Mangosteen cultivation brings new openings for horticulture farmers

Chennai: Mangosteen is commonly called the “Queen of Fruits,” cultivated in tropical regions. The fruit is packed with delicacy, famous for its sweetness and tasty pulp surrounded in a thick purple peel. This exotic fruit is native to Southeast Asia. Currently, it is now being cultivated in several regions of the country, particularly in the Southern Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

The growth rate of mangosteen trees is slow, requiring warm and humid weather along with heavy rainfall. The fruit blooms and fully flourishes in frost-free areas at altitudes between 400 and 900 meters. The tree needs deep and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It is recognized through leathery green leaves and pink flowers.

Also Read: Karnataka gives nod to set up new Agriculture and Horticulture University

The tree bears fruit about 120–128 days after flowering, and it gets ripe in July-August in Southern Indian states. A fully grown tree produces around 40–60 kg of fruit annually. Horticulture farmers have a good opportunity to grow mangosteen trees and increase their income as its market value is high; it is not commonly grown in most parts of the country.

Cultivation of mangosteen is replete with challenges amid its slow growth and the need for a specific climate. However, grafting techniques have helped in its speedy growth, taking 7-8 years, whereas saplings generally take 8-10 years to mature. In spite of some challenges in its cultivation, it is a highly prized fruit amid its taste and medicinal advantages.

Gradually, the farming of mangosteen in the country is likely to increase, giving new hope to horticulture farmers, typically of the tropical regions, to increase their livelihoods.