Pomelo fruit is related to grapefruit and belongs to the citrus race. This fruit belongs to the “Rutaceae” family and citrus genus. However, the scientific name of Pomelo is Citrus Grandis or Citrus Maxima. These fruits are native to Southeast Asia and the South. In the citrus world, pomelo is the largest fruit. The yellow and thick skin fruit is popularly known in the western world as Shaddock, Pomelo, Pamplemousse or Batavia lemon. This pomelo fruit is also known as “Chakotra” in India. The fruit is also used in cooking to make jellies and desserts. The Pomelo fruit weighs 10 kg and tastes like grapefruit without acidity and bitterness. The fleshy texture has more membrane than many other citrus fruit types.
How to Grow the Pomelo in India
Below, you can get the pomelo farming in India with essential information.
Soil and Climate Requirements
You can grow the pomelo fruit on various soils, ranging from coarse sand to heavy clay. However, it grows best in medium-textured, deep and fertile soils in lowland tropics and not exceeding the elevation of 400 metres above sea level. The optimum temperature is 25°C to 32°C, and the best pH soil is 5.5 to 6.5. Moreover, for best growth and yield, the annual rainfall should be 150 cm to 180 cm.
Apart from this, you should be well-known for the more reliable equipment and useful in pomelo fruit farming when you prepare the soil. The tractor plays a major role because it should be compatible with all attachments. And 2 types of tyres are required for your tractor; front tyre and rear tyre. Therefore, you can choose the MRF front tractor tyre and rear tyre models or any other renowned model of any popular tractor tyre brand. These tractor tyres help to get more yield.
Land Preparation, Spacing and Planting
You should prepare the land to the fine tilth stage by harrowing with desi plough with 2 or 3 ploughings. This also weeds and cleanses from previous crops and levels the land. Next, apply lime to the soil; that is helpful if the soil is acidic. Next, you should dig the pit about wide and 0.5 deep. Plant spacing of 8 to 10 m x 6 to 8 m should be maintained in pomelo cultivation, accommodating about 125 to 210 plants per 1 hectare of land.
Finally, add compost to the pits at the bottom or about a 1/3 ratio to the topsoil, which will be used to refill the pits after planting. If you use raw manure, it is recommended to delay planting by 2 weeks. During the onset of the monsoon, the best planting season is in the pomelo cultivation. You can do the planting any time when an irrigation facility is available. You should opt for drip irrigation for the best effective water management.
Irrigation Requirement
Irrigation depends on the moisture-holding soil and the growth stage of the plants. You should carry out the first irrigation immediately after planting to ensure contact with the soil. Then, you should give frequent irrigation before flowering. Watering during the dry season should be delayed for early flowering until the plant shows signs of wilting. After this, withered trees should be irrigated. However, frequent irrigation is required for new shoots and fruit development growth. Typically, an adult tree requires 100 to 250 litres of water per day during the hot summer period. You can adopt drip irrigation for effective water management.
Intercropping
Farmers should always use main crop gaps to generate additional income. In pomelo cultivation, intercrops such as banana, arecanut or any vegetable crop can be cultivated during young planting. Later any shade-loving intercropping will be beneficial.
Weed Control and Pruning
Pomelo crop requires weeding to eliminate competition for nutrients and soil moisture. Mulching at the base of the plant and using recommended weedicides can prevent weed growth. After 5 to 6 months of planting, pruning should induce branching. You should do this by overhead pruning about 30 to 45 cm from the ground level. 3 to 4 branches evenly distributed in different horizontal directions should be maintained and allowed to grow.
Fertilizers Requirement
In addition to organic fertilizers, chemical fertilizers are also needed for better production. You can also apply foliar fertilizer to every new flush. The NPK combination of 13-13-21 is used to improve the taste of the fruit. You should apply it in 2 doses, the first dose before flowering and the second dose after 5 to 6 months. Farmers should increase fertilizers annually depending on the age of the trees. You should apply the fertilizers in pits at a distance of about 1 to 2 metres from the trunk. It is also recommended to spray foliar fertilizer every 20 days, starting 40 days after planting until 140 days after fruit set.
Pests and Diseases
Usually, pests and diseases which attack the citrus crop will also be available in pomelo cultivation. These are common leaf-eating caterpillars, leafminers, fruit-boring caterpillars, red mites, scales, nematodes and fruit flies. For control measurement, contact the local horticulture department.
Harvesting
Generally, pomelo fruits are ready for harvesting in 5-6 months from the fruit set. The dull skin of the fruit begins to ripen once the oil glands become more shiny.
Along with the pomelo cultivation process, you must also consider the better equipment that is helpful in farming, so choose the best tractor that is effective in agriculture. However, you can choose among popular tractor tyre brands such as MRF, CEAT, BKT etc.
For further information about pomelo farming in India, stay tuned with us.
