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Tamarind orchard cultivation

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L., Fabaceae) is a long-lived avenue/orchard tree producing about 2.5 lakh tonnes of pulp annually in India, mainly from rainfed orchards in Karnataka, MP, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, AP, Maharashtra and TN.

Key characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Tamarindus indica L., Fabaceae
  • India Production: ~2.5 lakh tonnes pulp/year
  • Improved Varieties: PKM-1, Urigam, Pratisthan, Yogeshwari, DTS I, DTS II
  • Pkm1 Yield: ~263 kg pods/tree/year
  • Graft Vs Seedling: graft 3-4 yr vs seedling 8-12 yr to bearing

Cultivation and adoption

Notable improved varieties include PKM-1 (TNAU, ~263 kg pods/tree/year), Urigam, Pratisthan, Yogeshwari, and Dharwad-released DTS I and DTS II. Vegetatively propagated grafted plants come into bearing in 3-4 years versus 8-12 years for seedling trees.

References

  1. Tamarindus indica - PPV&FRA DUS. https://plantauthority.gov.in/sites/default/files/ftamarind.pdf
  2. Tamarind cultivation - Krishi Jagran. https://krishijagran.com/agripedia/all-about-cultivation-of-tamarind-best-varieties-soil-and-climate-requirement-propagation-harvesting/