Jackfruit Farming: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for High Income (Full Details)
Jackfruit (Kathal) is one of the most profitable, fast-growing and high-yield fruit crops in India. It requires less care, survives drought, and gives huge fruit production. Due to increasing demand for organic fruits, jackfruit farming is becoming a top choice for farmers.
This guide covers complete Jackfruit Farming Details — climate, soil, planting, spacing, fertilizer, diseases, profit, cost, harvesting & market.
Table of Contents
What is Jackfruit (Kathal)?
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is the largest fruit in the world, famous for its
- Nutritional value
- High fiber content
- Industrial use (chips, pickles, candies)
- Strong export demand
Best Climate for Jackfruit Farming
- Temperature: 24°C – 32°C
- Tolerant to high temperatures
- Rainfall: 100–240 cm
Cannot survive heavy frost, grows well in tropical & subtropical regions.
Best Soil for Jackfruit Farming
Jackfruit grows in many soil types, but the best are:
- Deep sandy loam soil
- Well-drained fertile soil
- pH 6.0–7.5
Avoid waterlogged or very acidic soil — it reduces fruiting.
Plant Spacing & Plantation
- Ideal spacing: 8×8 m or 10×10 m
- 1 acre accommodates: 70–100 plants
- Planting time: June–August (Monsoon)
- Prepare pits: 3×3×3 ft with FYM + topsoil
Irrigation Needs
- Water plants every 7–10 days in summer
- Mature trees need less irrigation
Avoid excess water (Overwatering reduces fruit size and spoils roots)
Fertilizer Schedule for High Yield
Year 1–3:
- FYM: 15–20 kg per plant
- NPK: 200:100:100 g
After 3 years:
- FYM: 30–40 kg
- NPK: 400:200:200 g
Apply micronutrients (Zn, B) for better fruit weight
This is a heritage #jackfruit tree in #Panruti, Tamil Nadu. The tree which is more than 200 years old, yields 150-200 fruits a year, weighing 3 kg to 12 kg.
— The Hindu (@the_hindu) June 20, 2022
📸: S.S. Kumar pic.twitter.com/FNwYpw2XFZ
Pests & Disease Management
Common pests:
- Fruit borer
- Stem borer
- Mealy bugs
Diseases:
- Stem rot
- Fruit rot
Control:
- Neem oil spray
- Proper pruning
- Good ventilation
- Fungicide (if required)
Jackfruit is naturally hardy; disease impact is normally low.
Flowering & Fruit Setting
- Starts flowering in 3–5 years
- Peak fruiting after 8–10 years
- One tree produces 150–250 fruits per year depending on variety and care.
Cost of Jackfruit Farming (Per Acre)
Particular Cost
- Plants (100) ₹8,000–₹15,000
- Pit preparation ₹10,000
- Fertilizers + labour ₹15,000
- Irrigation ₹5,000
- Total 1st year cost ₹35,000–₹50,000
Income & Profit from Jackfruit Farming
Yield per tree:
80–120 kg fruits (average)
Premium varieties: 150–250 kg
Market Price:
₹20–₹50 per kg
(Off-season price: ₹60–₹80 per kg)
Profit per Acre:
- Year 3–4: ₹60,000–₹1,00,000
- Year 6 onwards: ₹2,00,000–₹3,00,000 per acre
- Processing (chips/pulp) increases income 3×
Jackfruit is a high profit fruit crop with low cost of cultivation.
Pruning for Higher Fruit Yield
- Remove weak branches
- Maintain open canopy
- Prune after harvest
(Healthy pruning = Bigger fruits + Higher production)
Harvesting
- Harvest after 4–7 years
- Mature fruits give strong aroma & yellowish flakes
- Harvest with sharp knife and support fruit weight
Where to Sell Jackfruit?
- Local fruit markets
- Wholesale mandis
- Food processing units
- Pickle industries
- Export buyers
- Online delivery platforms
Advantages of Jackfruit Farming
- High yield
- Quick income
- Disease resistant
- Low maintenance
- High market demand
- Fast-growing
- Multipurpose fruit (raw + ripe + processed)
Disadvantages of Jackfruit Farming
- Frost sensitive
- Fruits are heavy (difficult to handle)
- Overwatering ruins roots
- Less profit if sold to middlemen
Conclusion
Jackfruit farming is a high-profit, low-maintenance, fast-growing fruit business ideal for farmers looking for consistent yearly income. With proper care and improved varieties, jackfruit farming becomes a highly profitable agribusiness for the long term.
FAQs
1. What is the best climate for Jackfruit farming?
Jackfruit grows best in tropical and subtropical climates with temperatures between 24°C and 32°C.
2. Which soil is best for Jackfruit cultivation?
Well-drained sandy loam soil with pH 6.0–7.5 is ideal.
Avoid waterlogged and highly acidic soil.
3. How many Jackfruit plants can be grown per acre?
With 8×8 m or 10×10 m spacing, you can plant 70–100 trees per acre.
4. How long does it take for a Jackfruit tree to start fruiting?
Jackfruit trees start fruiting in 3–5 years, and give maximum yield after 8–10 years.
5. What is the average yield per Jackfruit tree?
A single healthy tree yields 80–120 kg fruits, and improved varieties yield 150–250 kg.
6. What is the profit from Jackfruit farming per acre?
Farmers can earn ₹2 lakh to ₹3 lakh per acre annually after full maturity.
7. What are the best planting months for Jackfruit?
June to August (Monsoon season) is the best time to plant jackfruit trees.
8. Does Jackfruit require a lot of water?
Young plants need watering every 7–10 days.
Mature trees are drought-tolerant and need minimal irrigation.
9. Which fertilizers are required for Jackfruit farming?
Apply:
- 15–20 kg FYM in early years
- NPK: 200–100–100 g per plant
- Micronutrients (Boron, Zinc) for better fruit size
10. What are the major pests that attack Jackfruit trees?
- Fruit borer
- Stem borer
- Mealy bugs
Neem oil, pruning, and proper orchard hygiene help prevent attacks.
11. Why do Jackfruit flowers drop prematurely?
Common reasons:
- Poor pollination
- Overwatering
- Nutrient deficiency
- High humidity
12. Is Jackfruit farming profitable?
Yes. Jackfruit is a high-demand, high-profit fruit crop with low maintenance and strong market demand.
13. Can Jackfruit grow in North India?
Yes, Jackfruit grows well in UP, Bihar, Haryana, Jharkhand, MP, except in severe frost zones.
14. How long does a Jackfruit tree live?
Jackfruit trees live for 50–60 years, producing fruits consistently.
15. What is the biggest disadvantage of Jackfruit farming?
Jackfruit plants are sensitive to frost, and very cold weather can damage young trees.
16. How to increase Jackfruit yield?
- Regular pruning
- Balanced fertilizers
- Boron + Zinc spray
- Proper irrigation
- Pest-free orchard
17. What is the best Jackfruit variety for commercial farming?
Top varieties:
- NS-1, NS-2
- Singapore Jackfruit
- Honey Jack
- Black Gold
- Golden Nugget
18. How to identify a mature Jackfruit for harvest?
- Yellowish skin patches
- Strong fruity aroma
- Hollow sound when tapped
19. Can Jackfruit trees survive drought?
Yes, Jackfruit is drought-resistant and grows well even with limited water.
20. Where can farmers sell Jackfruit?
- Local fruit markets
- Processing factories (chips, pulp)
- Wholesale mandis
- Hotels & restaurants
- Export buyers