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Mulberry (Shahtoot) Farming in Jharkhand: Practical Guide

A hands-on guide to establish and manage mulberry (shahtoot) in Jharkhand, covering site selection, soil preparation, planting, nutrition, pruning, pest management and harvest scheduling.

Ranjeet Natarajan
Ranjeet Natarajan August 9, 2026 6 min read 1,087 words
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Mulberry (Shahtoot) Farming in Jharkhand: Practical Guide

Why grow mulberry in Jharkhand?

Mulberry (Morus spp.), locally known as shahtoot, is widely grown for silkworm rearing and fresh fruit. Jharkhand’s subtropical climate with warm summers and moderate winters suits many mulberry varieties. With proper site selection and management you can produce regular, high-quality leafy biomass for sericulture or market sale of fruits and saplings.

Site selection and soil requirements

Choose gently sloping or flat land with good drainage. Mulberry tolerates a range of soils but performs best on:

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  • Deep, well-drained loamy to sandy-loam soils.
  • Soils with pH 5.5–7.5. Very acidic or saline patches should be avoided or corrected before planting.
  • Sites protected from strong, drying winds (establish windbreaks where needed).

Avoid waterlogged pockets; mulberry roots are vulnerable to prolonged saturation which reduces growth and increases disease risk.

Varieties suited to Jharkhand

Select varieties based on purpose:

  • For sericulture: choose high-leaf-yield, fast-regenerating clones developed for tropical/subtropical regions. Local sericulture departments can recommend proven clones.
  • For fruit production: select cultivars known for larger, sweeter fruits and reasonable fruiting regularity.
  • For saplings/hedgerows: hardy, fast-rooting types are preferable.

Use disease-free planting material from certified nurseries or government farms.

Land preparation and planting

Step-by-step:

  • Clear the site of weeds, stumps and stones. If you are converting pasture or degraded land, plough and disc to a fine tilth.
  • Dig pits or rows depending on system. Common spacing options: 2.0–2.5 m x 2.0–2.5 m for standard hedgerow/plantation systems; closer spacing is used in multi-stem hedges for leaf production. Choose spacing to match your pruning and harvesting method.
  • In each pit, mix topsoil with well-rotted farmyard manure (5–10 kg) and a handful of rock phosphate or single superphosphate if soil tests indicate low phosphorus.
  • Plant during the onset of monsoon (June–July) for best establishment. For irrigated farms, plant at the beginning of the rainy season or during spring with reliable irrigation.
  • Ensure planting depth places the root collar at ground level. Water immediately after planting and mulch around the base to conserve moisture and reduce weed pressure.

Irrigation and water management

Mulberry needs regular moisture during establishment and for high leaf production:

  • Young plantations: frequent, light irrigations to keep the rootzone moist until plants establish (first 3–4 months).
  • Mature plants: irrigation frequency depends on season—less in monsoon, more in dry months. In Jharkhand, supplemental irrigation in late winter and summer boosts leaf flushes.
  • Drip irrigation is economical and improves water use efficiency; it also reduces leaf wetness that can promote disease.

Nutrient management

Mulberry responds well to balanced fertilization. If possible, base fertilizer rates on a soil test. Practical suggestions:

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  • Apply organic matter annually: 10–20 kg of well-rotted farmyard manure or compost per plant during early years and as a basal dressing in established blocks.
  • Main nutrients: nitrogen promotes leaf growth—split applications are effective. Phosphorus and potassium support root development and overall vigor.
  • Topdress with nitrogen before each major leaf harvest or flush. In hedgerow systems, synchronize N application with pruning cycles.
  • Micronutrients: application of zinc or boron may be required on deficient soils; apply based on tissue or soil tests.

Pruning, training and harvesting systems

Pruning aims to maintain accessible, productive foliage and a manageable plant architecture.

  • Single-stem/trunk systems: train a main trunk to 1.2–1.5 m and top to encourage lateral branching. Prune annually to maintain scaffold structure.
  • Multi-stem hedgerow systems: cut back plants to 30–40 cm in the first year to promote multiple shoots. Thereafter, harvest as cut-and-come-again hedgerows—cut at a fixed height to allow uniform regrowth.
  • Timing: schedule pruning and leaf harvests according to the silkworm rearing calendar or market demand. Typically, multiple harvests per year are possible under good irrigation and nutrition.
  • Tools: use clean, sharp secateurs and saws; disinfect tools between plants when disease risk is high.

Pests and diseases—what to watch for

Common challenges and practical control measures:

  • Leaf-eating caterpillars and grasshoppers: monitor early, handpick where small, and use targeted biopesticides (Bacillus thuringiensis) when necessary.
  • Stem borers: maintain tree vigor and remove infested branches. Planting tolerant clones and proper pruning reduces incidence.
  • Foliar diseases (powdery mildew, leaf spot): reduce leaf wetness by spacing and pruning, remove affected leaves, and, if necessary, use approved fungicides following label instructions.
  • Root rot in waterlogged soils: avoid planting in poorly drained areas and improve drainage; remove and destroy badly affected plants.
  • Regular scouting and early intervention keep losses minimal. Prioritize cultural controls and biocontrols before resorting to chemicals.

Harvest, yield expectations and quality

Harvest practices depend on your end use:

  • For sericulture: harvest young, tender leaves in the morning. Aim for uniform leaf age and size to ensure good silkworm nutrition.
  • For fruit: harvest when fully colored and slightly soft to taste, depending on variety.
  • Yields are influenced by variety, spacing, irrigation and nutrition. Well-managed plantations under regular irrigation and fertilization can provide multiple leaf harvests annually. Expect gradual yield increases as plants mature; hedgerow systems often give quicker early biomass while trunk systems yield consistently over years.

Post-harvest handling and marketing

Leaf quality matters for silkworm rearing. Remove dust, and transport leaves in ventilated containers promptly to the rearing unit to retain freshness. For fruits and saplings, grade and pack carefully to fetch better prices.

Economics and farm planning

Before planting, estimate establishment costs (land preparation, planting material, irrigation setup) and recurring costs (fertilizers, labor for pruning/harvest, pest control). Consider contracting with local sericulture units or buyer groups to secure a consistent market. Start small, monitor performance, and scale up once technical routine is established.

Practical tips from growers

  • Start with a trial block of different clones to identify those that suit your microclimate and crop purpose.
  • Maintain a regular pruning and fertilization calendar—mulberry responds quickly to timely care.
  • Protect young plants from grazing and fire; mulberry bark and buds are sensitive to scorching.
  • Use mulches to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, especially during dry spells common in Jharkhand.
  • Keep records of harvest dates, yields and inputs—this simple habit helps identify which practices give the best return.

Where to get technical support

Contact local Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), state sericulture departments, or agricultural extension services for certified planting material, recommended clones, and localized fertilizer schedules. They can also help with training on pruning, pest identification and post-harvest practices.

Final note

Mulberry can be a profitable and resilient crop in Jharkhand when matched to the right site, variety and management system. Focus on clean planting material, water and nutrient management, and timely pruning/harvests. Start small, learn the crop cycles, and build toward a larger area once you have confidence in variety performance and market outlets.

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Ranjeet Natarajan
Ranjeet Natarajan

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

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