Taiwan Jackfruit Cultivation: This jackfruit is opening new doors of earning by winning hearts with its taste, know how to cultivate it…

Taiwan Jackfruit Cultivation: There is now a fresh fragrance in the soil of the villages. This is the fragrance of Taiwanese jackfruit. Actually, this improved type known as “Taiwan Jackfruit,” which was earlier considered the fruit of the poor in the villages, has now become a symbol of identity and prosperity of the farmers. The cultivation of this jackfruit is being seen as a horticultural revolution in many Indian states, from east to west and north to south.

Many farmers of the Samastipur, Darbhanga and Madhubani districts of Bihar have been turning to Taiwan jackfruit from traditional farming in recent years. Low prices, Government subsidies, insurance protection, linkages to processing facilities and increasing market demand are the reasons for this. Earlier famous for its huge size and delicious fruit, Taiwan jackfruit is now presenting a new opportunity for farmers across the country, including in Bihar. Its cultivation not only brings good profits, but farmers also get the benefit of government schemes providing crop insurance and subsidy.

What is Taiwan Jackfruit

Compared to the popular Indian jackfruit, Taiwanese jackfruit is a better, unique and more profitable variety. The variety has been developed in Taiwan and grafted plants are being sold in India.

Key Features:

• Each fruit weighs 10 to 25 kg.
• Pulp: Crisp, sweet and deep yellow (less fibre)
• Low or very small seeds
• Its aroma is mild and fragrant.
• Its long shelf life makes it exportable.
• Its varieties include Super Sweet Jackfruit, Taiwan Red, Taiwan Yellow Gold and TJF-1.
• Cultivation Information: Farm to Mandi Talk

1. Soil Suitability and Climate

Climate: Tropical and subtropical regions are ideal for the growth of Taiwanese jackfruit. Temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C per year are ideal for its growth. Rainfall: 1000-1500 mm rainfall per year is sufficient, although water evacuation is important. Soil: Deep, sandy loam or loamy soil that drains well is ideal. A pH value of 6.5 to 7.5 is ideal. Avoid wet soil.

2. Land preparation and planting schedule

• Land preparation
• Use a soil-turning plough for the first ploughing.
• Use a rotavator or country plow two or three times.
• Make sure the field is level and has adequate drainage.
• Pit preparation:
• Make pits of 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm.
• Fill each pit with 100 gm of Trichoderma, 1 kg of Neem Cake and 10 to 15 kg of well-rotted cow dung manure.
• The best time is during the early monsoon season (June to July).

3. Plant spacing and variety

• Taiwanese jackfruit hybrids such as “taiwan pink”, “Taiwan Red,” or “TJF-1” produce more fruits. These varieties
• start yielding well in three to four years and bear fruit early.
• Plant separation:
• Plant the plants at a distance of 8 m x 8 m.
• One acre can accommodate about 60 to 65 plants.

4. Irrigation system

• For the first two to three months after planting, water lightly once every seven days.
• For plant growth, water every 10 to 15 days in summer.
• Flowering and fruit formation: Water frequently during these stages to ensure that the fruit remains healthy in terms of size and taste.
• Installing a drip irrigation system saves water and the plant gets the water it needs.

5. Manure and Fertilizer Management

• Farming age of FYD, Compost, Urea, DAP and Potash
• First year: 10-15 kg, 200 g, 150 g, 100 g
• Second year: 20 kg, 400 g, 300 g and 200 g
• Year 3: 25 kg, 600 g, 400 g and 300 g
• Starting from the fourth year, 30-40 kg, 800 g, 500 g, 400 g
• Divide the manure into two parts, one in June and the other in September.
• Also use neem khali and organic manure.

6. Disease and Pest Control

• Fruit borer, stem borer and leaf curler are the common pests.
• Fruit rot, anthracnose and fungal infection are among these diseases.
• Use organic fungicides like Bavistin and Trichoderma for treatment.
• Spray Neem oil (5 ml/liter of water).
• Unhealthy branches should be cut and burned.

7. Flowering and fruiting time

• Flowering time: Two to three years after planting, flowers start appearing.
• Fruiting time: Four to five months after flowering, the fruits ripen.
• After four to five years, a plant can yield 40 to 50 kg of fruits, and in seven to eight years, it can yield more than 100 kg of fruits.

8. Storage and packaging

• When the fruits become fragrant and light yellow in color, it is time to pluck them.
• Weight: One fruit weighs between 8 and 15 kg.
• Harvesting technique: Cut with a knife, then clean by cutting the stalk.
• Pack the fruits in a shady place. Store in cardboard boxes or bamboo baskets.
• The fruits should not be crushed during transportation, as it may lead to their spoilage.

 

9. Market and Revenue Potential

• Taiwanese jackfruit is in great demand in the market, especially in big cities, processing plants and export markets.
• The prices of the fruits range from ₹100 to ₹300 depending on the season, size and taste.
• Revenue from one acre:
• Each plant can yield 40-60 kg of fruit in 4-5 years.
• One acre with 60 plants × 40 kg = 2400 kg
• ₹48,000-₹72,000 per year at the rate of ₹20-₹30 per kg.
• Over time, this income can even exceed one lakh rupees.

Harvesting:

• When the fruit is fragrant and light yellow in colour
• Packaging: In cardboard boxes or bamboo baskets
• Revenue, Price and Market
• Apart from being a fruit, Taiwanese jackfruit is also used for export, making chips, jams, jellies and candies. Its
• The price in the market ranges from ₹100 to ₹300 per fruit, or ₹20 to ₹30 per kg.
• With 60 plants per acre x 50 kg = 3000 kg, the estimated revenue model is
• ₹75,000 = ₹25 per kg.
• This can eventually grow to ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
• Government Programmes: Strengthening Agriculture
• National Horticulture Mission (NHM):
• Subsidy up to ₹60,000 for drip irrigation, plants, fertilizers, etc.
• 50%-75% drip irrigation subsidy
• PMFBY, or Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: The farmer has to pay only 5% of the premium, and the crop loss
• can be compensated up to ₹50,000.
• PMFME, or Pradhan Mantri Micro Food Processing Scheme: Helps link farmers to the market by providing a subsidy of up to 35% for setting up processing facilities.

Finally, a fruit that has the potential to transform agriculture.

Taiwanese jackfruit farming has evolved into a multi-faceted rural enterprise involving value addition from processing, income from farming and protection from government programs. If proper support and marketing infrastructure are available, Taiwanese jackfruit has the potential to become the hero of the horticulture revolution in Bihar and India.

Interested farmers are advised to contact their district horticulture officer or visit Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) for technical information about Taiwanese jackfruit.

More income from less land

Taiwanese jackfruit varieties like “Taiwan Red” and “TJF-1” start bearing fruit in three to four years. Jackfruit weighing 10 to 15 kg can fetch a good price in the market. About 60 plants can be planted in one acre, and starting from the fifth year, a person can earn up to ₹1 lakh.

Government subsidies boost farming.

For the production of fruits like Taiwanese jackfruit, subsidies are provided for plantation, irrigation and organic manure under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) of the central government.

• Assistance up to 60,000 naira per hectare
• 50-75% subsidy on drip irrigation system
• Assistance for organic manure, digging pits, planting saplings and equipment
• Many farmers in Samastipur, Darbhanga and Madhubani have taken advantage of the scheme and started
• commercial jackfruit gardening.
• Crop insurance has reduced the risk.

Insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) now includes fruit crops as well. Taiwan’s jackfruit crop is eligible for compensation up to ₹50,000 for losses caused by natural calamities.

Only 5% of the insurance premium is paid by farmers; the remaining amount is borne by the government. As a result, small and marginal farmers now face less risk.

Growing market and processing demand

Apart from being a fruit, jackfruit is also used to make ready-to-cook products, jams, jellies and chips. The Pradhan Mantri Food Processing Scheme (PMFME) provides a subsidy of up to 35% to farmers setting up small processing plants. Additionally, it also leads to value addition in the market.

Additionally, local farmers are also being encouraged

According to Sanjay Kumar, a farmer from Mohammadpur village in Samastipur, “Last year I planted Taiwanese jackfruit in one acre. The agriculture department provided me a subsidy for drip irrigation and planting saplings. If the crop is good, next year’s income can reach Rs 1.5 lakh. Jackfruit cultivation in Taiwan has grown from a fruit to a potential economic venture. Government programs have the potential to revolutionize the horticulture industry if they are implemented properly and reach farmers. In particular, farmers can increase their profits while reducing their risk by using insurance and subsidy.