least 20-25 cm apart. It should be spaced in a way that both branches grow in opposite directions.

Irrigation Management

The amount of irrigation provided to the crop depends upon the type of soil, climatic conditions, rainfall, and the distribution and age of the tree. In adult trees, irrigation at 10 to 15-day intervals from fruit to maturity is required to obtain a good yield. 2-3 months before flowering, irrigation is not advisable as it leads to vegetative growth at the expense of flowering. Basin irrigation and drip irrigation are recommended for better yield.

Intercropping

Intercropping should be done when the mango plant reaches a suitable height and develops a canopy. It should be 5-6 years old. Green gram, mustard, sesame, groundnut, cabbage, cauliflower, tomato, potato, brinjal, cucumber and chillies can be grown as intercrops. Pineapple, ginger, turmeric, etc., are partial shade-loving crops that can also be cultivated in a grown orchard. Moreover, inter-fillers like papaya, guava, peach, plum, etc. can also be grown as they don’t interfere with the main mango plant.

Fertilizer Application

In general, 170 gm urea, 110 gm single super phosphate and 115 gm muriate of potash per plant per year of the age from first to tenth year and thereafter, 1.7 kg, 1.1 kg, and 1.15 kg respectively of these fertilisers per plant per year can be applied in two equal split doses (June-July and October). A foliar spray of 3% urea is recommended before flowering in sandy areas.

Pest and Disease Management

Harvesting and Yield

The mango plant starts bearing fruit from the 6th year onwards. However, the grafted plants start bearing at the age of 3-4 years (10-20 fruits) to give optimum crops from 10-15 years, which continues to increase up to the age of 40 years under good management. The yield depends on the variety, climatic conditions, plant population, etc. The average yield ranges from 5 to 9 tonnes/acre.

AI integration in mango farming in India

1. AI helps monitoring the soil health, weather conditions, and crop growth to optimize water, fertilizer, and pesticide use for better mango yield.
2. AI-powered image recognition tools can identify mango diseases early, allowing them to detect and look after the farming.
3. AI models analyze historical and real-time data to predict mango production, helping farmers plan better and reduce waste.
4. AI helps improve logistics by forecasting demand and optimizing storage and transportation, ensuring fresh mangoes reach markets efficiently.

Mango Production in India

India leads in the area and production of mangoes. Mango accounts for 39% of the area under fruit crops in India. India ranks first in mango production, accounting for about 50% of the world’s mango production. Other major mango-producing countries are China, Thailand, Mexico, and Pakistan. India produced more than 20 metric tonnes of mangoes in 2022-23. The major mango-producing states, as per APEDA in 2021-22, in India are given below:

India Facts and Figures in Mango Cultivation

• According to APEDA, Uttar Pradesh ranks first in mango production with a share of 26.75 % and the highest productivity in 2023-24.
• India is one of the major exporters of mangoes in the world. The country has exported 32,104.09 Metric Tonnes of fresh mangoes to the world for the worth of INR 495.46 crores during the year 2023-24.
• In 2023-24, the major export countries are the United Arab Emirates, the UK, the USA, Kuwait, and Qatar.

Value-Added Products of Mango

In India, mangoes are abundantly available from March to mid-August. It is used in both its raw and ripe stages. At the peak of its season, mango is produced in large quantities in India, so it can be preserved in different forms using various methods. Mango value-added products are also available in the Indian market. Value-added product processing reduces post-harvest loss and increases farmers’ income. It helps with off-season availability, generates employment opportunities, balances nutrients, and increases export trade and foreign exchange. Some value-added products of mango are listed below:

• Mango Chutney
• Mango Pickle
• Mango (Aam) Papad
• Mango Juice
• Mango Squash
• Mango (Amchur) Powder
• Mango Jam
• Mango Fruit Bar
• Mango (Aam) Panna

The production of new products from mango waste has also started, such as flour from mango waste kernel, starch or fat from the kernel, pectin from mango peel, and many other by-products of mango. Compared to other fruits, mangoes have more by-products, so proper cultivation and ripening practices, harvesting, handling and improved transport facilities are needed to generate more income for livelihood.