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A Beginner’s Guide to Plum Cultivation in India

Plums belong to the genus Prunus, which also includes cherries, apricots, and almonds. Their scientific names are Prunus domestica for the common European plum and Prunus salicina for the Japanese plum.  People have grown this fruit for several years, and its roots are traced to Europe and Asia. It is amazing that just like the taste of this savoury fruit, the history of plums is very rich.

Plums are one of our most delightful fruits. They have juicy, tender flesh with sweet and sour flavours. The plums add beautiful colour, and the refreshing crunch is a great addition to salads and desserts. They are a rich source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fibre. 

Planning to cultivate plums on your farm? Read this blog below to know more about this delicious fruit. 

Types of Plum in India

There are a number of varieties of plums available in India, each with its own unique taste and charm. Let’s check the varieties of plums that are found in India.

  • Black Splendor
  • Black Ruby
  • Black Beauty
  • Blood Plum
  • Black Amber

Top Plum-Producing States in India

Plum cultivation is at its best in temperate climates with cool winters and mild summers. Perfect weather, well-drained soils, and distinct seasonal changes create a perfect environment for plum cultivation. Here are the top states where this fruit grows well.

Uttarakhand Punjab Tamil Nadu
Himachal Pradesh Jammu & Kashmir

Why You Should Add Plum To Your Diet?

Plums are not only yummy, but they are very healthy as well. They have a lot of vitamins, fibres, and antioxidants. Having plums will be one of the tastiest ways to promote better health. You can check its health benefits below.

  • Good for diabetes
  • Helps in gut health
  • Have anti-cancer properties
  • Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases
  • Works as a natural hydrator
  • Boosts collagen production
  • Promotes hair growth
  • Rich in antioxidants

Plum Cultivation Processes

Plum Farming involves several steps, including weather conditions, soil preparation, planting, watering, harvesting, etc. All these steps are quite important for the overall success of producing plums. One can read about these processes below. 

Weather Conditions

  • Plums need a temperate climate with well-defined seasons. They require a period of chilling during winter to break dormancy and promote blooming. 
  • Ensure the area has cool winters to help the trees develop properly and moderate summers to support fruit growth. 
  • Extreme temperatures or high humidity can downgrade the quality of the fruit. 

Soil Preparation

  • Good soil preparation is important for healthy plum trees. Start by testing the soil pH and see if it falls between 6.0 and 6.8. 
  • Growers can use a Powertrac Euro 50 tractor for proper land preparation. It can till and prepare the land to make the soil loose and well-draining. If anyone is planning to buy a tractor, they should buy this one as it is highly versatile and powerful. Furthermore, the Powertrac Euro 50 Price starts from ₹ 8,10,000 and goes up to ₹ 8,40,000. 
  • Adding organic matter or compost could enhance the soil’s fertility and structure. However, be sure there is good drainage at the planting site, or you will get root rot.

Planting

  • Plant plum trees in spring or late fall to give them a head start in their growing season.
  • Dig holes two times the width and as deep as the root ball of your tree. 
  • Space trees apart properly—usually 10 to 15 feet—to allow for full canopy development and air circulation. 

Irrigation

  • Watering is one of the most important processes during plum farming. Water the trees regularly, particularly during dry seasons, to maintain even soil moisture. 
  • Drip irrigation systems are often effective for providing water directly to the roots while reducing evaporation and runoff. 
  • Care should be taken to avoid excessive watering, which causes root rot. Also, ensure the soil has good drainage to manage excess water.

Pest and Disease Control

  • Keep checking for the infestation of aphids, plum curculio, or mites regularly on your plum trees. 
  • Disease management includes monitoring for common issues like brown rot or powdery mildew. 
  • Preventive measures include proper spacing for air circulation, organics or chemical treatment as required, and good hygiene in the garden. 

Harvesting

  • Harvest plums when they have fully coloured and are slightly soft to the touch.
  • If you’re dealing with a large number of trees, use a powerful tractor like the Mahindra Novo 655 DI to assist with efficient collection. This tractor can easily lift 2700 kg. Mahindra  Novo 655 Di price also comes in a competitive range. 
  • Handle the plums gently to avoid bruising and check for ripeness. 

Post-Harvesting

After harvesting, sort the plums to remove any damaged or overripe fruit.

  • Keep plums in a cool, dry place (preferably 0-2°C) to help retain their freshness and prolong their shelf life. 
  • Adequate packing is equally important to avoid bruising and spoilage. 

The Bottom Line

The well-planned cultivation of plums in India can prove highly remunerative. With suitable climatic conditions, well-prepared soil, and proper care in watering and other pest controls, plum trees bear high-quality fruit. The growing demand for fresh plums and their value in both local and export markets can offer significant financial returns. 

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