Commercial Mango Cultivation

Category: Crop Guides • Published: September 2024 • Reading Time: 15 minutes

India is the world's largest mango producer, and Andhra Pradesh leads the country with over 30% of national production. The mango, rightfully called the "King of Fruits," offers exceptional returns for farmers who approach cultivation systematically. Whether you're establishing a new orchard or improving an existing one, this comprehensive guide covers everything from variety selection to export-quality production.

Why Mango Cultivation in AP & Telangana?

The Telugu states offer ideal conditions for mango cultivation:

• Climate: Hot summers and mild winters perfect for flowering and fruit development
• Soil: Well-drained alluvial and red soils suit mango cultivation
• Water: Irrigation infrastructure supports critical watering periods
• Market Access: Proximity to domestic markets and export hubs
• Expertise: Generations of cultivation knowledge and skilled labor

Selecting the Right Variety

Variety selection is the most critical decision for commercial success. Choose based on your target market:

For Table/Fresh Consumption Markets

Banganapalli (Benishan)

• Characteristics: Large, golden-yellow, excellent taste, fiber-free pulp
• Season: Mid-season (May-June)
• Yield: 100-150 kg per tree (mature)
• Market: Premium domestic, limited export (due to short shelf life)
• Best Districts: Krishna, Guntur, Chittoor

Alphonso (Badami)

• Characteristics: Rich aroma, saffron-colored pulp, premium quality
• Season: Early to mid-season (April-May)
• Yield: 40-80 kg per tree
• Market: Super-premium domestic and export
• Note: Requires careful management, alternate bearing tendency

Kesar

• Characteristics: Medium size, excellent taste, good shelf life
• Season: Mid-season
• Yield: 80-100 kg per tree
• Market: Export and premium domestic

For Processing/Pulp Industry

Totapuri (Bangalore)

• Characteristics: Parrot-beak shape, firm flesh, mildly sweet
• Season: Mid to late season (May-July)
• Yield: 150-200 kg per tree (high yielding)
• Market: Pulp units, processing industry
• Advantage: Consistent demand, contract farming opportunities

Raspuri

• Characteristics: Oval, juicy, excellent for juice
• Season: Early season
• Market: Juice industry and fresh consumption

For Export Markets

Export requires specific criteria:

• Uniform size and color
• Good shelf life (7-10 days minimum)
• Meets phytosanitary requirements
• Low fiber content

Best Export Varieties: Kesar, Alphonso, Banganapalli (treated), Mallika

Establishing Your Mango Orchard

Site Selection

• Soil: Deep, well-drained loamy soil with pH 5.5-7.5
• Avoid: Waterlogged areas, heavy clay soils, saline conditions
• Water Table: Minimum 2-3 meters depth
• Slope: Gentle slope (1-2%) for drainage

Land Preparation

1. Deep ploughing (60-75 cm) during summer
2. Level the land and mark planting positions
3. Dig pits of 1m x 1m x 1m size
4. Fill pits with topsoil mixed with 20-25 kg FYM, 2 kg neem cake, 1 kg single super phosphate
5. Allow pits to settle for 15-20 days before planting

Spacing and Density

Planting Material

• Source: Buy only from certified nurseries
• Type: Grafted plants (1-1.5 years old)
• Season: June-August (monsoon) is ideal
• Avoid: Seedling trees (highly variable, late bearing)

Orchard Management Through the Year

Year 1-3: Establishment Phase

• Regular watering - weekly during dry periods
• Remove any flowers in first 2 years (build tree structure first)
• Maintain weed-free basin around trees
• Apply 10 kg FYM + 100g N + 50g P + 100g K per tree annually
• Intercrop with vegetables/pulses for additional income

Year 4-6: Early Bearing Phase

• Allow flowering and fruiting
• Increase fertilizer: 25 kg FYM + 500g N + 250g P + 500g K
• Start pest and disease management protocol
• Thin excess fruits if needed for size

Year 7+: Full Production Phase

• Fertilizer: 50 kg FYM + 1 kg N + 500g P + 1 kg K per tree
• Pruning after harvest for canopy management
• Regular soil and leaf testing
• Focus on quality management for premium prices

Critical Operations Calendar

June-September (Monsoon)

• Post-harvest pruning and orchard cleaning
• Apply full FYM and half fertilizers
• New plantings
• Watch for fungal diseases in humid conditions

October-November (Post-Monsoon)

• Apply remaining fertilizers
• Withhold irrigation to induce stress (promotes flowering)
• Spray micronutrients (zinc, boron)
• Control mealy bugs if present

December-February (Flowering)

• Critical period - avoid any stress
• Spray for powdery mildew prevention
• Control hoppers with appropriate sprays
• Light irrigation if soil is very dry
• Avoid nitrogen application (promotes vegetative growth)

March-May (Fruit Development)

• Regular irrigation every 7-10 days
• Control fruit fly with traps and sprays
• Watch for anthracnose on fruits
• Harvest at proper maturity
• Post-harvest handling and marketing

Major Pests and Diseases

Mango Hopper

Most serious pest during flowering

• Symptoms: Hoppers on panicles, honeydew and sooty mold
• Control: Two sprays at panicle emergence and full bloom
• Products: Imidacloprid, Thiamethoxam, or neem-based sprays

Fruit Fly

Major cause of fruit damage and export rejection

• Symptoms: Maggots inside fruit, premature drop
• Control: Methyl eugenol traps (10 per acre), timely harvest, field sanitation
• For Export: Hot water treatment (48°C for 60 minutes)

Powdery Mildew

• Symptoms: White powder on leaves and panicles
• Control: Sulfur sprays, Karathane at flowering
• Prevention: Good air circulation, avoid excess nitrogen

Anthracnose

• Symptoms: Black spots on fruits, especially post-harvest
• Control: Copper fungicides, Carbendazim sprays
• Prevention: Harvest at right stage, proper post-harvest treatment

Harvesting and Post-Harvest

Maturity Indicators

• Shoulder development (fruit shape fills out)
• Skin color change (variety specific)
• Specific gravity test (mature fruits sink in 1% salt solution)
• Days from fruit set (110-130 days for most varieties)

Harvesting Method

• Harvest in morning hours
• Leave 1-2 cm stalk attached
• Use harvesting bags or nets to prevent bruising
• Handle gently - bruises lead to rapid spoilage

Post-Harvest Treatment

1. De-sap: Let latex drain for 2-3 hours
2. Wash in clean water
3. Hot water treatment for export (if required)
4. Sort by size and quality grade
5. Pack in ventilated CFB boxes
6. Pre-cool before transport

Marketing Your Mangoes

Traditional Markets

• Local mandis and commission agents
• Wholesale markets in metros
• Contract selling to traders

Premium Channels

• Direct retail supply: Higher margins, requires consistent quality
• Online platforms: Reach urban consumers directly
• Export: Best prices but strict quality requirements
• Processing units: For Totapuri and lower grades

Export Opportunity

AP mangoes are exported to Middle East, Europe, and USA:

• Register with APEDA
• Get your orchard certified for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
• Ensure hot water treatment facility access
• Connect with registered exporters
• Focus on residue-free production

Economics of Mango Cultivation

Investment and returns for 1 acre (traditional spacing, 40 trees):

Establishment Cost (Year 1-3)

• Land preparation: ₹15,000
• Planting material (40 grafts): ₹8,000
• Pits and planting: ₹10,000
• Fertilizers and manures: ₹5,000/year
• Irrigation: ₹3,000/year
• Intercrop income can offset 50-70% of costs

Full Bearing (Year 8+)

• Expected yield: 4-6 tonnes/acre
• Price realization: ₹40-80/kg (variety dependent)
• Gross returns: ₹1.6-4.8 lakhs/acre
• Annual maintenance: ₹40,000-60,000
• Net profit: ₹1.2-4.2 lakhs/acre

Conclusion

Mango cultivation is a long-term investment that rewards patient, systematic farming. The initial years require careful establishment, but a well-managed orchard can provide income for 40-50 years. With proper variety selection, scientific management, and smart marketing, mango cultivation in AP and Telangana offers some of the best returns in Indian horticulture.

Start with quality planting material from certified sources, follow the seasonal calendar diligently, and explore premium marketing channels. The "King of Fruits" has made many farmers prosperous - with the right approach, your orchard can thrive too.