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0 Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a small green fruit. It is very famous for its sour taste, but all this sourness is good for health. Amla is grown in many parts of India because it grows well in warm weather. If you are planning to grow amla, you can follow this guide below to learn the steps from planting to harvesting.
Amla Cultivation Processes:
There are various processes involved in amla cultivation. These processes are quite important for the growth of amla. Here is the detailed information on these processes.
Choosing the Right Place
Before you start planting amla, you need to find the right place. Amla trees grow best in warm areas. Choose a place where the tree can get at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. One should also make sure that the soil is well drained. You can test the soil with simple kits available in the market.
Preparing the Soil
Soil preparation is very important for good growth. First, clear the area of weeds and stones. Then, use a tractor like the Mahindra jIVO 225 DI to easily attach the rotavator. This will help in ploughing the soil. This tractor helps in mixing soil properly and gets ready for planting.
After ploughing, add some organic manure, such as compost or cow dung. This will give the soil the nutrients it needs. Mix the manure well into the soil. The soil should be loose and fluffy to help the roots grow easily.
Planting Amla
One can finally begin planting after the soil has been prepared. Amla trees can be grown from seeds or from seedlings. Seeds should be soaked overnight in water before sowing.
If you have seedlings, plant them in holes approximately 1 meter apart. Ensure that the hole is deep enough to cover the roots when planting. Once you plant the seedlings, water them well. Allow the soil to remain moist, especially during the initial weeks. It is important to keep the soil moist, especially in the first few weeks.
Watering of the Amla Trees
What an amla tree needs to grow healthy is regular watering. Water the trees once a week during the hot seasons. In the rainy season, you do not need to water much. Do not water too much, as it kills the roots. The soil should be damp, not soggy.
Fertilization of the Trees
For strengthening the amla trees, you will have to provide them with fertilizers. Balanced fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium will be helpful. The fertilizers should be applied in the spring before the flowering season comes. Organic fertilizers should also be used for healthy soil.
Pruning the Trees
Pruning is the cutting of some branches to help the tree grow well. This should be done annually. Remove dead or weak limbs. This will enable sun rays to penetrate each part of the tree.
Protection against Pests and Diseases
The Amla trees can attract pests like aphids and mealybugs. Check the trees regularly for any signs of pests. In case you notice any, use organic pesticides to eliminate them. The surroundings also needs to be kept clean so that they do not attract any pests.
Make sure you plant healthy seedlings and have clean soil. There could be some leaves or branches which are sick; remove them on the spot.
Harvesting Amla
The fruits will be ready when it changes colour from green to yellow. You can consume them fresh, dry them, make powder, and make oil out of them.
Within 3 to 4 years, they start yielding fruits. The appropriate harvesting time is during October and February. Amla fruit gets ripe when it is absolutely green and a little hard. To harvest the fruit, you can use the Mahindra Novo 655 DI tractor for easy collection.
Carefully twist the fruit to pick it from the branches. Do not pull too hard, as this can damage the tree. Collect the fruits in a basket. Make sure to handle them gently, as they can bruise easily.
Preservation of Amla
Once you have reaped the fruits, you should then preserve them well. Store the fruits in a cool, dry place. Amla can also be frozen for later use. One should wash the fruits and remove the seeds first before packing them in a plastic bag and keeping them in the refrigerator. Amla can be eaten raw or juice extracted from fruits; alternatively, one can also cook them.
The Final Words
Amla farming can be a rewarding experience. With the right care and attention, you can grow healthy amla trees that produce lots of fruit. Remember to prepare the soil well, water the trees regularly, and protect them from pests. And many rewards can be enjoyed with time. Amla is not only a good medicine for health but can also earn you a good income.
