Chikoo Farming: A Smart Guide to Growth & Profit

Chikoo, or Sapota, is a widely popular tropical fruit cultivated in India. It is loved for its sweetness, nutritional value, and the fact that it can be grown throughout the year. The fruit is rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals, which make it a good choice for people to consume. Its farming is the choice of most farmers because of the less maintenance and good returns. 

The trees are drought-resistant, resilient, and can grow in varied soils. Under good care, watering, and pest management, farmers can obtain high yields and maximize their profits. To explore the farming process, go through the following guide.

Step-by-Step Process of Chikoo Farming

To achieve a successful Chikoo harvest, farmers must follow several key steps. Each stage of farming, from land preparation to harvesting, plays a major role in ensuring high-quality fruit production.

Land Preparation

Prior to planting the trees, the soil has to be prepared. Farmers should first clear the land of weeds, rocks, and other unwanted vegetation. Second, the soil should be ploughed 2–3 times to soften and aerate it. The Swaraj 744 XT can be quite helpful for this purpose as its 44 PTO HP can manage different farm equipment such as rotavators, etc. 

In addition, to provide adequate drainage, there should be small ridges or elevated beds. This eliminates root rot and waterlogging. After preparing the land, now is the time to plant the saplings.

Planting Process

The rainy season or early winter is the most suitable time for planting the saplings. It allows them to develop strong roots. Farmers are required to dig pits measuring 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm and line them with topsoil and compost. Trees should be planted at an 8 to 10-meter gap, giving proper space to grow.

nce the sapling is put into the pit, soil is carefully pressed over the roots. The plant must be watered immediately to settle it with the soil. Give some shade to prevent young plants from being damaged by direct sunlight.

Irrigation Requirements

Chikoo trees require frequent watering, particularly during dry periods. Young plants need to be watered every 2–3 days, while older trees have to be watered every 7–10 days. However, care must be taken not to overwater as it may lead to root rot.

Drip irrigation is a suitable technique for the cultivation. It conserves water and delivers the moisture to the roots directly. Irrigation may be minimized or even halted during the rainy season, depending on the soil moisture.

Fertilizer and Nutrient Management

Fertilizers help the trees grow healthy and produce good-quality fruit. Organic manure such as cow dung, compost, or vermicompost must be applied at an early stage.

For improved growth, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) can be applied in limited quantities. In addition, spraying micronutrients such as zinc and iron can also enhance fruit quality. They must be applied two times a year, once before flowering and the other after fruiting.

Pruning and Training

Pruning enables the tree to be shaped and promotes higher fruit yield. Remove the dry, dead, or diseased branches as it allows better air circulation and penetration of sunlight.

Training the tree by having one strong trunk assists in building a well-balanced structure. This helps in simplifying the harvesting process. Pruning should be carried out in dry weather to prevent infections.

Pest and Disease Management

Chikoo trees are normally resistant to pests, but there are certain insects, like mealybugs, fruit flies, and aphids, that may infest the tree. Regular monitoring is necessary to manage infestations at an early stage. 

You may use organic pesticides such as neem oil or bio-pesticides. Cleaning the orchard and clearing fallen fruits avoids pest breeding. Fungi, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot, may be controlled by using suitable fungicides and not allowing excessive moisture.

Harvesting Process

It takes around 4 to 5 years for the trees to produce fruit. Then, they are picked twice a year, normally in February to March and August to September. The best time for harvest is when their skin becomes brown and slightly rough. The process has to be done gently by hand or with small cutting instruments to prevent damage. After that, they should be stored in a cool, dry location before they are transported to the market.

Post-Harvest Management

This is the final step in cultivation, where the handling of the fruits must be done properly to ensure quality. Chikoos are soft and must be handled carefully to avoid bruising. They are usually stored between 12°C and 15°C to ensure shelf life.

Also, effective transport is necessary to avoid losses, and employing a dependable tractor such as the Swaraj 834 helps maintain smooth logistics. Its solid engine and durable design make it perfect for carrying huge volumes of fruits from farms to markets or processing facilities.

Final Words 

In conclusion, Chikoo cultivation is a profitable agricultural activity that ensures regular income. In the right climatic conditions, with adequate irrigation and pest control, farmers are able to achieve high yields. With increasing demand in fresh and processed markets, they will help earn higher profits by exporting them as fruit or value-added products. When adopting new methods such as drip irrigation and organic cultivation, production can be made sustainable.