Sapota Farming
Sapota farming profit per acre varies with tall and dwarf varieties. The tall variety requiring an initial investment of NRs. 308,900 and generating income from the 3rd year, reaching a cumulative income of NRs. 54,330 by the 5th year. From the 6th year onwards, income rises sharply, hitting NRs. 94,500 annually during the 6–10-year period, and over 20 years, cumulative income far exceeds the initial investment.
The dwarf variety, with a higher initial investment of NRs. 443,600, yields income earlier and at a higher rate, achieving NRs. 119,840 by the 5th year and NRs. 179,200 annually during the 6–10-year period, with cumulative income surpassing the initial investment over 20 years. The tall variety reaches its break-even point around the 6th year, while the dwarf variety achieves it by the 5th year due to higher yields and income.
Both varieties are profitable long-term, but the dwarf variety, with higher returns and greater upfront costs, suits farmers aiming for higher profits, whereas the tall variety, with lower costs and yields, is ideal for those with limited capital or preferring less intensive cultivation. Market price fluctuations, though generally positive, require careful planning. In summary, the dwarf variety is optimal for higher returns with greater investment, while the tall variety is better for budget-conscious farmers or those seeking simpler cultivation methods.
Land Preparation
To prepare the land for cultivation, begin by clearing it of weeds, rocks, and any debris that may hinder the growth of crops or interfere with farming activities. Once the land is cleared, plow the field 2-3 times to break up the soil, creating a fine and crumbly texture known as tilth. This process enhances soil aeration, allowing roots to breathe and nutrients to circulate more effectively. After plowing, level the land evenly to ensure proper water distribution and prevent waterlogging, which can damage crops and reduce yield. Proper land preparation is essential for creating an optimal environment for healthy plant growth and successful farming.
Soil Type
Sandy loam, red laterite, alluvial, and medium-black soils are all excellent for sapota farming since they drain easily. For best growth, the soil should have a pH between 6.0 and 8.0 and be high in organic matter. However, thick clay or wet soil should be avoided because they might cause root rot and harm the plant’s health.
Climatic Requirements
Sapota grows best in a tropical or subtropical climate with high humidity, moderate annual rainfall (1250–2500 mm), and optimal temperatures between 20°C and 34°C. It thrives on steady moisture, yet it can withstand drought. Sapota is a tropical crop that may be planted anywhere from sea level to 1200 meters above mean sea level. For best growth, it needs moderate temperatures (10–38°C) and a humid climate (70% relative humidity). It can be grown all year round, though coastal regions are the best places to grow it.
Major Cultivars
a). Cricket Ball
The Cricket Ball variety of sapota is highly prized for its distinctive large, round fruits, which resemble a cricket ball in shape and size. The fruit is known for its exceptionally sweet and flavorful pulp, making it a favorite for fresh consumption and desserts. Its appealing taste, combined with its attractive appearance, makes it a popular choice in local markets. This variety is well-suited for regions with favorable growing conditions and is often preferred by farmers for its market demand and consumer appeal.
b). Kalipatti
The Kalipatti variety is favored by sapota growers for its small to medium-sized fruits and high productivity. Its sweet, aromatic flesh can be eaten fresh or used in various culinary dishes. Known for its consistent performance and adaptability to diverse growing conditions, Kalipatti is a dependable and lucrative crop. Its superior fruit quality and high yield potential have made it one of the most widely cultivated sapota varieties in many areas.
This popular table variety features broad, thick, green leaves and produces oblong or round fruits that grow singly. The fruit is of excellent quality, with soft, sweet pulp, and the main harvesting season is winter. A mature tree can yield 350-400 fruits per tree.
c). Pilipatti
The Pilipatti variety of sapota is known for its medium-sized fruits, which are particularly suitable for processing due to their texture and flavor. The sweet and aromatic pulp makes it an excellent choice for products such as jams, jellies, squashes, and other processed foods. Farmers and processors prefer Pilipatti for its consistent quality and versatility.
Its adaptability to various growing conditions and its potential for value-added products make it a highly valuable cultivar in the sapota industry, meeting both fresh consumption and commercial processing demands. This variety is well-suited for high-density plantations, with oval-shaped fruits that have a rough surface. The pulp is gritty and moderately sweet, with an average fruit weight of 400-450g.
d). Dwarapudi
Dwarapudi” is a variety known for its medium-sized fruits, making it particularly suitable for cultivation in coastal regions. These fruits typically exhibit characteristics ideal for the climatic conditions of coastal areas, such as tolerance to saline environments, humidity, and variable temperatures.
The medium size of the fruits allows for easier handling, storage, and transportation, making them appealing for both local markets and export purposes. This variety is also known for its adaptability to the unique challenges of coastal agriculture, providing farmers in these regions with a reliable and productive option for cultivation.
e). Jonnavalasa
“Jonnavalasa” is a variety recognized for its distinct oval-shaped fruits, which are not only visually appealing but also offer practical benefits. These fruits are known for their excellent shelf life, making them ideal for both local markets and long-distance transportation. The extended shelf life reduces post-harvest losses, ensuring that the fruits retain their quality and freshness for an extended period. This characteristic makes “Jonnavalasa” a preferred choice for farmers and traders aiming to meet market demands while minimizing waste. Its unique shape and durability also make it suitable for diverse consumer preferences and culinary uses.
Planting
a). Planting Season
Sapota, a versatile fruit crop, can be planted throughout a wide window from March to October, offering flexibility to farmers based on their regional conditions and resource availability. However, the optimal time for planting sapota is during the monsoon season, specifically between June and September. This period is ideal because the consistent rainfall and higher soil moisture levels during the monsoon facilitate better root establishment and overall growth of the young plants
b). Spacing
Standard spacing: 8m x 8m
High-density planting: 6m x 6m for dwarf varieties.
c). Pit Preparation
Dig pits of size 60cm x 60cm x 60cm.
Fill each pit with a mixture of topsoil, 10 kg of farmyard manure (FYM), and 500g of single superphosphate.
d). Planting Method
Place the sapling in the center of the pit and cover it with soil.
Water immediately after planting.
e). Number of Plants per Acre
Standard spacing (tall varieties): 63
High density planting (dwarf varieties): 112
Intercropping
Sapota, being a slow-growing crop, benefits from intercropping during the initial 3–4 years, with suitable intercrops including legumes such as beans and peas, vegetables like brinjal, tomato, cabbage, cauliflower, and cucurbits, or short-duration fruit crops such as papaya and pineapple, while it is important to avoid intercrops that compete for nutrients or water; additionally, intercropping with banana, cocoa, french bean, and peas is recommended depending on the climate and available irrigation facilities.
Irrigation
Sapota trees that are mature enough need to be watered every 15 to 20 days during dry spells to preserve good growth and fruit production, while young plants need to be watered frequently, usually every 7 to 10 days, to ensure optimal establishment. Because drip irrigation uses less water and provides steady moisture, it is strongly advised. But it’s important to avoid overwatering because that might cause root rot and other problems.
Irrigation Schedule for Sapota
| Age of Plant | Water Requirement (per plant per day) | Remarks |
| 0–1 year | 1.5–2 liters/day | Ensure proper establishment of young saplings. Avoid waterlogging. |
| 1–3 years | 2–3 liters/day | Increase water quantity as the plant grows. Mulching helps retain moisture. |
| 3–5 years | 3–4 liters/day | Reduce frequency but increase water quantity to encourage root development. |
| 5–10 years | 4–5 liters/day | Maintain consistent moisture during flowering and fruiting stages. |
| 10+ years | 5–6 liters/day | Mature trees are drought-tolerant but require irrigation during dry spells. |
Fertilizer and Manure
Fertilizer and Manure Schedule for Sapota is given below in the table:
| Age of Plant | Farmyard Manure (FYM) | Fertilizers (per plant per year) | Application Method |
| 0–1 year | 10–15 kg | 100g N, 50g P, 100g K | Mix FYM and fertilizers in the pit during planting. Apply fertilizers in 2–3 splits. |
| 1–3 years | 15–20 kg | 200g N, 100g P, 200g K | Apply FYM at the beginning of the monsoon. Split fertilizers into 2–3 applications. |
| 3–5 years | 20–30 kg | 300g N, 150g P, 300g K | Apply FYM and fertilizers in 2–3 splits during the growing season. |
| 5–10 years | 30–40 kg | 500g N, 250g P, 500g K | Apply FYM before flowering. Split fertilizers into 2–3 applications during the year. |
| 10+ years | 40–50 kg | 600g N, 300g P, 600g K | Apply FYM and fertilizers in 2–3 splits, focusing on post-harvest and pre-flowering. |
Weed Control
Effective weed control is crucial, especially in the early stages of agriculture. Frequent weddings promote the establishment of healthy plants and avoids competition for resources. Mulching with dried leaves or straw is a fantastic technique to keep the soil moist while keeping weeds at bay. Herbicides should only be applied when absolutely required in order to minimize their detrimental effects on the environment. During the first 10 to 12 months of weed control, a pre-emergence treatment of Stomp (800 ml/acre) or Diuron (800 gm/acre) can be used to successfully reduce weed growth.
Pruning of Sapota Plants
Pruning is essential in sapota cultivation to maintain tree health, boost productivity, and promote proper growth. It involves removing diseased, dry, and unwanted branches to prevent infections and pest infestations. Annual pruning enhances air circulation, reduces fungal risks, and improves sunlight penetration, leading to better fruit quality. This practice keeps the tree healthy, productive, and ensures long-term, high-quality yields.
Pest and Disease Management
Common Pests
a). Leaf Webber
The initial signs of the disease appear as dark brown lesions or spots on the tree’s leaves. These spots often begin small but gradually grow, covering larger portions of the foliage. As the condition advances, the impacted leaves lose their vigor, becoming dry and brittle. Over time, the damage extends to the branches, causing them to wither and dry out.
This weakens the tree, resulting in stunted growth, decreased fruit yield, and, in severe cases, the death of affected branches or even the entire tree if left untreated. Accurate diagnosis and prompt intervention are essential to prevent further damage and control the spread of the disease.
Management
A solution of Carbaryl@600 grams or Chlorpyriphos@200 milliliters mixed in 150 liters of water is sprayed at intervals of 20 days following new shoot formation or during the fruit harvest period.
b). Hairy Caterpillar
They damage plants by feeding new shoots and twigs, disrupting growth and weakening the plant. This reduces foliage production, hampers photosynthesis, and can lead to stunted growth, lower fruit or flower yield, or even plant death if unchecked. Proper pest management is essential to prevent such harm.
Management
A solution of quinalphos@300 milliliters mixed in 150 liters of water is sprayed per acre.
c). Bud worm
Moth caterpillars, the larval stage of moths, damage plants by feeding on vegetative buds, which are vital for growth and new leaf, shoot, and flower formation. This feeding stunt development reduces foliage and can harm overall plant health. Effective pest control is essential to prevent extensive damage.
Management
A solution of fame@20 milliliters mixed in 150 liters of water is sprayed per acre.
Common Diseases
a). Anthracnose
There is deep, buried canker lesions on the stem and branches, as well as brown stains on the leaves.
Management
To control anthracnose, a solution of copper oxychloride or M-45@400 grams mixed in 150 liters of water is sprayed.
b). Leaf Spot
The symptoms include the appearance of deep purplish-brown spots that are round in shape and have a white center. These spots are typically observed on the leaves, giving them a distinctive appearance. Additionally, elongated spots or lesions can be seen on the stems of fruits and petals. These marks indicate a potential fungal or bacterial infection, which can spread and cause further damage to the plant if not addressed promptly. Proper identification and treatment are essential to prevent the infection from worsening and affecting the overall health of the plant.
Management
A solution of copper oxychloride@400 grams is sprayed per acre.
c). Heart rot
It is a fungal infection that leads to the decay of wood in the core of the trunk and branches.
Management
A solution of Carbendazim@400 grams or Z-78@400 grams mixed in 150 liters of water is sprayed per acre.
Harvesting
Sapota trees usually bear fruit three years after planting, and when they turn brownish-yellow and yield to light pressure, they are ready to be harvested. Harvesting is done by hand by gently twisting the fruit off the tree; the average yield varies from 15 to 20 tons per hectare, depending on the variety and management techniques used.
Cost of Investment per Acre for Sapota Farming
The table below outlines the estimated costs for cultivating Sapota (both tall and dwarf varieties) per acre. The costs are categorized into different stages of cultivation, including land preparation, saplings, fertilizers, irrigation, labor, pest control, and miscellaneous expenses.
| S.N. | Categories | Estimated Cost for Tall Variety (NRs.) | Estimated Cost for Dwarf Variety (NRs.) |
| 1 | Land Preparation (plowing, leveling, pit digging) | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| 2 | Sapota Saplings (63 plants for tall; 112 for dwarf * NRs. 300) | 18,900 | 33,600 |
| 3 | Fertilizers and Manure | 40,000 | 70,000 |
| 4 | Irrigation System Setup (Drip) | 100,000 | 150,000 |
| 5 | Labor Costs (Planting, Maintenance) | 30,000 | 50,000 |
| 6 | Pest & Disease Control | 40,000 | 50,000 |
| 7 | Miscellaneous Costs (Equipment, Mulch, etc.) | 30,000 | 40,000 |
| Total Cost | 308,900 | 443,600 |
Annual Maintenance Cost
After the second year, a sapota orchard’s yearly maintenance costs range from NRs. 50,000 to NRs. 100,000 per acre, which covers necessary tasks to guarantee the trees’ productivity and well-being. This covers costs for irrigation management, such as running drip systems and making sure water is available, pest and disease control using fungicides, pesticides, and integrated pest management techniques, and manuring and fertilization using organic inputs like farmyard manure and chemical fertilizers suited to sapota’s nutrient requirements.
Along with other expenditures for maintaining equipment, tools, and fencing, it also includes personnel costs for general maintenance, trimming, weeding, mulching, and harvesting. The size of operations, the quality of the inputs, the availability of personnel, and the local climate all affect the overall cost.
Total Income per Acre from Sapota Farming
The table below provides the estimated income from Sapota cultivation per acre for both tall and dwarf varieties over different years. The income is calculated based on the yield and market price per kg.
| Income Year | Tall Variety Total Yield | Dwarf Variety Total Yield | Market Price (NRs/kg) | Tall Variety Total Income (NRs.) | Dwarf Variety Total Income (NRs.) |
| 3rd Year | 63 kg | 168 kg | 70 | 4,410 | 11,760 |
| 4th Year | 189 kg | 392 kg | 70 | 13,230 | 27,440 |
| 5th Year | 441 kg | 896 kg | 90 | 36,690 | 80,640 |
| 6-10 Year | 945 kg | 1,792 kg | 100 | 94,500 | 179,200 |
| 11-20 Year | 756 kg | 1,568 kg | 120 | 90,720 | 188,160 |
| 21 Year+ | 504 kg | 1,120 kg | 150 | 75,600 | 168,000 |
Analysis of Sapota Farming Profit per Acre
a). Initial Investment vs. Income
For the tall variety of Sapota, the initial investment is NRs. 308,900, with income starting from the 3rd year. By the 5th year, the cumulative income reaches NRs. 54,330, still below the initial investment, but from the 6th year onwards, income increases significantly, reaching NRs. 94,500 per year during the 6–10-year period, and over 20 years, the cumulative income far exceeds the initial investment.
For the dwarf variety, the initial investment is higher at NRs. 443,600, but income starts earlier and is significantly higher, with cumulative income reaching NRs. 119,840 by the 5th year, still below the initial investment. However, from the 6th year onwards, income increases dramatically, reaching NRs. 179,200 per year during the 6–10-year period, and over 20 years, the cumulative income is much higher than the initial investment
b). Break-Even Point
The break-even point for the tall variety of Sapota is reached around the 6th year, when the cumulative income begins to exceed the initial investment, while for the dwarf variety, the break-even point is achieved earlier, around the 5th year, due to its higher yields and income generation.
c). Long-Term Profitability
Both Sapota varieties are profitable in the long term, but the dwarf variety offers higher returns due to its higher yields and earlier income generation, though it requires a higher initial investment and maintenance costs. In contrast, the tall variety is less expensive to set up and maintain but generates comparatively lower income than the dwarf variety. The choice between the two depends on the farmer’s financial capacity, risk tolerance, and long-term goals.
d). Market Price Fluctuations
The market price of Sapota has increased over the years, which positively impacts income. However, farmers should be aware of potential market fluctuations and plan accordingly.
Conclusion
The dwarf variety of Sapota requires higher initial investment and maintenance costs but offers significantly higher yields and income, making it suitable for farmers who are willing to invest more upfront and are aiming for higher returns in the long term.
On the other hand, the tall variety involves lower initial investment and maintenance costs but generates comparatively lower yields and income. This makes it a better option for farmers with limited capital or those seeking a less intensive cultivation process.
