Mango Farming in India: Complete Cultivation Guide, Profit per Acre, Varieties & Modern Techniques

  Learn step-by-step mango farming in India – from soil prep to harvesting. Explore top varieties, high-density methods, and profit potential per acre.

Mango, often crowned the “King of Fruits,” is not just a fruit — it’s an emotion in India. With its sweet aroma, juicy pulp, and rich cultural significance, mangoes hold a prestigious place in both domestic and export markets. India accounts for over 40% of global mango production, making mango farming a golden opportunity for farmers and agri-entrepreneurs alike.

From traditional orchards to high-density mango plantations, the sector has transformed into a highly profitable agribusiness driven by innovation, export demand, and sustainable practices.

                                                 

Importance of Mango Farming in India

Mango cultivation plays a vital role in:

• Employment generation for rural communities

• Export growth, contributing to India’s agri-economy

• Agro-based industries, such as pulp, juice, and processed products

• Cultural value, as mango is the national fruit of India

Climatic Requirements for Mango Cultivation

Mango is a tropical and subtropical crop that thrives in areas with:

• Temperature Range: 24°C to 30°C (optimum)

• Rainfall: 750–2500 mm annually

• Altitude: Up to 600 meters above sea level

• Sunlight: Requires full sun for at least 8 hours daily

 Avoid:

• Frost-prone areas

• Waterlogged or saline soils

• Regions with strong winds during flowering

Soil Requirement for Mango Plantation

Mango trees are adaptable but yield best in:

• Soil Type: Deep, fertile, well-drained loamy soil

• Soil pH: Between 5.5 and 7.5

• Ideal Depth: Minimum 2.5 meters for strong root growth

Before planting, farmers should conduct a soil health test to determine organic matter, nutrient content, and pH level for suitable amendments.

Popular Mango Varieties in India

India has over 1,000 mango varieties, though only a few are commercially significant.

Variety	Region	Key Traits
Alphonso (Hapus)	Maharashtra, Gujarat	Premium export variety, aromatic, sweet, saffron-colored pulp
Kesar	Gujarat	High-yield, deep orange pulp, strong flavor
Dasheri	Uttar Pradesh	North India’s favorite, medium-sized, highly aromatic
Langra	Bihar, UP	Fiberless, unique taste, mid-season fruit
Banganapalli	Andhra Pradesh	Large fruit, golden skin, long shelf life
Totapuri	South India	Used in pulp industries
Neelum	Tamil Nadu, Karnataka	Late-season variety, high yield
Amrapali (Hybrid)	Pan-India	Dwarf tree, suitable for high-density farming
Mallika (Hybrid)	High-density suitable, sweet, orange pulp

Land Preparation

1. Land Clearing: Remove weeds, stones, and old roots.

2. Deep Ploughing: Ensure aeration and better root penetration.

3. Levelling: Maintain gentle slopes for proper drainage.

4. Pit Digging: 1m × 1m × 1m pits are ideal.

5. Filling: Mix topsoil with FYM (20–25 kg) + 1 kg SSP + 200g MOP per pit.

6. Resting Period: Leave pits open for 2–3 weeks for sunlight sterilization.

Planting Methods and Spacing

System	Spacing	Plant Population per Acre	Remark
Traditional	9m × 9m	50–55 trees	Long lifespan, lower density
Semi-Intensive	6m × 6m	110–120 trees	Moderate yield
High-Density	2.5m × 2.5m	600–700 trees	Early return, modern method

Best Planting Time:

• June to August – Monsoon season is best for transplanting.

Tip: Always use grafted mango saplings from certified nurseries for better yield and uniform growth.

                                               

Fertilizer Management

Balanced nutrition ensures healthy trees and high fruit yield.

Tree Age	FYM (kg)	Urea (g)	SSP (g)	MOP (g)
1–3 years	10–20	200–400	200–300	100–200
4–6 years	25–40	500–800	400–600	200–300
Mature Tree	50+	1000	1000	500

Apply fertilizers twice a year:

• Before flowering (Feb–Mar)

• After fruit harvest (Aug–Sep)

Also, incorporate organic compost or vermicompost to maintain soil health.

Irrigation Management

Mango trees are drought-tolerant but require strategic watering:

• Young plants: Every 7–10 days.

• Mature trees: Once in 2–3 weeks.

• Flowering period: Maintain soil moisture but avoid overwatering.

Modern System:
Install drip irrigation with fertigation setup to save 40–50% water and apply nutrients efficiently.

Intercropping in Mango Orchards

During the first 3–4 years, farmers can grow short-duration intercrops such as:

• Vegetables: Okra, brinjal, chili

• Pulses: Moong, urad

• Leguminous fodders: Cowpea, sunhemp

This generates extra income and improves soil fertility.

Training and Pruning

Proper canopy management enhances fruit quality and sunlight penetration.

• Remove weak or diseased shoots.

• Train the tree to maintain 3–4 primary branches evenly spaced.

• Annual pruning after harvest boosts next season’s flowering.

Pest and Disease Management

Problem	Symptom	Control Measure
Mango Hopper	Sucking sap from flowers	Neem oil spray or Imidacloprid (0.005%)
Fruit Fly	Maggots in fruit	Collect and destroy infested fruits, use pheromone traps
Mealybug	White cottony mass	Apply chlorpyrifos on tree trunks
Powdery Mildew	White fungal layer on flowers	Spray wettable sulfur 0.2%
Anthracnose	Dark spots on leaves and fruits	Copper oxychloride 0.3% or Carbendazim 0.1%

Use integrated pest management (IPM) and avoid overuse of chemicals for eco-friendly farming.

Flowering and Fruiting

• Flowering Season: January to March.

• Fruit Maturity: 90–120 days after flowering.

• Thinning: Remove excess flowers/fruits to ensure uniform fruit size.

Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling

Mangoes should be harvested when mature but not overripe.

• Harvest Method: Use bamboo poles with nets.

• Post-Harvest Steps:

  1. Cleaning and grading

  2. De-sapping to remove latex stains

  3. Hot water treatment for fruit fly control

  4. Packing in ventilated boxes

Storage: 10–13°C temperature increases shelf life up to 3 weeks.

Yield and Profit per Acre

System	Yield per Acre (tonnes)	Income (₹)	Profit (₹)
Traditional	8–10	2–3 lakh	1.5–2 lakh
High-Density	18–22	5–6 lakh	3–4 lakh

Profit depends on variety, spacing, and management practices.

Export Opportunities

India exports mangoes to:

• UAE

• UK

• Saudi Arabia

• Qatar

• Japan

• Singapore

Top export varieties: Alphonso, Kesar, and Banganapalli.
Exporters must meet phytosanitary and quality standards, ensuring proper ripening and packaging.

Government Subsidies and Schemes

• MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture): Up to 40–50% subsidy on plantation and irrigation.

• NABARD Mango Orchard Loan: Low-interest loans for new farmers.

• APEDA: Assistance for export-oriented mango cultivation.

Modern Innovations in Mango Farming

1. High-Density Planting (HDP):

   • Uses dwarf hybrids (Amrapali, Mallika)

   • 3×3 m spacing for 700+ trees per acre

   • Early bearing (2 years) and higher yield

2. Drip Irrigation with Fertigation: Efficient nutrient delivery

3. Mulching: Moisture conservation and weed control

4. Use of Growth Regulators: NAA and Paclobutrazol for uniform flowering

5. Organic Mango Farming: Increasing demand in export markets

Marketing and Value Addition

Farmers can enhance profit margins through:

• Direct sales at local fruit mandis

• Online marketing via e-commerce platforms

• Processing units for juice, pickle, pulp, or dried mango slices

• Branding under regional names like Ratnagiri Alphonso for premium pricing

Challenges in Mango Farming

• Irregular flowering due to climate change

• Fruit drop and pest attacks

• Lack of cold storage and processing units

• Market price fluctuations

Solution: Adopt climate-smart practices, cooperatives, and government-supported FPO models.

Mango farming is a legacy that continues to thrive in India. Whether you’re a small farmer or agripreneur, adopting modern techniques, high-yield varieties, and scientific orchard management can turn your land into a long-term income source. With India’s strong domestic demand and export growth, mango farming remains one of the most stable and profitable agri-businesses today.

Suggested Reading

1.Sugarcane Waste to Plates: The Future of Eco-Friendly Business in India

2.Microgreen Farming: A Complete Guide to High-Value, Short-Cycle Farming

3.Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Official Agricultural Resources