Mangoes have an emotional pull for most of us. The balmy summer brings with it the pleasure of seeing the juicy and flavoursome fruit flood our markets and our senses. Among the most popular fruit of our country, mango cultivation has a rich history. Progressive techniques are now taking over and ushering in a new era of mango plantation.

As the demand for mango grows, so does the need to innovate and increase the per acre yield of the fruit on a long-term and sustainable basis.

This drive to improve the produce – both in quality and quantity, led to developing the technique, Ultra-high density plantation.

What is Ultra-High Density Plantation?

Ultra-high density plantation (UHDP) is a new age technology that is increasingly being used for mango plantation across the globe.

UHDP, in synergy with other sustainable agricultural techniques, can yield up to 200% more crop than the traditional method of cultivation.

It ensures optimal utilisation of all resources while increasing the production per unit area.

This technique also ensures a uniform shape and colour of the fruit while maintaining its flavour and freshness.

The increase in production leads to higher exports as well. This means more profit margins for the farmers which goes a long way in addressing the need for farmers’ welfare by improving their economic status.

How does Ultra-High Density Plantation (UHDP) help in a mango plantation?

UHDP has brought about a revolution in size and the way mango is grown.

In conventional ways of cultivation, a mango tree grows up to 100 feet tall. The UDHP technique ensures that the tree does not grow beyond 7 feet in height by regularly pruning it.

UHDP leads to mango orchards attaining their full potential in 3-4 years. This is in contrast to the 7-8 years taken by traditional methods of cultivation.

The Ultra-High Density Plantation technique requires mango grafts of commercial varieties to be planted close to each other. Nearly 700 trees are planted in an acre instead of the traditional process of planting 60 trees in an acre.

UHDP method, while improving per acre productivity, simultaneously reduces the usage of water. This leads to an optimal use of the resource.

Irrigation is critical after pruning and during fruition in ultra-high density orchards. The drip irrigation system ensures effective water management.

Along with UHDP, unique methods of pruning, fertigation and irrigation lead to the balanced growth of mango orchards.

Jain Farm Fresh Foods Ltd.’s, Project Unnati, a joint venture with Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages Private Ltd. is a pioneer project that uses the Ultra-High Density Plantation technique.

It aims to harness the higher productivity potential of mango farms. This will allow owners of small-sized farms to increase the yields and improve their livelihoods.

Under the Project Unnati, farmers have assured returns after three years of the plantation on their land. Since the yield is higher, the farmers also get greater returns.

Adopting the Ultra-High Density Plantation technique is a massive stride towards creating a sustainable and profitable future for everyone. It will give agriculture and farmers’ welfare a new lease of life.