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Mulberry (Shahtoot) Farming in Varanasi: Practical Step-by-Step Guide

Hands-on, region-focused guidance for growing mulberry (shahtoot) around Varanasi: from soil selection and propagation to irrigation, pruning, pest control and harvesting for leaf production or silkworm rearing.

Ranjeet Natarajan
Ranjeet Natarajan August 9, 2026 6 min read 1,124 words
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Mulberry (Shahtoot) Farming in Varanasi: Practical Step-by-Step Guide

Why mulberry in Varanasi?

Varanasi’s hot subtropical climate with distinct monsoon and dry seasons suits mulberry (shahtoot) if you manage soil moisture and protect young plants from summer stress. Mulberry is grown for fresh leaf (fodder), silkworm rearing (sericulture) and fruit; this guide focuses on optimizing leaf production while keeping trees healthy year after year.

Site and soil requirements

  • Soil type: Mulberry prefers deep, well-drained loams rich in organic matter. Avoid very heavy clay that stays waterlogged and very light sands with poor water-holding capacity.
  • pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (around pH 5.5–7) is suitable. If soil is strongly acidic or alkaline, corrective liming or organic amendments are required.
  • Drainage and slope: Gentle slopes with good surface drainage reduce waterlogging risk. Where drainage is poor, consider raised beds or ridges.
  • Water source: Reliable irrigation is essential—mulberry responds quickly to water and will suffer in prolonged drought, especially during leaf production cycles.
  • Sun exposure: Full sun to light shade. Plant rows north–south to maximize even light distribution for leaf growth.

Variety and planting material

Choose healthy, disease-free planting material from a reputable nursery. Mulberry is commonly propagated by hardwood cuttings, root suckers, or nursery-grown saplings. For reliable leaf production use vigorous, well-rooted saplings or hardened cuttings.

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Propagation by hardwood cuttings (practical method)

  • Select 8–12 month old semi-hardwood branches from healthy mother plants.
  • Cut pieces 25–30 cm long with at least 3–4 nodes; plant with two nodes below ground and one above.
  • Plant in a well-drained nursery bed or directly in field lines during the rainy season so cuttings can establish without irrigation.
  • Keep nursery beds moist and hardened-off for a few weeks before transplanting if using saplings.

Land preparation and planting

  • Clear weeds and stubble and plough to break the soil to a fine tilth.
  • Enrich with well-rotted farmyard manure or compost at planting pits or beds to jump-start organic matter.
  • Common spacings depend on management and system: closer spacing for high-density leaf production and frequent pruning; wider spacing if trees will be grown for long rotations or fruiting. Choose a spacing that allows machinery or manual access for pruning and harvest.
  • Plant at the onset of the monsoon to take advantage of natural moisture unless you have assured irrigation.

Irrigation and moisture management

  • Young plants need regular moisture; frequent but moderate irrigation promotes rooting. Avoid waterlogging.
  • Established plants tolerate short dry spells but leaf yields drop without regular watering—maintain soil moisture during dry months for consistent leaf harvests.
  • Use mulching (straw, dry leaves) to conserve moisture and suppress weeds around the base.
  • Drip irrigation is efficient for saving water and supplying fertilizer; otherwise follow a scheduled wetting based on weather and soil texture.

Fertilization and nutrient management

  • Apply organic manure annually to maintain soil organic matter—this supports healthy root systems and leaf quality.
  • Supplement with nitrogen during active leaf growth periods. Split applications work better than a single heavy dose: apply smaller amounts every few weeks when you need frequent leaf harvests.
  • Balanced NPK applications and periodic soil tests will guide phosphorus and potassium needs—adjust based on local soil fertility.
  • Micro-nutrients (zinc, iron) may be needed if deficiency symptoms appear; use foliar sprays for rapid correction.

Pruning, training and harvest management

  • Initial training: Head young plants to form a strong stool or a multi-stem structure depending on your cutting/harvest system.
  • Coppicing: Regular coppicing (cutting back to the stool) encourages flushes of tender leaves ideal for silkworms and fodder. Frequency depends on climate and irrigation—often multiple harvests per year are possible under good management.
  • Pruning timing: Prune to remove dead or diseased wood and to encourage new shoots just before the main growth period. Avoid heavy pruning right before severe heat or drought.
  • Harvest technique: Harvest young, tender leaves and shoots; avoid stripping entire branches if you want sustained production. For sericulture, follow the leaf quality needs of rearers (you may need to coordinate with them).

Pest, disease and practical control

  • Common issues include leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot where drainage is poor. Cultural controls—good spacing, sanitation, and avoiding waterlogging—are primary measures.
  • Manage insect pests (e.g., caterpillars or sap feeders) by regular scouting. Encourage beneficial insects and use targeted, registered pesticides only when thresholds are exceeded.
  • Remove and burn severely infected plant parts. Do not compost material with active fungal infections.
  • Use disease-free planting material to reduce introduction of pathogens.

Weed and intercrop management

  • Keep the planting rows weed-free, especially when plants are young. Mulch and manual weeding are practical on small to medium farms.
  • Short-duration intercrops can be grown between rows in the early years before the canopy closes—choose crops that do not compete heavily for water and nutrients.

Harvesting schedule and leaf handling

  • With frequent irrigation and good fertility you can harvest multiple leaf flushes per year. Each flush should be allowed to reach the size and tenderness required for your end use.
  • Handle leaves carefully to avoid bruising if they are destined for silkworm rearing—clean, dust-free leaves produce healthier larvae.
  • Harvest early in the morning when leaves are turgid; avoid wet leaves if transport or storage will follow.

Steps for a practical planting season (summary)

  • 1. Select a well-drained site with access to water and full sun; test soil pH and texture.
  • 2. Prepare land: plough, apply compost/manure, form beds or pits.
  • 3. Source healthy saplings or cuttings from a trusted nursery.
  • 4. Plant at the start of the monsoon or when you can irrigate; mulch around each plant.
  • 5. Irrigate regularly until established; apply starter fertilizer and maintain weed control.
  • 6. Train and head plants as required; begin light pruning and first harvests after adequate growth.
  • 7. Maintain split N applications during growth flushes, monitor pests, and practice sanitation.
  • 8. Schedule coppicing or major pruning between active growth periods to promote vigorous regrowth.

Practical tips to improve yield and longevity

  • Rotate coppicing cycles to avoid over-exhaustion of stools. Healthy stooled plants last many productive years with good care.
  • Keep communication with silkworm rearers or buyers so you can time harvests for quality demands.
  • Invest in a reliable water source and consider drip irrigation where feasible to maintain continuous leaf production with less water.
  • Monitor soil health: annual organic matter additions and periodic soil tests keep nutrient balance and structure suitable for long-term production.
  • Start small and scale up once you have localized experience with site-specific pests, growth rates and harvest intervals.

Conclusion

Mulberry farming around Varanasi can be a reliable enterprise for fodder, silkworm rearing and fruit if you match site selection, irrigation, pruning and nutrient management to local conditions. Focus on healthy planting material, water management, regular coppicing for leaf production and vigilant pest/disease control. Practical, seasonal adjustments and careful record-keeping of harvest intervals and inputs will help you steadily increase leaf yield and system resilience.

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Ranjeet Natarajan
Ranjeet Natarajan

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

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