Wood apple, or Bael fruit, is a tropical fruit well known for its various health benefits. It originates from the Indian subcontinent; therefore, it is extensively used in traditional medicinal practices and is increasingly being used due to its nutritional value. The fruit is not only of high value because of its pulp but also for many medicinal purposes, particularly for improving digestive health. The increasing demand for this fruit provides farmers with a wonderful opportunity in the form of wood apple farming. In this article, we shall discuss the primary farming processes used to increase wood apples.

Steps to Grow Wood Apples

In this section, we are going to tell you about various processes of wood apple farming. These processes are quite vital in growing healthy wood apples. 

Land Preparation

Proper soil preparation is the first step towards growing healthy wood apple trees. Wood apples should be grown in a slightly acidic to neutral ground with excellent draining properties. Since wood apples do not thrive in watery conditions, the ground must drain well before planting.

Land should be cleared of weeds and debris before planting. This helps ensure that saplings have enough space and nutrients to grow. After clearing the land, the soil is tilled and ploughed to a depth of 20-30 cm.

This is where the Swaraj XT Series tractors come in. These powerful farming tractors make it easier to prepare the soil. With the Swaraj XT series, it becomes easier for farmers to plough, till, and break up the soil effectively, loosening it enough for the tree roots to grow freely.

Mix organic compost or well-rotted manure into the soil once prepared. Thus, this will provide all the necessary nutrition to the trees.

Plantation Time

After the soil has been prepared, the wood apple saplings can be planted. The seeds can be obtained from mature wood apple fruits to propagate the saplings. Wood apples are mostly germinated in a nursery bed for 2-4 weeks before being transferred to the main field.

When transplanting the saplings into the field, ensure sufficient spacing between them. Each tree should be around 4 to 5 meters apart to support healthy growth while avoiding overcrowding. The plants should be taken out of the nursery bed to the same depth at which they were planted to avoid exposing sensitive roots. This will ensure that their roots establish very well in the soil after having been watered thoroughly.

Growth and Care Management

Wood apple trees require minimal care once established, hence a relatively low-maintenance crop. These trees are highly drought tolerant and can grow in areas where rainfall is low. However, during the initial stages of growth and in dry periods, it is essential to irrigate the trees regularly so that they will develop a solid root system.

Drip irrigation is best suited to wood apple cultivation because it offers water directly to the roots, meaning that the moisture is directly fed to the trees. This efficient watering system is, therefore, advantageous in areas that face water shortages.

Another important activity of wood apple farming is pruning. Pruning on a regular basis removes dead or damaged branches and encourages healthy growth. It also helps maintain the tree's shape and size, which is essential for maximum fruit production. The trees should be pruned during the dormant season to avoid damaging the tree's growth.

 Pest and disease control is also essential to the health of the trees. Wood apple trees are susceptible to pests such as termites and fungal diseases. Regular monitoring of the trees and the use of organic pesticides and fungicides when necessary will help keep these issues under control.

Harvest Time

Wood apple trees generally start fruiting within 3 to 5 years after planting. The wood apple takes 9-12 months to ripen from the date of flowering. It is, therefore, crucial to harvest when the fruit has matured. The wood apple that has ripened has a brown or yellowish outer shell, which is hard.

Harvesting should be done in such a way that the fruit is not damaged or the tree is not harmed. A sharp knife or cutter is the best tool to detach the fruit from the branches. Fruit should be harvested gently so as not to bruise it, which can decrease its shelf life and market value.

Post Harvest Time

Proper post-harvest management is equally as important as cultivation to ensure the wood apple reaches the consumer in the best possible condition. After harvesting, the fruit must be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place to prevent it from spoiling.

It is eaten fresh; however, more often, the fruit is processed into juices, jams, and candies. The pulp of the fruit has beneficial digestive health attributes, which contributes to its worth in the market.

Transport is another aspect of post-harvest management. Powertrac tractor 434 price is good for small to medium farms as it will reduce the transport problems of the fruits when harvested. The compact size of the tractor, along with its powerful engine, enables farmers to move the fruit quickly and safely from the farm to storage or market. The Powertrac tractor 434 price starts from Rs 5,35,000 to Rs 5,55,000. Thus, it is affordable, making it an excellent choice for farmers looking to improve the efficiency of their post-harvest operations.

Final Words

Wood apple farming has excellent potential for farmers because of the health benefits the fruit offers and its growing demand in the market. So, from the preparation of the soil to the post-harvest management of the fruit, proper farming practices will help ensure a successful harvest.

Wood apple farming would be ideal because of the least maintenance required to grow them. They can easily tolerate droughts, and due to their commercial demand in the market, a farmer may seek to grow such crops to be able to generate long-term results from their proper care and attention.