Growing Alphonso Mango on Konkan Laterites, Maharashtra

Abstract

Laterites are infamous for not allowing a single blade of grass to grow on it. Konkan, Maharashtra has a sizable area under laterites due to exposure of red soils over time to convert it into a chunk as hard as rock. These areas locally known as jambha katal are usually kept fallow. However, some of these areas have profitably been utilized for Alphonso mango cultivation using the techniques of Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth (DBSKKV), Dapoli, Maharashtra, using the wisdom of local farmers.

This results in two-fold benefits namely, expansion of cultivable area in mango and profitable use of otherwise fallow lands. The present article details the technique of hard rock Alphonso mango planting in Konkan, Maharashtra. Using basic and fundamental data on natural resources, it also explores the mystery behind the successful endeavour for profitable and economically feasible mango cultivation on otherwise wastelands.

Introduction

Spatially-associated red (Alfisols) and black (Vertisols and their intergrades; Soil Survey Staff, 2014) soils as distinct entities are common in the Western Ghats and in Konkan, Maharashtra (Bhattacharyya et al., 2018). These soils are often referred to as laterites (Sahasrabudhe and Deshmukh, 1981).

The terms ‘red’ and ‘laterite’ have led to controversial opinions. Contrary to general belief that such soils are difficult on which to grow crops (Aleva, 1994), these associated soils in Konkan are cultivated profitably to various agricultural and horticultural crops besides forestry with appropriate conservation measures (Bhattacharyya et al., 1992, 1999, 2014).

Out of many horticultural crops, Alphonso variety of mango is one of the most popular and preferred crop for planting in Konkan, Maharashtra grown on many occasions on these associated soils often referred as laterites.

Area of the Study

Konkan, Maharashtra covers an area of nearly 3.0 million hectares and represents a coastline of 720 km stretching south of Gujarat to north of Goa. The basaltic terrain receives rainfall averaging 2500–4000 mm.

North Konkan comprising Raigad, Thane and Palghar bears similarity with basaltic landscapes of central Maharashtra due to lower elevation and wider landmass. Southern Konkan narrows towards Goa and represents undulating landscapes with steep slopes causing soil erosion and formation of lateritic hard rock (jambha katal).

Out of 49% agricultural land in Konkan, 72% is under crops and the rest is fallow (Doke, 2017). Forest area accounts for 44%, including dense forest (42%), open forest (20%), and shrubs (38%). Laterites are commonly used as building materials though mango plantation can be an alternative land use.

Alphonso Mango in Konkan, Maharashtra

Mango is a tropical fruit and can be grown up to 1100 m above mean sea level. Ideal temperature ranges from 24–27°C. It grows best in regions receiving about 2500 mm rainfall. High humidity and rain or frost during flowering are detrimental. Bright sunshine and moderate humidity are ideal for fruit development.

Mango is an important rainfed perennial fruit crop in Konkan. Government initiatives since 1990 increased Alphonso mango cultivation to 1,64,000 ha. Out of this, 1,11,715 ha is productive producing 3,53,066 tonnes of fruits.

Average productivity of Alphonso mango is 3.8 t/ha, lower than state (5.0 t/ha) and national (8.5 t/ha) averages. Neglect of orchards due to absentee landlords is a major reason for low productivity.

Land Availability and Hard Rock Mango Cultivation

Limited availability of productive land restricts mango plantation expansion. Fragmented land ownership and absentee landlords result in fallow land. Areas near Sahyadri hills and beyond 20 km from the coast are unsuitable due to late flowering.

Hard rock lateritic lands near the sea favour early flowering and premium-quality fruits. Farmers observed natural mango growth in rock cracks, leading to adoption of hard-rock planting techniques using blasting, drilling, and mechanization.

Approximately 3 lakh hectares of hard rock land remains fallow in Konkan. Mango grown in such areas fetches premium prices domestically and internationally.

Characteristics of Alphonso Mango Grown in Konkan

Technique of Hard Rock Mango Planting

• Layout and blasting for rock fracturing
• Excavated rock unsuitable for planting
• Good-quality poyta soil procured (≈1 brass per pit)
• Excavated material used to build raised mounds
• Around 20–25 thousand hectares planted using this method.

Factors Affecting Success

1. Type of rock
2. Crack formation in pit walls and base
3. Pit volume (75–100 cubic feet)
4. Quality and quantity of refill soil
5. Canopy management

Improper blasting can cause water stagnation, excessive heat (up to 50°C), and tree mortality.

Selected Soil Properties (Devgad, Sindhudurg)

Yield and Monetary Returns

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