Amla Farming
High-Density Amla Farming achieves break-even in the 7th year, while Standard Planting reaches it in the 8th year. This earlier recovery in high-density planting is due to its higher early and peak yields, allowing faster return on investment. Beyond the break-even point, all subsequent income becomes pure profit after deducting only the annual maintenance cost. From the 16th to the 40th year, Amla farming profit per acre is highly lucrative, especially during the peak production period.
In the standard planting system, annual profits range between NRs. 429,200 to 479,200, while high-density planting offers significantly greater returns, with profits ranging from NRs. 840,800 to 890,800 per acre annually. Although high-density planting requires a higher initial investment, it delivers 1.8 to 2 times more profit during the maturity phase compared to the standard planting method.
Land Preparation
Amla land preparation begins with one or two deep ploughs (30 to 45 cm depth) using a moldboard plow to enhance drainage, aeration, and break up compacted soil. Two to three cross harrowings are then used to break up soil clods, level the land carefully to avoid waterlogging, and produce a fine tilth.
At the same time, the land needs to be completely cleansed of all weeds, stones, stumps, and leftover crop material. To enable early irrigation and water conservation, huge basins (about 1-2 m in diameter) or trenches are then built around each chosen planting site. In order to give the soil time to settle properly, a final deep watering is performed a few weeks before planting.
Soil Type
While adaptable to various soils, Amla grows best in deep, fertile, well-drained loams. It tolerates a wide pH range (6.5-9.5), optimally 6.5-8.0, and moderate salinity/alkalinity, though highly saline/sodic soils severely limit growth. Shallow, gravelly, or rocky soils yield poorly, and heavy, poorly drained clays are unsuitable. Excellent drainage is critical to prevent root rot and tree death.
Climatic Requirements
| Factor | Requirement | Notes |
| Climate Type | Subtropical to Tropical | Thrives in regions with distinct warm summers and cool winters. |
| Temperature | ||
| – Optimal | 25°C – 35°C (growing season) | Ideal for active growth. |
| – Tolerance | Up to 46°C; brief light frosts (-1°C to -2°C) | Mature trees only. Young plants are frost-sensitive. |
| – Critical | Cool period (10-15°C in winter) | Essential for flowering & fruit set. Prolonged cold (<5°C) damages flowers. |
| Rainfall | 600-1000 mm annually (rainfed) | Requires well-distributed rainfall. Irrigation needed for commercial yields; tolerates dry spells once established. |
| Altitude | Up to 1500m above sea level | Suitable for foothills and plains. |
| Sunlight | Full sunlight | Critical for growth, flowering, and fruiting. Shading reduces yield. |
Major Cultivars
| Cultivar Name | Season | Fruit Size (g) | Skin & Shape | Fiber Content (%) | Ascorbic Acid (mg/100g) | Yield (kg/tree) | Special Features | Recommended Use |
| NA-6 (Kanchan) | Mid (Nov–Dec) | 38.8 | Smooth, medium size | 0.8 | 100 | 121 | Less fiber, tolerant to necrosis | Candy, jam |
| NA-7 (Krishna) | Mid (Nov–Dec) | 44 | Greenish-white, slightly ridged | 1.5 | – | 123 | Attractive, high-yielding | Candy, fresh, and preserves |
| NA-9 | Early (Oct–Nov) | 50.3 | Smooth, oblong, thin skin | 0.9 | 100 | – | Highest ascorbic content | Jam, jelly, candy |
| NA-10 (Francis) | Mid-late (Dec–Jan) | 41.5 | Rough, 6 segments | 1.5 | – | – | Excellent for murabba, heavy bearer, susceptible to necrosis | Murabba |
| Francis (Hathi Jhool) | Mid (Nov–Dec) | 45.8 | Greenish-white | 1.5 | – | – | Drooping branches, mid-yield | Preserve |
| Chakaiya | Late (Dec–Jan) | 33.4 | Medium, fibrous | 2.0 | 789 | – | Widely adapted, drought tolerant, biennial bearing | Pickle, Triphala, drying shreds |
| BSR-1 (Bhavanisagar) | Mid | – | Medium size | – | – | – | Developed in Tamil Nadu, regular bearer | Preserves |
| Anand 1 (Gujarat Aonla-1) | Mid | – | Large, creamy-white | Low | – | – | Good for fresh use | Fresh, preserves |
| Banarasi | Early (Oct–Nov) | 48 | Smooth | 1.4 | – | 120 | Not suitable for preservation | Fresh |
| Others | – | – | – | – | – | – | Varieties include Balwant, Goma Aishwarya, HAC-1, HAC-9, Laxmi 52, BSR-25 | – |
Planting
a) Planting Season
Amla is primarily planted from June to September, coinciding with the monsoon season, but with adequate irrigation facilities, it can also be successfully planted during February and March.
b) Spacing
| Planting System | Spacing |
| Standard Planting | 8m × 8m |
| High-Density (HD) Planting | 6m × 6m |
c) Pit Preparation
Pits for amla planting should be prepared during summer, at least 2–3 months before planting, with dimensions of 1m x 1m x 1m (length × width × depth). Each pit should be filled with a mixture of topsoil, 10–15 kg of well-rotted farmyard manure (FYM) or compost, 1 kg of single super phosphate (SSP), 100 grams of Malathion or Durmet dust for termite control, and 100 grams of Trichoderma viridae. The mixture should be filled slightly above ground level to account for settling, and the pits should be irrigated well before planting.
d) Number of Plants Per Acre
| Planting Method | Spacing | Number of Plants per Acre |
| Standard Spacing | 8m × 8m | 63 |
| High-Density Planting | 6m × 6m | 112 |
e) Planting Method
For planting amla, carefully remove the polybag or container without disturbing the root ball and gently place the plant in the center of the prepared pit. Ensure that the graft union is positioned 5–7 cm above ground level. Fill the surrounding gaps with the remaining soil mixture and press the soil lightly to eliminate air pockets. Support the young plant with a bamboo stick to prevent damage from wind or movement, and irrigate immediately and thoroughly after planting.
Intercropping
| Aspect | Details | ||
| Feasibility | Intercropping is suitable during the initial 4–6 years of a young orchard. | ||
| Suitable Crops | Vegetables: Moong, Cowpea, Cluster bean, Radish, Carrot, Onion, Garlic, Cucurbits Pulses: Chickpea (Gram), Lentil (Masoor) Flowers: Marigold, Chrysanthemum (also act as trap crops) Medicinal/Aromatic Plants: Ashwagandha, Mulethi, Basil (Tulsi) | ||
| Avoid | Long-duration crops like Sugarcane, Turmeric, Banana, and cereals (Wheat, Paddy); deep-rooted crops that compete for water/nutrients. | ||
| Management Tips | Maintain 1–1.5 m distance from the tree trunk for intercrops. Apply separate fertilizers and irrigation for intercrops. Stop intercropping after canopy shading begins. | ||
Irrigation
| Plant Growth Stage | Irrigation Frequency | Key Notes |
| Young Plants (1-3 yrs) | • Summer: Every 7-10 days • Winter: Every 15-20 days | Critical establishment phase. Maintain consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging. |
| Mature Plants (4+ yrs) | Drought-tolerant but requires irrigation for commercial yields. | |
| · Flowering & Fruit Set (Spring) | Every 10-15 days | Critical phase for fruit retention. |
| · Fruit Development (Summer) | Every 10-12 days (peak summer) | Critical phase for fruit size and quality. |
| · Post-Harvest (Winter) | One deep irrigation after harvest | Aids tree recovery and nutrient absorption. |
| Recommended Methods | Basin, Ring, or Drip irrigation | Drip is most efficient (saves water, reduces weeds, enables fertigation). |
| Avoid | Flood irrigation | High risk of waterlogging and root rot. |
Fertilizer and Manure
Fertilizer applications should ideally be based on the results of a soil test to ensure accurate nutrient management; however, in the absence of such a report, a general recommended fertilizer dose can be followed as provided in the table below.
| Category | Recommendation | Application Timing/Method |
| Organic Manure | 10-15 kg well-rotted FYM/compost per tree/year | December-January; incorporated into basins around the tree. |
| Biofertilizers | 50g /tree/year each of: • Nitrogen-fixing bacteria • PSB (Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria) • Potash Mobilizing Bacteria | Applied during the active growth period (typically with organic manure or irrigation) |
| Chemical Fertilizers | ||
| · Year 1 | 100g N, 50g P₂O₅, 50g K₂O per tree | N split equally in June & September; Full P & K with first N dose |
| · Annual Progression | Increase proportionally each year | Until full bearing (year 6-7) |
| · Mature Tree (6+ yrs) | 500-1000g N, 200-500g P₂O₅, 200-500g K₂O per tree | Adjust based on soil test, cultivar, and yield |
| Application Method | • N: 50% before flowering (Feb-Mar), 50% after fruit set (June-July) • P & K: Full dose with first N application • Apply in 15-20cm deep trenches at the canopy drip line • Mix with soil + irrigate • Fertigation preferred (via drip system) | |
| Micronutrients | • Borax (0.2-0.3%) • Zinc Sulphate (0.5%) | • Borax: Foliar spray during flowering • Zinc: Foliar spray during fruit set |
Weed Control
Weed control in amla orchards involves regular hoeing and weeding 3–4 times a year, especially within a 1–1.5 m radius around the trunk and inter-row spaces. Mulching with organic materials like paddy straw, dried grass, or black polythene (5–10 cm thick, keeping it slightly away from the trunk) is highly effective for suppressing weeds, conserving moisture, and improving soil health.
Judicious use of herbicides such as Diuron (pre-emergence) or Glyphosate (post-emergence) may be applied carefully in inter-row areas, avoiding contact with green bark or foliage. Intercropping during the early years also helps suppress weeds, while pruning and training—removing criss-cross branches and retaining 4–5 healthy ones—support better growth and orchard management.
Pest and Disease Management
Common Pests
a) Fruit Borer
The Fruit Borer (Deudorix isocrates) ranks as the most severe pest in Amla cultivation, where its larvae penetrate developing fruits, causing internal damage that leads to premature drop, rot, and significant yield loss. Effective control requires an integrated approach: initiate spraying at fruit set onset using Quinalphos (0.05%) or Chlorantraniliprole (0.006%), repeating applications 2–3 times at strict 15-day intervals to disrupt the pest’s life cycle.
Complement chemical control with cultural practices like rigorous orchard sanitation (removing fallen/infested fruits to break reproduction) and deploying pheromone traps (5–8 traps/acre) to monitor and mass-trap adult moths. Proactive management during early fruit development is critical to minimizing economic damage.
b) Bark Eating Caterpillar
The bark-eating caterpillar is a serious pest that bores into the stem and bark of amla trees, feeding on internal tissues and causing significant damage, such as bark scraping, frass accumulation, and weakened plant structure. Early detection is crucial, and effective control involves applying insecticides like quinalphos at 0.01% or fenvalerate at 0.05% directly into the caterpillar holes to eliminate the larvae and prevent further infestation.
c) Aphids, Mealybugs, Scale
Aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects are common sap-sucking pests that weaken amla plants by extracting nutrients from young shoots, leaves, and fruits, leading to stunted growth, leaf curling, and sooty mold development. Effective control includes spraying systemic insecticides such as Imidacloprid at 0.005% or Dimethoate at 0.03% to reduce pest populations and protect plant health.
d) Gall Makers
The gall caterpillar is a destructive pest that bores into the apical meristem of amla plants, creating tunnels that disrupt new growth and lead to gall-like swellings, stunted shoots, and reduced plant vigor. To effectively control this pest, spraying Dimethoate at a concentration of 0.03% is recommended.
Common Diseases
a). Rust
Rust is a fungal disease that causes round, red spots on the leaves and fruits of amla, leading to early leaf drop and reduced fruit quality if not controlled. Effective management involves spraying Indofil M-45 at 0.3% concentration twice—once in early September and again after 15 days. Alternatively, wettable sulphur at 0.2% can be applied starting from the emergence of new leaves to suppress the infection.
b) Fruit Rot/Anthracnose
Fruit rot or anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on amla fruits, leading to decay and significant post-harvest losses. The infection often spreads through injuries or poor orchard hygiene. To control the disease, pre-harvest sprays of Carbendazim at 0.1% or Mancozeb at 0.25% are recommended, along with preventive measures such as avoiding mechanical injuries to fruits and maintaining proper field sanitation.
c) Fruit Necrosis
Internal necrosis in amla is primarily caused by boron deficiency, with symptoms including browning and blackening of internal tissues. To prevent and manage this disorder, boron should be applied as a foliar spray at 0.6% concentration during September to October.
d). Powdery Mildew
A fungal disease called powdery mildew can impair photosynthesis, weaken the plant, and degrade the quality of the fruit by covering amla leaves and fruits with a white, powdery layer. At the earliest indication of illness, foliar sprays of wettable sulfur at 0.2% or Dinocap at 0.1% should be administered for optimal disease management.
Harvesting
a) Maturity Indices
- Fruits turn from green to dull green or greenish yellow.
- Skin becomes smooth and develops a characteristic sheen/waxy bloom.
- Flesh becomes hard and crisp.
- Seeds turn brown/black and hard.
- Translucent appearance when held against light (for some varieties).
b) Timing
Varies by cultivar (Oct to Feb). Harvest when fully mature but still firm. Overripe fruits become fibrous and shed.
c) Method
Amla harvesting is primarily done through hand picking, which is the preferred method to prevent fruit bruising. Fruits should be gently twisted or clipped off using scissors or clippers, and gloves are recommended due to the fruit’s astringent nature. For larger trees, branch shaking is practiced by spreading a tarpaulin or plastic sheet beneath the tree and gently shaking the branches to collect the fallen fruits, though this method may result in more bruising.
d) Frequency
pickings at 10–15-day intervals as fruits mature sequentially.
e) Yield
Amla trees begin yielding significantly from 4 to 6 years of age, producing around 50–80 kg of fruit per tree annually, while well-managed mature trees aged 7 years and above can yield between 100–120 kg per tree. This translates to an approximate orchard yield of 8–15 tonnes per acre, depending on spacing, variety, and management practices.
Post-Harvest
Post-harvest handling of Amla requires meticulous care to preserve quality: fruits must be handled gently to prevent bruising, which accelerates spoilage. After harvest, they undergo sorting to remove damaged specimens, grading by size/quality, and thorough cleaning—typically through a dip in 2-3% salt solution to disinfect surfaces and reduce microbial contamination.
Cleaned fruits are packed in well-ventilated crates or baskets to ensure airflow and minimize compression damage. For extended shelf life, immediate transfer to cool storage (8-10°C with 85-90% relative humidity) is critical, slowing ripening and preserving the fruit’s firm texture, nutritional value, and commercial viability for 2-3 weeks.
Cost of Investment per Acre for Amla Farming (NRs.)
| S.N. | Categories | Estimated Cost (NRs.) Standard Planting | Estimated Cost (NRs.) High-Density Planting |
| 1 | Land Preparation (plowing, leveling, pit digging) | 20,000 | 30,000 |
| 2 | Amla Saplings | 18,900 | 33,600 |
| 3 | Fertilizers and Manure | 15,200 | 34,800 |
| 4 | Irrigation | 20,000 | 30,000 |
| 5 | Labor Costs (Planting, weed management) | 15,000 | 25,000 |
| 6 | Pest & Disease Control | 10,000 | 15,000 |
| 7 | Miscellaneous Costs (Pesticides, equipment, etc.) | 20,000 | 20,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | 119,100 | 188,400 |
Annual Maintenance Cost
From the second year onward, the annual maintenance cost for amla farming typically ranges between NRs. 50,000 to 100,000 per acre, covering essential expenses such as irrigation, fertilizers, manures, pest and disease control, pruning, weeding, labor, and general orchard upkeep. This cost may vary depending on several factors, including planting density, input prices, tree age, management practices, and local climatic conditions.
Income from per Acre Amla Farming
| Year Range | Yield/Tree (kg) | Standard Yield/acre (kg) | High-Density Yield/acre (kg) | Market Price (NRs. /kg) | Income (Standard) (NRs.) | Income (High-Density) (NRs.) |
| 4th Year | 5 | 315 | 560 | 50 | 15,750 | 28,000 |
| 5th–6th Year | 25 | 1,575 | 2,800 | 50 | 78,750 | 140,000 |
| 7th–15th Year | 80 | 5,040 | 8,960 | 60 | 302,400 | 537,600 |
| 16th–40th Year | 120 | 7,560 | 13,440 | 70 | 529,200 | 940,800 |
Analysis of Amla Farming Profit Per Acre
| Parameters | Standard Planting (NRs.) | High-Density Planting (NRs.) |
| Initial Investment (1st Year) | 119,100 | 188,400 |
| Annual Maintenance (From Year 2) | 50,000–100,000 | 50,000–100,000 |
| Peak Annual Income (Year 16–40) | 529,200 | 940,800 |
| Maximum Annual Profit Estimate | 429,200–479,200 | 840,800–890,800 |
Amla farming profit per acre is highly lucrative, especially during the peak production years. In the standard planting system, annual profits range between NRs. 429,200 to 479,200, while high-density planting offers significantly greater returns, with profits ranging from NRs. 840,800 to 890,800 per acre annually. Although high-density planting requires a higher initial investment, it delivers 1.8 to 2 times more profit during the maturity phase compared to the standard planting method.
Sources
- National Horticulture Board (NHB), India
- Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC)
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR)
- Anand Agricultural University (Gujarat Aonla-1)
- Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (BSR-1).
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
