Soursop Farming
Belonging to the Annonaceae family, soursop (Annona muricata L.) has gained worldwide recognition for its unique combination of health benefits and exquisite tropical flavor. The fruit’s impressive nutritional profile includes high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, while scientific studies validate its medicinal properties ranging from anticancer to antimicrobial effects.
Even the typically discarded seeds and peel contribute to its commercial value through their bioactive compounds. For agricultural investors, understanding soursop farming profit per acre begins with the tree’s manageable size (4-9m tall) and its substantial fruit production (individual fruits reaching 7kg), though the climacteric nature requires careful postharvest management to preserve quality and maximize soursop farming profit per acre.
Economic analysis reveals why soursop farming profit per acre attracts serious agricultural investors, with 10-year projections reaching NRs. 6-7 million net profit per acre. The business model shows rapid ROI, with the NRs. 465,000 initial investment recovering by Year 3 through cumulative earnings of NRs. 880,000.
Current market trends favoring functional foods and natural remedies continue to elevate soursop farming profit per acre, particularly when producers implement modern cultivation techniques and develop value-added products. With proper orchard management and market development, soursop cultivation offers Nepalese farmers and other tropical growers one of the most lucrative opportunities in specialty fruit production today.
Land Preparation
To establish a productive soursop orchard, proper land preparation is essential. Begin by clearing the land of weeds, debris, and old tree stumps to eliminate competition and pests. Next, plow or till the soil to improve aeration, enhance root penetration, and ensure proper drainage. Finally, level the field to prevent waterlogging, which can harm soursop plants. Well-prepared land promotes healthy root development and maximizes long-term yield potential.
Soil Type
Deep (above 180 cm), well-drained soils with a light texture—such as loamy sand, sandy loam, or sandy clay loam—that are high in organic matter are ideal for soursop tree growth. The optimal pH range for soil is 6.0–6.5, with 5.5–6.5 being somewhat acidic. Avoiding heavy clay or soggy soils is essential since they can cause root rot and limit plant growth. A high organic content, adequate drainage, and the ideal pH are all essential for boosting soursop output and guaranteeing robust tree growth.
Climatic Requirements
Soursop thrives in tropical to subtropical climates with a mean annual temperature of 22–30°C, preferring consistent warmth (25–30°C for optimal growth). The tree requires abundant rainfall (1,000–3,000 mm annually) and is sensitive to drought, often needing supplemental irrigation in dry spells. Moderate to high humidity (70–80% relative humidity) supports healthy development, while soil conditions should maintain a udic moisture regime with temperatures of 25–35°C at 0–50 cm depth. Soursop grows best at low to medium elevations (0–1,000 m above sea level), with ideal production typically observed between 200–300 m altitude. These conditions collectively ensure vigorous growth, flowering, and fruit production.
Major Cultivars
Several commercially important soursop cultivars are available for cultivation, including ‘Mammoth’, ‘Cuban’, ‘Liberian’, ‘Morada’, ‘Lisa’, and ‘Blanca’, each offering distinct characteristics in terms of fruit size, flavor profile, and yield potential. When selecting cultivars, growers should prioritize disease-resistant varieties with proven high-yielding capacity that are specifically adapted to their local climatic and soil conditions to maximize orchard productivity and profitability. The choice of cultivar significantly impacts fruit quality, market acceptance, and overall farm economics, making proper varietal selection a crucial decision in soursop cultivation.
Planting
When soursop seedlings are sufficiently established for field planting—that is, when they reach a height of 30 to 45 cm or produce 4–6 mature leaves—that is the ideal time to transplant them. This stage of growth guarantees that the young plants have gained enough resilience to endure the shock of transplantation while yet having sufficient adaptability to successfully acclimate to field circumstances.
Achieving the right timing during this crucial stage greatly increases survival rates and encourages consistent early development during the orchard setup period. In order to provide natural irrigation support during the critical establishing stage, growers should time planting to coincide with ideal weather conditions, usually around the start of the rainy season in tropical locations.
a). Planting Season
The best time to plant soursop is right before the monsoon season, however it can be done from March to October. By planting early in the rainy season, you can benefit from the natural moisture in the soil, which promotes root development and lowers the need for watering during the crucial establishment stage. Young plants benefit from this deliberate timing by becoming more resilient before encountering dry circumstances.
b). Spacing
For optimal growth and yield, maintain a 4m x 4m spacing between soursop plants to ensure adequate sunlight, airflow, and nutrient availability.
c). Pit Preparation
Prepare planting pits measuring 60 cm × 60 cm × 60 cm, filling them with a mixture of compost, topsoil, and manure 2–3 weeks before transplanting to allow proper settling and nutrient integration.”
d). Planting Method
For successful establishment, transplant healthy 6–12 month old seedlings, carefully positioning them so the graft union (if present) remains 2–3 cm above the soil surface to prevent rot and ensure proper growth. Plant during cooler morning/evening hours, backfill with prepared soil mixture, and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets while maintaining the natural root collar position.
e). Number of Plants per Acre
With standard 4m × 4m spacing, approximately 253 soursop plants can be accommodated per acre, optimizing light exposure, airflow, and efficient orchard management while maximizing yield potential.
Intercropping
Intercropping in Soursop Orchards: During the initial 2–3 years of soursop establishment, farmers can maximize land productivity by growing compatible short-term crops like beans or vegetables between the trees, while avoiding competitive crops such as maize that might hinder the young soursop trees’ growth through excessive nutrient or water competition. This practice optimizes land use efficiency while maintaining proper orchard development conditions.
Irrigation
For the best soursop growth, proper irrigation is crucial, especially during dry spells when young trees need regular watering to develop robust root systems. The most effective technique is drip irrigation, which minimizes waste and avoids waterlogging, which can be detrimental to plant health, while supplying water straight to the root zone.
It’s interesting to note that by encouraging the tree to concentrate its energy on reproduction rather than vegetative development, limiting irrigation during the flowering phase can actually improve fruit set. Consistent moisture for young plants, cautious water management during flowering, and effective delivery methods make up a balanced irrigation strategy that optimizes tree health and fruit production while preserving water resources.
Fertilizer and Manure
| Aspect | Recommendation |
| Initial Manure | 10 kg manure per tree at planting, increasing by 15% annually |
| Soil Testing | Conduct every 2-3 years to adjust fertilizer doses |
| Application Method | Apply in circular trench around tree canopy, mix with soil, and water properly |
| Organic Alternatives | Use compost, vermicompost, or biofertilizers alongside chemical fertilizers |
Fertilizer Requirements by Growth Stage
| Growth Stage | Nitrogen (N) | Phosphorus (P) | Potassium (K) | Application Timing | Frequency |
| 0-6 months after planting | 100 g/tree | 50 g/tree | 100 g/tree | – | 3 split doses |
| 6-12 months | 150 g/tree | 75 g/tree | 150 g/tree | – | 3 split doses |
| 1-3 years | 200 g/tree | 100 g/tree | 200 g/tree | March, June, October | 3 split doses |
| 3-4 years | 250 g/tree | 125 g/tree | 250 g/tree | March, June, October | 3 split doses |
| 4-5 years | 300 g/tree | 150 g/tree | 300 g/tree | March, June, October | 3 split doses |
| 5+ years | 500 g/tree | 250 g/tree | 500 g/tree | March, June, October | 3 split doses |
Weed Control
Weed Control in Soursop Cultivation: Effective weed management can be achieved through organic mulching, which suppresses weed growth while conserving soil moisture, combined with regular manual weeding to eliminate competition without risking chemical damage to young trees—particularly important during the establishment phase when plants are most vulnerable to herbicide effects. For mature orchards, a integrated approach using mulch, careful manual removal, and potentially approved herbicides (applied selectively and during dormant periods) helps maintain clean tree rows while protecting root systems and soil health.
Pest and Disease Management
Common Pests
Soursop trees are susceptible to various pests, including fruit borers, mealybugs, and scale insects, which can damage both foliage and fruit. Effective control measures include regular monitoring and the use of organic treatments like neem oil as a first line of defense. For severe infestations, approved pesticides or pheromone traps (particularly for borers) may be employed, though chemical applications should be timed carefully to avoid harming pollinators. Implementing cultural practices such as removing fallen fruit and maintaining proper orchard sanitation helps reduce pest breeding grounds.
Common disease
Common soursop diseases include anthracnose (fungal) and root rot, which thrive in humid conditions and poorly drained soils. Prevention focuses on avoiding overhead irrigation to keep foliage dry and applying copper-based fungicides preventatively during wet seasons. For bacterial wilt, immediate removal and destruction of infected plants is crucial, along with improving soil drainage to prevent spread. A balanced fertilization program strengthens plant immunity, while proper canopy management ensures good air circulation to reduce disease pressure. Regular orchard inspections help detect early symptoms for timely intervention.
Harvesting
The first harvest typically occurs 3–5 years after planting, with mature fruits identified by their color transition from dark green to slightly yellow and softened spines. For optimal quality, hand-pick fruits carefully to prevent bruising, as damaged fruits have reduced shelf life. At full production, each tree yields 50–100 fruits annually, translating to approximately 5–10 tons per acre, depending on cultivar and management practices. Proper harvesting techniques combined with ideal maturity indicators ensure maximum marketable yield and fruit quality.
Cost of Investment for Soursop Farming Per Acre
Initial Investment (First Year) Breakdown
| S.N. | Category | Estimated Cost (NRs.) |
| 1 | Land Preparation (Plowing, Leveling, Pit Digging) | 40,000 |
| 2 | Soursop Saplings (253 plants) | 75,600 |
| 3 | Fertilizers & Manure | 100,000 |
| 4 | Drip Irrigation Setup | 150,000 |
| 5 | Labor (Planting & Maintenance) | 40,000 |
| 6 | Pest & Disease Control | 30,000 |
| 7 | Miscellaneous (Equipment, Mulch, etc.) | 30,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | NRs. 465,000 |
Annual Maintenance Cost for Soursop Farming
After the initial establishment phase, soursop orchards require an annual maintenance investment of approximately NRs. 50,000–100,000 per acre, with costs varying based on labor requirements, fertilizer inputs, and pest/disease management needs. This budget covers essential operations including pruning, weeding, irrigation, fertilization, and crop protection measures necessary to maintain tree health and productivity. Proper allocation of these resources ensures optimal growth conditions while maximizing the orchard’s long-term yield potential and profitability.
Income From Soursop Farming Per Acre.
| Year | Estimated Yield (kg) | Market Price (NRs/kg) | Total Income (NRs.) |
| 2nd Year | 700 kg | 400 | 280,000 |
| 3rd Year | 1,500 kg | 400 | 600,000 |
| 4th–6th Year | 3,000 kg | 400 | 1,200,000 |
| 7th–10th Year | 2,500 kg | 400 | 1,000,000 |
| 11th Year & Beyond | 1,500 kg | 500 | 750,000 |
Analysis of Soursop Farming Profit Per Acre
a). Break-Even Point (When Costs Are Recovered)
With an initial investment of NRs. 465,000, soursop cultivation begins generating returns in the second year (NRs. 280,000) but reaches full cost recovery by the third year, when cumulative income totals NRs. 880,000 (NRs. 600,000 in Year 3 alone)—yielding a NRs. 415,000 net profit after covering all startup costs. This 3-year breakeven timeline demonstrates the venture’s financial viability, with profitability accelerating from Year 3 onward as yields increase.
b). Net Profit Over 10 Years (Conservative Estimate)
| Year | Income (NRs.) | Maintenance Cost (NRs.) | Net Profit (NRs.) |
| 2 | 280,000 | 75,000 | 205,000 |
| 3 | 600,000 | 75,000 | 525,000 |
| 4-6 | 1,200,000/yr | 75,000/yr | 1,125,000/yr |
| 7-10 | 1,000,000/yr | 75,000/yr | 925,000/yr |
| Total (10 Years) | ~NRs. 7,880,000 | ~NRs. 675,000 | ~NRs. 7,205,000 |
c). Return on Investment (ROI)
Over a 10-year period, soursop cultivation requires a total investment of NRs. 1,140,000 (including NRs. 465,000 initial costs and NRs. 675,000 in maintenance), while generating NRs. 7,880,000 in total income – resulting in an impressive net profit of NRs. 6,740,000 and a remarkable 590% return on investment (ROI), demonstrating its outstanding profitability as a long-term agribusiness venture with compounding returns after the initial 3-year establishment phase.
