Olive Cultivation: Branch Out Benefits & Techniques for Farmers

Olive cultivation in India is mainly done in Rajasthan due to its favourable climate and soil conditions. They are not native to India and were brought from Israel to be planted in the Thar desert for its health and economic benefits. Olive trees are full-size trees like guava and mango, whose farming is now branching out across the globe.

Entering this sector might be a calculated decision for individuals wishing to diversify their agricultural portfolio, as there is a growing demand for premium table olives and olive oil worldwide. To enable you to make an informed choice regarding this fascinating chance, this blog post will examine the main advantages and useful methods of olive growing.

The Golden Rewards: Benefits of Olive Cultivation

Increasing demand and value: The demand for olive and olive oil is increasing worldwide due to its health benefits in the modern world. They help to improve cholesterol and increase good fat in the body, which is necessary today, as heavy diets with no exercise increase cholesterol and body weight. They are good at skincare, reducing the risk of heart disease, and are low in carbs. 

Drought-tolerant crop: They are cultivated well in dry areas, they need less rainfall, thus a good crop for India’s climate. They have a deep root system, so they absorb  

Environmental stewardship: These trees are environmentally friendly and help in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Their extensive root systems also help prevent soil erosion, a major concern in many agricultural areas. 

Longevity and long-term investment: An olive tree lives for hundreds, even thousands of years, and it provides fruiting for 50 – 60 years. A well-kept olive grove is a multigenerational asset, even though it takes a few years for a young tree to begin providing fruit (usually three to four years for current kinds). Its value increases over time, and it offers a consistent revenue source for decades. This is a good long-term investment for farmers. 

Multiple revenue streams: An everlasting gift is the olive tee. You can make money from the by-products of olive oil and table olives in addition to the primary products. While the wood can be utilised for handicrafts, olive leaves are employed in traditional medicine and health supplements. Your farm’s profitability can be considerably increased by diversifying your sources of income.

The cultivation guide of Olives in India

Soil preparation

The first step in cultivating olives is preparing the right soil. Olive trees prefer a sunny environment, well-drained and alkaline soil. They can grow in a variety of soils, but waterlogging soils are not suitable. Manure is good for improving the soil structure and fertility. 

Choosing the right variety

There are two main types of olive varieties: those used for oil production and those used as table olives. Varieties such as Arbequina, Koroneiki, and Picual are primarily grown for oil, while Kalamata and Manzanilla are commonly used as table olives. These varieties are highly valued.

Planting and Spacing

High-density planting strategies are preferred in modern olive farming because they can greatly boost yield per hectare. These systems typically have a spacing of about 7 by 4 meters. Make sure you select disease-free, healthy saplings from a reliable nursery.

Irrigation Management

Olive trees need regular watering even though they can withstand dryness, particularly in the early years and during important growth phases like flowering and fruit set. Drip irrigation is good for this; it saves water, and olives need less water. Just keep the soil moist; do not overwater. 

Pest and disease management

Olive trees are susceptible to pests like the olive fruit fly. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is used to treat these diseases. This involves a combination of practices like maintaining a clean grove and using biological controls, like introducing natural predators. Chemical intervention can be used when necessary. 

Harvesting and selling:

In a year, one olive tree can produce 20 to 50 kilograms of olives, depending on the different varieties. Olives are harvested when they are just starting to turn yellow, a process known as ‘veraison,’ to produce high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This guarantees a strong, peppery flavour and a high polyphenol content. Table olives are harvested from green to ripened black, depending on the intended end product. 

Conclusion

Olive cultivation is growing in India, and the government is also promoting this. This can be a profitable business for new farmers and those farmers with large land and fewer irrigation facilities. They are long-term cultivations, so initially, costs will be high, and for three to five years, there will not be fruiting. So, be patient.

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