Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is one of the largest tree-borne fruits in the world and is native to the Western Ghats of India. It is widely cultivated in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asian countries. In India, it holds a place of cultural and nutritional importance, offering food, timber, and income. The fruit is consumed in both raw and ripe forms and is used in culinary, confectionery, and processing industries. With increasing interest in organic and nutritious fruits, jackfruit cultivation is gaining momentum in many parts of India.
Jackfruit can be grown in a variety of soils ranging from sandy loam to clay loam, provided they are well-drained. It prefers deep, rich, and porous soil with a pH range of 6.0–6.5. Waterlogged and saline soils should be avoided. The ideal climate for jackfruit is warm and humid with a temperature range of 24°C to 32°C. It thrives well in areas with annual rainfall between 1500 mm to 2500 mm. Though it tolerates some drought, prolonged dry spells can affect yield and fruit quality.
Several varieties of jackfruit are grown in India, mainly categorized based on the texture and taste of bulbs:
- Firm-fleshed or Koozha: More suited for culinary uses.
- Soft-fleshed or Varikka: Preferred for table use due to its sweetness and aroma.
Prominent cultivars include:
- NSC Selection 1 and 2
- PLR-1 and PLR-2 (Tamil Nadu)
- Singapore Jack (Karnataka)
- Wayanad Jack (Kerala)
Jackfruit is generally propagated through seeds, but vegetative propagation is preferred for maintaining varietal traits. Vegetative methods include:
- Softwood grafting: Most commonly used method with high success rate.
- Air layering: Less common but effective under humid conditions.
- Inarching: Practiced in some traditional orchards.
Rootstocks are generally raised from healthy, disease-free seeds and are used for grafting superior scion varieties.
Density: Normal spacing is 8m x 8m, accommodating about 156 plants per hectare. In high-density planting systems, 6m x 6m spacing may be adopted.
Time: The best time for planting is June–July, coinciding with the onset of the monsoon.
Method: Pits of size 1m x 1m x 1m are dug and filled with topsoil, compost, and neem cake. Grafted saplings are planted and staked properly for support.
Jackfruit requires adequate moisture for proper growth and fruit development. Young plants should be irrigated at weekly intervals. Mature trees require irrigation during dry spells, especially from flowering to fruit development. Drip irrigation is ideal in water-scarce areas, promoting efficient water use and healthier growth.
The following manurial schedule is recommended for a bearing jackfruit tree:
- FYM: 20–30 kg per plant per year
- N: 200 g per plant
- P2O5: 100 g per plant
- K2O: 200 g per plant
Application should be split into two doses – pre-monsoon and post-monsoon. Micronutrient foliar sprays can improve flowering and fruit quality.
Weeding should be done regularly, especially during the rainy season. Mulching with dry leaves or polythene helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Intercropping with legumes or short-duration vegetables can be done during the initial years to increase farm income.
Jackfruit trees should be trained to develop a strong framework by allowing a single stem up to 1.5 m. Removal of lower branches, water sprouts, and criss-crossing shoots is essential to maintain tree health and ensure better light penetration. Annual pruning after harvest is beneficial for maintaining tree shape and improving productivity.
Fruit borer (Diaphania caesalis): Larvae bore into young fruits causing premature dropping. Spraying with neem-based insecticides or Spinosad is effective.
Mealy bugs: These suck sap from tender parts, weakening the plant. Neem oil or systemic insecticides like Imidacloprid can be used.
Fruit rot (Rhizopus artocarpi): Common during the monsoon, causing fruit decay. Field sanitation and fungicidal sprays with Carbendazim can help.
Die-back: A fungal disease affecting shoots and branches. Pruning infected parts and spraying with copper fungicides is effective.
Jackfruit trees start bearing after 3 to 5 years of planting when propagated vegetatively. The fruits mature in 3–8 months after flowering, depending on the variety. Maturity indicators include dull sound upon tapping, developed aroma, and change in skin color. Harvesting is done manually using a sickle or knife, preferably with a cloth to prevent latex staining.
On average, a well-maintained jackfruit tree yields 50 to 100 fruits annually. Under optimum conditions and management, yields can reach up to 150 fruits per tree per year, with an average weight of 10–15 kg per fruit. This translates to 15–25 tonnes per hectare annually.