Pineapple is one of India’s most popular organic fruits. It is found in many states in India, including Kerala, Bihar, West Bengal, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra. In addition, the yearly production of pineapple is projected to be 14.6 million tons. Also, with a yearly result of 1.2 million tons, India is the fifth biggest producer of pineapple in the world. India shares 8.2% of the world’s absolute pineapple production. Colombia, Thailand, the Philippines, Nigeria, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, and the United States come among the top pineapple producers.
How to Start Pineapple Farming
Farmers always have a concern about how to start pineapple farming, what will be the requirements, etc. For answering their question, we came up with this blog in which we mentioned farming methods and requirements in pineapple farming. So, we will start with the interculture operation of pineapple crops.
What is the Interculture Operation of Pineapple Crops?
Following, we are presenting the intercultural operations of Pineapple farming in India. Have a look.
1. Weed Control
Nutgrass and Hariyali are the regular weeds in pineapple farming. Hand weeding, particularly in firmly divided crops, is unwieldy and uneconomic. In this way, chemical control of weed is advisable. Pineapple Research Station, Vellanikkara, Thrissur (Kerala), suggested the use of Diuron at 3 kg/ha or a blend of Diuron (1.5 kg/ha) + Bromacil (2.0 kg/ha) as a pre-development splash. It should also rehash with half of the portion 5 months after the main application (AICFIP, 1978) ICAR, Pineapple. Moreover, the water system followed by the herbicide shower helps convey herbicides to the weeds’ root zone.
2. Earthing Up
Earthing up is a significant activity in pineapple agriculture, as it helps in elevating great cherish to plants. It involves pushing soil into the channel from the edge, where channel planting is normal.
3. Mulching
Mulching is focused on weed control and moist soil protection. It is fundamental when pineapple is produced as a rainfed crop and is possible where flatbed planting is done.
4. Removal of Slips, Suckers and Crowns
Then the farmers remove slips, suckers and crowns from the crops. This is important as this development may reduce plants and hinder fruit growth.
What is The Soil Requirement For Pineapple Plantation?
Pineapple is produced on different kinds of soils, including significantly inferior soils. The flavor of fruit developed on light soils is viewed as superior. The sandy and loamy soils are wealthy in humus and the laterite soils on the hillslopes in South India, thus good for pineapple cultivation. The plant is too delicate to soil being waterlogged. Subsequently, care ought to be taken to guarantee proper drainage. It requires soil with a pH scope of 5.0-6.0.
What is The Pineapple Cultivation Method?
The materials used in pineapple production are slips, crowns and suckers. Crowns bear blossoms 19-20 months after manor through slips, and suckers deliver flowers a year after farming. Therefore, the establishing materials for development should be 5-6 months old. For business purposes, suckers and slips are used for the most part since crowns invest in some opportunity to bloom. The materials should be uniform-sized. The suckers and slips are planted in recently dug and prepared channels.
How to do Land Preparation for Pineapple Production?
Depending on the structure of the soil (heavy loamy soil or light loamy soil), the developing field should be hand dug or ploughed one to multiple times to set up an adequately deep (150-200mm) and fine tilth. A last harrowing or bed preparation is done after establishing an arrangement.
How to do Pineapple Harvesting?
For pineapple harvesting, cut it from the plant with a sharp tool where the pineapple joins the tail. Then, at that point, either pass it on to an additional age at room temp, assuming need be, or refrigerate the fruit if ready. After harvest, pineapple with a crown can be stored for up to 15 days without harm. Nonetheless, those transported should be refrigerated during transportation to dial back the aging system. Pineapple can be stored at 10-130 C for 20 days. Moreover, the ideal storage temperature is 7.2⁰C with 80-90% humidity.
What are the Abnormalities in Pineapple Fruits?
Many abnormalities are seen in pineapple fruits after growth, such as Phytophthora heart, Phytophthora root rot, Base (butt) rot, Fruitlet core rot (green eye), Fusariosis, Green fruit rot, Inter fruitlet corking and many more. These are the big challenges in pineapple farming. Pineapples should have the perfect fruit with the perfect shape and right pineapple flavour. Else they lose value in the market.
Which are the Pineapple Varieties Cultivated by States?
Check out below as we are showing the cultivation of pineapple varieties in different Indian states.
| Pineapple Varieties | States |
| Kew, Mauritius, Queen | Assam and other Northeast states |
| Queen, Giant kew | West Bengal |
| Mauritius, queen, kew | Kerala |
| Lakhat, Jaldhup | Assam |
Plant Protection From Diseases in Cultivation of Pineapple
Despite plenty of different harvests, pineapples are not affected by an excessive number of diseases in India. Diseases in pineapples are extremely inconsistent. Scale insects, Mealy, and stem rot are probably going to cause disease in the pineapple crop in India. A decent seepage framework would deal with stem rot and other fungal diseases before planting.
Best Season for Pineapple Farming in India
Pineapple is a humid tropical crop. However, it grows well, both in the plains and at heights, not more than 900 meters. It can grow at a moderate temperature. Pineapple blossoms from February to April, and the fruits are prepared from July to September. Also, sometimes in the offseason, blossoms show up, producing fruits from September to December.
| Cultivation Time | States |
| Kerala and Karnataka | April to June |
| Assam and other North Eastern States | August to October |
| West Bengal Northern parts | October to November |
| West Bengal Other Parts | June to July |
What Climate Required for Pineapple Cultivation?
The pineapple is a tropical crop to low heights in the range of 30°N and 25°S. A temperature of 65°-95°F (18.33-45°C) is the most positive. However, the plant can experience cool evenings for brief periods. Pineapple requires rainfall of around 1500 mm per year. Also, it can be grown at a minimum of 500 mm to 5550 mm. Pineapple also grows well near inland and seacoast areas.
What are the Health Benefits of Pineapple?
Pineapples are loaded with antioxidants, nutrients and other powerful components that protect against infections. It can be eaten grilled, freshly cut or baked. Pineapple can also aid digestion, reduce your cancer risk, boost immunity, suppress inflammation and many more. In addition, it may be used for speedy recovery after surgery.
These are all about pineapple farming in India. For a more informative blog like this, stay tuned with Tractor Junction.
Related Blogs
Apple Farming in India
Sugarcane Production in India
