Breadfruit farming profit Per Acre

Breadfruit farming

Breadfruit is a tropical, starchy fruit tree known for its high nutritional value and versatility in cooking. Belonging to the mulberry family, it produces large, green fruits that are rich in carbohydrates and can be boiled, roasted, baked, or fried. The nutrient-dense fruit is a valuable energy source, packed with complex carbohydrates and abundant in dietary fiber, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, thiamin, and niacin. Certain varieties also provide significant amounts of antioxidants and carotenoids.

Breadfruit farming profit per acre demonstrates strong long-term viability, with a total net profit of NRs. 9,011,000 over a 50-year period after accounting for all expenses. The breakeven point is reached by the 10th year, when cumulative earnings turn positive at NRs. 11,000.

The most profitable phase occurs between Years 11–30, contributing nearly 66.6% of the total earnings, or approximately NRs. 6,000,000. Of the total cost, just 0.7% is attributed to the initial investment, while a substantial 99.3% (NRs. 2,450,000) goes toward maintenance over the remaining years. With a Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 4.56, this means that for every NRs. 1 invested, the return is NRs. 4.56, making breadfruit farming a highly profitable and sustainable long-term investment.

Land Preparation

The first step in preparing land for breadfruit production is to remove any rocks or debris from the area and to physically or mechanically remove undesired vegetation, such as trees, bushes, and weeds. After that, the soil is tilled or plowed down to a depth of 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) in order to improve aeration and break up compacted layers for healthier root development.

The next step is raking or harrowing to create a fine soil texture that is perfect for planting. Effective drainage is essential since breadfruit roots are extremely sensitive to water stagnation; this can be achieved by creating raised beds in low-lying regions, ditches, or terraces and contour lines on slopes to stop erosion and provide ideal growing conditions.

Soil Type

Deep, well-drained, fertile soils like sandy loam, loam, or volcanic kinds are ideal for breadfruit growth. Although it may grow in a variety of soil types, such as well-drained clay soils or sandy soils with adequate fertilization and watering, it favors a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. Although they can be tolerated, slightly alkaline soils can result in nutritional deficits. Soils that are severely salinized, waterlogged, or poorly drained should be avoided.

Climatic Requirements

Major Cultivars

Breadfruit is mainly seedless and propagated through vegetative methods. There are hundreds of cultivars found throughout the tropics, each selected for desirable traits such as fruit quality, seasonality, and adaptability to local growing conditions. Commonly cultivated types include a diverse range of regionally preferred varieties.

Seedling Rate per Acre

Breadfruit is typically propagated vegetatively for commercial cultivation, as true seeds are rarely used due to their presence only in certain seeded varieties, which also exhibit genetic variability and extended juvenile phases. Instead, propagation methods such as root suckers, root cuttings, and air-layering (marcotting) are commonly employed. For one acre of land, approximately 40 saplings are generally required.

Planting

Planting Season

Breadfruit should be planted at the beginning of the main rainy season, typically in June or July, when soil moisture is adequate to support successful establishment and minimize transplant shock. Planting during periods of extreme drought or heavy flooding should be avoided to prevent stress and poor survival rates.

Spacing

Breadfruit trees require wide spacing because of their large mature size, with a standard spacing of 10m x 10m. This ensures sufficient room for full canopy development, promotes good sunlight penetration and air circulation, and facilitates easier management and harvesting operations.

Pit Preparation

Pits for breadfruit planting should be dug at least 1–2 months in advance, particularly in heavy soils, to allow for natural weathering and improved drainage. Each pit should be a minimum of 60cm x 60cm x 60cm, with larger dimensions recommended in poor soils.

The excavated topsoil should be enriched with 10–15 kg of well-rotted compost or manure per pit, along with a small quantity of balanced NPK fertilizer (100–150g) and rock phosphate (100–200g). After mixing, the pit should be refilled and slightly mounded above ground level to accommodate future settling.

Planting Method

The breadfruit planting method involves gently removing the sucker, root cutting, or air-layer from its container with minimal root disturbance, then placing it into a centrally dug hole in the prepared pit, slightly larger than the root ball.

The plant should be positioned at the same depth it previously grew, ensuring any graft union remains well above soil level. The hole is then backfilled with enriched soil, carefully firmed around the roots to eliminate air pockets without compacting, and thoroughly watered to settle the soil.

A thick layer of organic mulch—such as compost, straw, or leaves—is spread around the base (but not touching the trunk) to retain moisture and control weeds. In hot or sunny conditions, temporary shading (e.g., palm fronds) is recommended to help protect young plants during early establishment.

Number of Plants per Acre

Based on the standard spacing of 10m x 10m, approximately 40 breadfruit plants can be accommodated per acre, ensuring adequate room for growth, canopy development, and ease of management.

Intercropping

Intercropping in breadfruit plantations is highly recommended during the initial 3–5 years before the trees develop a full canopy, as it allows efficient use of space, generates additional income, suppresses weeds, and improves soil health—particularly when legumes are included.

Suitable intercrops include shade-tolerant or low-growing species such as ginger, turmeric, pineapple, taro, leafy greens, bush beans, peppers, eggplant, and medicinal herbs, while leguminous cover crops like Pueraria and Centrosema are ideal for enhancing soil fertility.

However, as the breadfruit trees mature and their canopy closes (typically after 5–7 years), intercropping becomes challenging due to reduced light and increased root competition, often requiring a shift to shade-tolerant understory species or discontinuation of intercropping altogether.

Irrigation

Irrigation is vital to establish young trees (first 1-2 years) and during extended drought periods exceeding 2-3 weeks, particularly for sensitive young trees in critical phases like flowering and fruit development.

Deep, infrequent watering that saturates the entire root zone (down to 50-60 cm) is far better than frequent light watering; highly efficient methods include drip or basin irrigation, while sprinklers increase humidity and disease risk.

Watering frequency should adapt to soil, temperature, and rainfall, guided by soil moisture checks (e.g., the finger test). Although mature trees gain drought tolerance, irrigating during dry spells significantly boosts their fruit size, yield, and quality.

Fertilizer and Manure

Young Trees (1-3 years)

Applying a balanced NPK fertilizer (like 20-20-20) every four months at a rate of 100–250 grams per tree, progressively increasing the amount over time, is the key to promoting vegetative development in young breadfruit trees that are one to three years old. Furthermore, it is advised to add 5–10 kg of compost or manure per tree each year. The optimal time to apply fertilizer is in three doses: mid-February to mid-March for the first dose, June or July for the second, and September or October for the third.

Bearing Trees

The emphasis switches to boosting fruit output by expanding the availability of potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) for breadfruit trees. Using NPK formulas like 8-10-20 or 10-5-20, fertilizers should be sprayed two to three times a year, at the beginning of the growth season, during flowering, and after harvest if required. One to three kilograms per tree, spread across several applications, is the suggested yearly rate. Fertilizer should ideally be applied in three doses: once in mid-February to mid-March, once in June or July, and once in September or October.

Organic Focus

Breadfruit thrives under organic management, responding positively to regular applications of well-rotted compost at a rate of 10–20 kg per tree per year, along with manure or composted green manure. Valuable organic supplements include rock phosphate and seaweed extracts. The bulk of compost application is typically carried out during the months of June and July for optimal effectiveness.

Application

Applying compost or fertilizer requires spreading it evenly beneath the tree canopy, beginning around 30 cm from the trunk and going just past the drip line. To improve nutrient absorption, it should then be gently mixed into the soil or mulch layer and watered in.

Weed Control

Effective weed management is vital in breadfruit farming, especially for young trees, to reduce competition for essential resources like water, nutrients, and sunlight. Mulching is the most recommended approach: applying a thick layer (10–15 cm) of organic matter (wood chips, compost, leaves, grass) beneath the canopy suppresses weeds, conserves soil moisture, and boosts soil fertility.

Hand-pulling or hoeing carefully around young plants is also necessary to avoid damaging shallow roots. In established orchards without intercrops, mowing or slashing between rows is suitable. While targeted, non-residual herbicides (e.g., glyphosate) can be cautiously used on pathways or heavily infested areas before planting – avoiding tree bases and foliage – mulching remains the preferred strategy, and herbicides should never be applied near roots.

Flowering and Fruit Management

Flowering
Breadfruit trees typically begin flowering between 3 to 7 years after planting, depending on the cultivar and growing conditions. The flowers emerge on new growth, and most cultivars are monoecious, meaning both male and female flowers are present on the same tree.

Pollination
Pollination is primarily carried out by fruit bats and insects such as bees, wasps, and flies, with wind playing only a minor role. Maintaining healthy populations of pollinators is important for good fruit set.

Fruit Set
Breadfruit trees can produce a heavy fruit set, though some natural fruit drop, commonly referred to as the “June drop,” is normal and expected.

Thinning
Thinning is generally not practiced in commercial breadfruit cultivation due to the large size of the trees and the labor required. However, in certain high-value settings, selectively removing deformed or damaged young fruit clusters may enhance the size and quality of the remaining fruits, though this practice is relatively rare.

Fruit Development
When breadfruit flowers, it usually takes three to four months for it to mature. To maintain quality and yield, fruits should be shielded from pests and severe winds during this time.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests

Fruit Flies (Bactrocera spp.)
Fruit flies pose a major challenge in breadfruit cultivation due to their ability to damage the fruit internally and cause it to drop prematurely. Monitoring and controlling their population can be done using pheromone traps. For early-stage infestations, applying Spinosad 45% SC at a concentration of 0.3 ml per liter of water provides effective chemical control.

Fruit Borer
Fruit borers tunnel into developing fruits, leading to rot and unmarketable produce. Regular orchard sanitation and removal of infested fruits help reduce infestation. Apply Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG at 0.4 g per liter of water for effective control.

Mealybugs
Mealybugs suck sap from leaves and fruits, leading to stunted growth and sooty mold development. Spray Imidacloprid 17.8% SL at 0.3 ml per liter of water for control. Ensure thorough coverage on undersides of leaves and stems.

Scale Insects
Through their consumption of sap and production of honeydew, which promotes the growth of fungi, scale insects harm plants. Control them, especially in the early stages of infestation, by spraying Chlorpyrifos 20% EC at a rate of 2 milliliters per liter of water.

Aphids
Aphids damage young shoots and leaves, transmitting viral diseases and producing sticky honeydew. Use Thiamethoxam 25% WG at 0.25 g per liter of water to manage infestations effectively. Early detection and treatment are crucial.

Common Diseases

Anthracnose
Anthracnose causes dark sunken spots on fruits and leaves, leading to fruit rot and defoliation. To manage it, spray Carbendazim 50% WP at 1 g per liter of water or Azoxystrobin 11% + Tebuconazole 18.3% SC at 1 ml per liter at regular intervals, especially during humid conditions.

Cercospora Leaf Spot
This disease results in circular brown or gray spots on leaves, leading to premature leaf drop and reduced vigor. Apply Mancozeb 75% WP at 2.5 g per liter of water every 10–15 days during the outbreak to control its spread.

Pink Disease (Canker)
Pink disease forms cankers on branches and stems, often covered with pink fungal growth, causing dieback. Prune and destroy infected branches and apply Copper Oxychloride 50% WP at 2.5 g per liter of water as a protective fungicide.

Root Rots (Phytophthora, Pythium)
Root rots, often triggered by waterlogged conditions, cause yellowing, wilting, and eventual tree death. Improve drainage and treat affected trees with Metalaxyl 8% + Mancozeb 64% WP at 2.5 g per liter of water as a soil drench.

Soft Rots
Soft rots usually enter through wounds and result in watery, decayed tissue, especially in harvested or damaged fruits. Prevent injury and apply Bordeaux mixture (1%) or Copper Hydroxide 77% WP at 2 g per liter as a protective spray.

Harvesting

Harvesting breadfruit involves identifying key maturity indicators such as a change in skin color (from green to yellowish-green or brownish, depending on the cultivar), the presence of small latex droplets on the skin, a slight softness when touched, and less pronounced or flattened spines.

Fruits are harvested using a long pole fitted with a hooked knife or basket, cutting the stem cleanly while leaving a short portion attached to the fruit. Careful handling is essential to prevent bruising and contact with the sticky white latex, which exudes from the stem and skin when damaged; applying coconut or vegetable oil to hands and tools, and wearing gloves, helps prevent latex from sticking and causing skin irritation.

During the peak season, which may last several months depending on the variety, harvesting is typically done every 2–4 days, and some cultivars produce fruit nearly year-round in periodic flushes.

Yield

Cost of Investment Per Acre for Breadfruit Farming

Annual Maintenance Cost for Breadfruit Farming

From the second year onward, breadfruit farming requires an annual maintenance cost of approximately NRs. 50,000 per acre. This recurring expense typically covers essential activities such as irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease management, weed control, pruning, and general upkeep to ensure healthy tree growth and sustained productivity throughout the orchard’s lifespan.

Income from Breadfruit Farming per Acre

Analysis of Breadfruit Farming Profit Per Acre

Over a 50-year period, breadfruit farming yields a total profit of NRs. 9,011,000 after covering all expenses, with the breakeven point reached in Year 10, when cumulative profit turns positive at NRs. 11,000. The peak profit phase occurs between Years 11–30, contributing around 66.6% of the total profit (approximately NRs. 6,000,000). Of the total costs, only 0.7% is attributed to initial investment, while a significant 99.3% (NRs. 2,450,000) is spent on long-term maintenance over 49 years. The Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) stands at 4.56, meaning that for every NRs. 1 invested, the return is NRs. 4.56, indicating excellent long-term profitability.

Sources

Elevitch, Craig & Ragone, Diane & Cole, Ian. (2014). Breadfruit Production Guide: Recommended practices for growing, harvesting, and handling.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

University of Hawaii system

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)