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Mulberry (Shahtoot) Farming in Ahmednagar: A Practical Guide

A step-by-step, practice-oriented guide to establishing and managing mulberry (shahtoot) orchards in Ahmednagar. Covers soil, propagation, planting, nutrition, pest management, harvest and realistic yield expectations.

Ranjeet Natarajan
Ranjeet Natarajan August 9, 2026 6 min read 1,171 words
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Mulberry (Shahtoot) Farming in Ahmednagar: A Practical Guide

Why grow mulberry in Ahmednagar?

Mulberry (Morus spp.), locally called shahtoot, suits large parts of Maharashtra including Ahmednagar when managed for fodder, fresh fruit or sericulture. It adapts to a range of soils, recovers well from pruning, and gives multiple harvests a year. Success depends on site selection, choosing the right varieties, and disciplined irrigation and pruning.

Site and soil requirements

Mulberry grows on a wide range of soils but performs best where drainage is fair and the soil is fertile. Key considerations for Ahmednagar:

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  • Soil type: Sandy loam to clay loam are suitable. Heavy, waterlogged soils are problematic—ensure raised beds or mounding in low spots.
  • pH: Tolerates pH 6.0–8.0. Slightly acidic to neutral is preferable for nutrient availability.
  • Drainage and water table: Do not plant where the water table is regularly high; roots need aeration between irrigations.
  • Slope and erosion: On slopes, use contour planting or terraces to avoid soil loss and runoff.

Climate considerations in Ahmednagar

Ahmednagar’s semi-arid climate with hot summers and a defined monsoon is compatible with mulberry if irrigation is available during dry months. Notes:

  • Temperature tolerance: Mulberry tolerates heat but young plants need protection from extreme midday temperatures.
  • Rainfall: If relying on monsoon alone, productivity will be limited; plan supplementary irrigation in summer and post-monsoon.
  • Frost: Not a major issue in Ahmednagar, but young shoots can be sensitive to any cold snaps.

Varieties and seedling selection

Select varieties based on your end use:

  • For sericulture (silkworms): Use recommended high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties from the regional sericulture department or research stations; these are bred for tender leaves and high biomass.
  • For fresh fruit/market: Choose varieties known locally for larger, sweeter fruits and longer picking seasons.
  • For fodder/biomass: Fast-growing, coppicing types with vigorous leaf production are preferable.

Use healthy, disease-free saplings from certified nurseries. Avoid root-bound or poorly hardened seedlings.

Propagation and sowing

Mulberry is commonly propagated by cuttings, rooted stakes, or tissue-culture plants for uniformity. Steps:

  • Take semi-hardwood cuttings (30–45 cm) with at least 2–3 nodes, or buy rooted cuttings/tissue-cultured plantlets.
  • Root cuttings in a well-drained nursery bed or polybags with a mix of topsoil, compost and sand. Maintain humidity and shade until roots establish.
  • Seedlings are ready for field planting at 3–6 months depending on method and vigor.

Planting layout and spacing

Spacing depends on management goals:

  • For intensive leaf production (sericulture): Common spacing is 1.5 m x 1.5 m or 2 m x 2 m to allow frequent plucking and easy canopy management.
  • For fruit trees or long-term orchards: Wider spacing such as 4 m x 4 m or 5 m x 5 m helps develop larger crowns and facilitates mechanised operations if intended.
  • Planting time: Best at the start of monsoon when moisture supports establishment. In irrigated sites, early monsoon or early winter planting with adequate water works as well.

Irrigation and water management

Regular water is the single most important input in Ahmednagar. Practical tips:

  • Young plants: Keep the root zone moist (not waterlogged) for the first year; frequent, light irrigations are better than occasional deep ones until roots establish.
  • Mature trees: Deep, less frequent irrigations encourage root development. For intensive leaf production, maintain higher soil moisture.
  • Methods: Drip irrigation is cost-effective and conserves water. Use mulching to reduce evaporation and suppress weeds.

Nutrition and fertiliser schedule

Base fertiliser doses on soil tests. Typical approach for young orchards and leaf-producing blocks:

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  • Establishment: Apply well-decomposed farmyard manure or compost at planting (5–10 kg per plant) to improve soil structure.
  • Annual feeding: Split doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium aligned with growth flushes—higher nitrogen for leaf production, balanced P and K for root and overall health.
  • Micronutrients: Monitor for deficiencies (Fe, Zn) and apply foliar sprays if symptoms appear, especially on alkaline soils.

Pruning and canopy management

Pruning is critical for leaf quality and regrowth:

  • Initial shaping: Train plants for a single main stem for 1–2 years if producing fruit; for leaf blocks, head the plants to encourage multiple productive shoots.
  • Coppicing: For leaf production, cut back the plants periodically (every 6–9 months depending on variety and growth) to promote tender new shoots. Schedule coppicing after a harvest cycle.
  • Sanitation: Remove dead or diseased wood promptly to limit pest and disease carryover.

Pest and disease management

Common issues and practical control measures for Ahmednagar:

  • Pests: Shoot borer, scales, and aphids can be problems. Monitor regularly, encourage natural enemies (ladybirds, parasitoids), and use targeted insecticides only when economic thresholds are reached.
  • Diseases: Powdery mildew and leaf spot occur in humid conditions. Maintain air circulation with pruning, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply fungicides when necessary following label instructions.
  • Integrated pest management: Use pheromone traps, sticky traps for monitoring, and cultural controls (clean cultivation, removal of infested material).

Harvesting and post-harvest handling

Harvest timing and handling depend on whether you grow for leaves or fruit:

  • Leaves (sericulture or fodder): Pluck tender leaves every 7–15 days in active growth phases. For silkworms, follow the buyer’s quality requirements—young, soft leaves free from pesticide residues are essential.
  • Fruit: Pick when fully ripe; handle gently to avoid bruising. Cool quickly and pack in ventilated crates for local markets.
  • Post-harvest for leaves: Shade and cool leaves before transport if possible. Avoid contaminating with chemicals or soil.

Expected yields and economics

Yields vary by variety, management, and end use. As a guide:

  • Leaf-producing blocks under good management can provide multiple harvests per year. Expect progressive increases as plants mature—young blocks yield less and stabilize after 2–3 years.
  • Fruit yields also depend on variety and spacing; commercial orchards with appropriate management achieve consistent harvests after initial establishment.

Economics depend heavily on irrigation costs, labour for frequent plucking, and market access. For sericulture, contracts with reeling units or cooperative societies ensure stable demand. For fresh fruit, local markets and collection centres determine price. Work out input costs (saplings, irrigation, fertiliser, labour) and expected returns before planting.

Marketing and value addition

Plan your sale channels early:

  • Sericulture: Link with local silk producers and follow their specifications for leaf variety and quality.
  • Fresh fruit: Tie up with local traders, farmers’ markets, or small-scale processors. Value addition such as jams, dried fruit or juice requires hygienic handling and small investments.
  • Fodder: Direct sales to dairy farms or bundled leaf consignments can find steady local demand.

Practical tips for Ahmednagar growers

  • Start small and expand as you learn the variety and market dynamics. A pilot block helps work out irrigation scheduling and labour needs.
  • Use drip irrigation and mulching to conserve water in dry months. Time irrigations to growth flushes for best leaf quality.
  • Keep good records: planting dates, fertiliser applied, pruning cycles, pest occurrences and yields. This information is critical to improve management each year.
  • Engage with local agricultural or sericulture extension services for variety recommendations and localized pest alerts.

Conclusion

Mulberry (shahtoot) can be a resilient and remunerative crop in Ahmednagar when matched to the right variety and managed for water efficiency, timely pruning and careful pest control. Prioritize healthy planting material, drip irrigation, and regular harvesting schedules. With sound technical management and market links, mulberry farming fits well into diversified farm enterprises in the region.

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Ranjeet Natarajan
Ranjeet Natarajan

Contributing writer at Agriculture Novel — telling the stories that sustain us.

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