August is considered the best month for farmers to establish new fruit orchards. During this period, they can plant improved varieties of mango, guava, aonla (Indian gooseberry), lemon, ber, papaya, and other fruit crops to ensure better yield and long-term profitability.
According to agricultural experts, pits prepared during the summer should be filled before the onset of monsoon with a mixture of 15–20 kg of farmyard manure, 100 g super phosphate, 50 g chlorpyrifos, and 1 kg neem cake per pit. This ensures strong initial growth and protects plants from pests and diseases.
While selecting fruit plants, farmers must consider climate, soil type, rainfall, road connectivity, and market access. Always choose grafted plants of medium growth habit. For further guidance and subsidy-related schemes, farmers are advised to contact the district horticulture office.
⦁ Mango: Dashehari, Langra, Amrapali, Hapus (Alphonso), Kesar, Chausa
⦁ Aonla (Gooseberry): NA-7, NA-8, Chakaiya, Krishna, Kanchan
⦁ Guava: Allahabadi Safeda, L-49, Chittidar, VNR-7
⦁ Pomegranate: Bhagwa, Ganesh, Sinduri
⦁ Ber (Jujube): Gola, Umran
⦁ Lemon: Kagzi Lime, Sai Sarbati
⦁ Orange: Nagpur Orange, Kinnow
⦁ Custard Apple: Arka Sahan, Balanagar
Precautions During Planting:
⦁ Always plant in the evening and irrigate lightly after planting.
⦁ Remove polythene and grass coverings before placing the plant in the pit.
⦁ Regularly carry out weeding, hoeing, and drainage management.
⦁ For protection, fencing or boundary planting with thorny plants like karonda, cactus, mehndi, or wire fencing is recommended.
Importance of Windbreak Trees:
To safeguard orchards, plant fast-growing tall trees such as Shisham, Jamun, Bael, Mulberry, Khirni, and Tamarind on the north-western side to act as windbreaks.
Pro-Tray Technology for Vegetable Seedlings
Farmers can adopt pro-tray technology for raising healthy seedlings of tomato, chilli, and brinjal. This method ensures better germination and stronger plants. Each pro-tray can be reused 4–5 times.
Animal Vaccination is Essential:
Livestock must also be protected during this season:
⦁ Cattle & Buffalo: Polyvalent cell culture vaccine for Foot-and-Mouth disease; Brucellosis vaccine (S-19 strain).
⦁ Goats: PPR vaccine (to prevent Peste des Petits Ruminants and pneumonia).
Farmers should contact their nearest veterinary hospital for vaccination schedules.
Spacing and Irrigation Schedule:
⦁ Mango: 10x10 m or 8x8 m
⦁ Aonla & Guava: 8x8 m
⦁ Lemon: 5x5 m
⦁ Karonda: 4x4 m
Irrigation should be given every 10–15 days in winter and 5–8 days in summer. Avoid over-irrigation, as excess water can adversely affect fruit taste and quality.
