Khasi Mandarin

Here is a detailed description and farming guide for Khasi Mandarin:

✅ Khasi Mandarin – Description

Khasi Mandarin is a popular variety of mandarin orange cultivated mainly in the northeastern states of India, especially Meghalaya, Assam, and Nagaland. It is highly prized for its unique aroma, juiciness, and sweet-tangy flavor.

🔸 Key Characteristics:

• Shape: Round to slightly flattened at both ends
• Size: Medium
• Color: Bright orange peel when ripe
• Peel: Thin, easy to peel
• Pulp: Juicy segments, deep orange
• Taste: Sweet with a pleasant tangy undertone
• Seeds: Moderate
• TSS (Total Soluble Solids): ~10–13° Brix
• Harvest Season: November to January
• Shelf Life: Moderate

🌱 Khasi Mandarin Farming Guide

✅ Agro-Climatic Requirements:

• Climate: Subtropical; prefers cool, dry winters and warm summers
• Altitude: 500–1500 meters above sea level
• Temperature: 20°C to 32°C
• Rainfall: 1000–1500 mm annually
• Sunlight: Full sun exposure is ideal

✅ Soil Requirements:

• Type: Well-drained loamy soil with good organic content
• pH Range: 5.5 to 6.5
• Drainage: Essential to prevent root rot

✅ Propagation:

• Method: Budding or grafting on suitable rootstocks like Rough lemon or Trifoliate orange
• Planting Season: June to August (monsoon onset)

✅ Planting Details:

• Spacing: 4.5m × 4.5m or 5m × 5m
• Pit Size: 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm filled with FYM and topsoil
• Planting Density: Approx. 400–500 plants per hectare

✅ Manures & Fertilizers (per plant annually):

• FYM: 20–25 kg
• Urea: 500–600 g
• SSP (Phosphorus): 300 g
• MOP (Potassium): 250–300 g
• Micronutrients: Zn, Fe, Mg as required

✅ Irrigation:

• Young plants need frequent watering
• Mature trees: Irrigate during flowering and fruit development
• Avoid waterlogging

✅ Pruning & Training:

• Remove water sprouts, dead wood, and overlapping branches
• Maintain open center for air and sunlight penetration

✅ Pest & Disease Management:

• Pests: Citrus psylla, aphids, fruit fly
• Diseases: Citrus canker, gummosis, greening
• Control: Neem oil, copper oxychloride, Bordeaux mixture, or recommended insecticides

✅ Harvesting:

• Fruit Maturity: 6–7 months after flowering
• Signs of Maturity: Full orange color, aroma development, softening
• Harvest Method: Handpicked or clipped

✅ Yield:

• Initial Yield (4–5 years): 8–10 kg/tree
• Full Yield (8+ years): 30–50 kg/tree
• Per Hectare Yield: 10–12 tonnes under good management

💰 Profitability:

Khasi Mandarin is a high-value crop with strong market demand, especially in local markets, metros, and for export. Its profitability increases when grown organically or with GI tagging (as in Meghalaya).

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