Everything You Need to Know About Fig Cultivation in India

Figs, commonly called Anjeer in Hindi, are soft and sweet fruits packed with fibre, vitamins, and important minerals. These fruits are slowly becoming popular among Indian farmers due to their health benefits, increasing market demand, and the chance to earn good profits. Figs can be eaten fresh or dried and are widely used in sweets, snacks, and health products.

In this guide, you will get details on how to grow figs in India, right from planting to harvesting.

Why Fig Farming is a Good Idea in India?

Fig farming has many advantages that make it a wise option for farmers in India. Heres why:

• Less Maintenance: Once fig trees are properly planted and established, they dont need much care compared to other fruits.

• Good Market Price: Whether sold fresh or dried, figs are in high demand in both Indian and export markets.

• Many Uses: Figs are used in food items, health products, and traditional equipments.

• Grows Well in Dry Areas: Figs grow in semi-arid and dry weather, which is common in many parts of India.

How to Grow Figs in India Step-by-Step Guide

Growing figs requires basic care and proper steps. Heres a simple and clear process to follow for successful cultivation.

Popular Fig Varieties Grown in India

Choosing the right variety is very important. Pick one that suits your local weather, market demand, and whether you want to sell it fresh or dried.

Some commonly grown fig varieties in India are:

• Poona: Very popular in Maharashtra.

• Dinkar: Known for high yield, great for commercial farming.

• Conadria: Best for both fresh and dried fig markets.

• Deanna: Produces large and sweet fruits.

• Excel: Resists many diseases and pests.

Land Preparation

Start by ploughing the land 23 times to loosen the soil and remove weeds. Mix in well-rotted compost or farmyard manure to improve soil fertility. Make planting pits of 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm and keep a distance of 5 to 6 meters between each fig plant.

To prepare land quickly and easily, you can use a tractor like the Swaraj 855 FE. It has a 48 HP engine, 42.9 PTO HP, and a lifting power of 2000 kg. This makes it ideal for small to medium-sized farms. Moreover, the Swaraj 855 tractor price ranges between Rs. 8.37 lakh and Rs. 8.90 lakh.

Planting the Fig Cuttings

Figs are mostly grown from cuttings. Use cuttings that are 2025 cm long, taken from healthy trees. You may treat the cuttings with a rooting hormone before planting.

Plant these cuttings during the monsoon season (JuneJuly) or in late winter (FebruaryMarch). After planting, water them lightly to help them settle.

Watering the Plants

Figs dont need too much water, but timely irrigation is important when the fruits are growing. In hot months, water the plants once every 710 days. Avoid giving too much water, as it can cause fruit cracking and root rot.

In areas where it rains a lot, make sure your field has proper drainage to avoid waterlogging.

Pruning and Shaping the Tree

Prune the tree regularly to keep it in shape and to boost fruit growth. After harvesting, cut off weak and dead branches. During the first few years, train the tree to grow in a proper shape for better light and airflow, which helps in fruit development.

Managing Pests and Diseases

Fig trees are mostly strong, but they can still be affected by a few pests and diseases:

• Fruit beetles and borers: Damage the fruits and stems. Use traps or neem sprays to control them.

• Rust and leaf spots: These diseases can be managed with approved fungicides and by removing infected leaves.

• Nematodes: Avoid using soil that is already affected. Use healthy and resistant rootstocks.

Fertilizer and Manure Use

For healthy growth, give each fig plant about 2025 kg of farmyard manure every year. This keeps the soil rich and supports tree health.

Also, use a balanced mix of NPK fertilizers:

• Nitrogen (N) for green leaves,

• Phosphorus (P) for strong roots,

• Potassium (K) for better fruit size and taste.

Apply fertilizers after pruning and again when fruits start to grow for the best results.

When and How to Harvest

Figs are ready for harvest about 34 years after planting. Pick the fruits when they are fully ripe and soft, as they dont ripen much after being picked. In India, the harvesting season is usually from February to May and again from June to August, depending on the region.

Harvest by hand to avoid damage. If you plan to dry the figs, leave them on the tree until they shrink a little.

Post-Harvest Handling and Storage

Since fresh figs spoil quickly, farmers must sell or store them quickly. Store the fruits in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh for a short time. For long-term use, sun-dry the fruits or use drying machines.

When sending them to market, pack carefully in crates or cardboard boxes to avoid damage. For transportation, many farmers use the Farmtrac 45 tractor, which has a 45 HP engine, 38.3 PTO HP, and a lifting capacity of 1800 kg. It easily carries packed figs from the farm to the market. Furthermore, the Farmtrac 45 tractor price is between Rs. 7.50 lakh and Rs. 7.80 lakh.

Final Words

In short, fig farming is a profitable and smart option for Indian farmers. The trees need less input, grow well in dry weather, and provide good returns every year. By following proper steps, using good planting materials, and getting help from government schemes, even small farmers can make fig cultivation a successful business.