A Simple Guide to Anjir (Fig) Farming

Anjir, also called fig (Ficus carica), is a sweet, soft fruit that is highly nutritious and used fresh, dried, or processed into jams, jellies, and syrups. It’s a hardy crop that grows well in dry or semiarid regions and can bring good profits if cultivated properly. Let’s explore how to grow and care for anjir in an easy-to-follow way.

 

 1. What Kind of Soil is Best for Anjir?

 Type of Soil: Figs like well drained loamy or sandy loam soil. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils. 

 pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.5). 

 Soil Depth: A minimum depth of 1 meter is needed for good root growth. 

 Drainage: Proper drainage is crucial because waterlogging can damage fig roots. 

 

How to Prepare the Soil:

1. Plow the land deeply to loosen the soil. 

2. Add organic manure (15–20 tons per hectare) to improve fertility. 

 

 2. Climate Needed for Anjir Farming

 Temperature: Anjir grows best in warm climates with temperatures between 15°C and 38°C. 

 Rainfall: Figs don’t need much rain. Around 500–600 mm per year is enough. 

 Frost Sensitivity: Anjir plants are sensitive to frost and extreme cold, which can harm the crop. 

 Sunlight: Full sunlight is essential for good growth and fruit production.

 

 3. Popular Varieties of Anjir

 Indian Varieties: Poona Fig: Popular in Maharashtra. 

   Deanna and Dinkar: Known for good fruit quality.

 

 International Varieties: 

   Mission: A common variety worldwide. 

   Kadota and Adriatic: Known for high yields. 

 

Choose a variety that suits your local climate and market needs.

 

 4. How to Plant Anjir?

 Propagation Methods: 

   Cuttings: Figs are mostly grown from cuttings. Use healthy cuttings about 20–25 cm long with 3–4 buds. 

   Layering: Less common but works well for small setups. 

 

 Best Planting Time: 

   Monsoon season (June–September) is ideal. 

   You can also plant in February-March in irrigated areas. 

 

 Spacing: 

   Keep 5–6 meters between plants and rows to give them enough space. 

 

Planting Steps:

1. Dig pits 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm. 

2. Fill the pits with a mixture of topsoil and organic manure. 

3. Plant the cutting or sapling in the center and water it immediately. 

 

 5. How Much Water Does Anjir Need?

 Young Plants: Water regularly in the first year to help the roots grow. 

 Established Plants: Figs don’t need much water but benefit from occasional irrigation during dry spells. 

 When to Irrigate: 

   Summer: Water every 7–10 days. 

   Winter: Reduce watering as plants need less during this time. 

 Important Tip: Never let water collect around the roots; it can cause rot.

 

 6. Manure and Fertilizers for Anjir

 Organic Fertilizer: Use 15–20 tons of farmyard manure (FYM) per hectare every year. 

 Chemical Fertilizers: 

   Nitrogen: 200 g/plant. 

   Phosphorus: 100 g/plant. 

   Potassium: 100 g/plant. 

 How to Apply: Divide fertilizers into two doses: once before flowering and once during fruit formation.

 

 7. Pruning and Training

 Why Prune?: Pruning removes dead or diseased branches, improves sunlight penetration, and makes harvesting easier. 

 When to Prune?: During the dormant season (winter). 

 Training the Plant: Train the tree into a low headed, open shape to make fruit picking easier and improve air circulation.

 

 8. Protecting Your Crop from Pests and Diseases

 Common Pests: 

   Stem Borer: Creates holes in the trunk. Treat with insecticides in boreholes. 

   Fig Moth: Damages ripening fruits. Use neem-based sprays for control. 

 

 Common Diseases: 

   Leaf Spot: Caused by fungi; spray copper-based fungicides to control. 

   Root Rot: Happens in waterlogged soil. Avoid overwatering and improve drainage. 

 

Regularly check plants and use organic pest control methods whenever possible.

 

 9. When and How to Harvest Anjir

 Harvesting Time: 

   Figs are ready when they turn soft, their colour changes, and the fruit bends at the neck. 

   Harvest over 3–4 months, as figs ripen gradually. 

 

 Yield: 

   You can expect 8–10 tons of figs per hectare every year, depending on how well you manage your plants. 

 

Post Harvest Tips:

 Fresh figs spoil quickly, so sell them within a day or two. 

 For dried figs, sundry or dehydrate the fruits and store them in airtight containers.

 

 10. Cost and Profit in Anjir Farming

 Initial Costs:

 Land preparation: ₹10,000–15,000/ha. 

 Planting material: ₹30,000–40,000/ha. 

 Irrigation setup: ₹25,000–40,000/ha. 

 

 Annual Costs:

 Fertilizers and pesticides: ₹10,000–15,000/ha. 

 Labor for weeding, pruning, and harvesting: ₹20,000–25,000/ha. 

 

 Revenue:

 Fresh figs sell for ₹50–100/kg, while dried figs can fetch ₹500–800/kg. 

 A well-maintained farm can earn ₹4,00,000–8,00,000 per hectare annually.

 

 11. Advantages of Anjir Farming

1. Drought Tolerant: Once established, figs need little water. 

2. High Demand: Popular in fresh and dried forms, both locally and internationally. 

3. Easy to Grow: Figs can thrive in poor soils with minimal inputs. 

4. Profitability: High returns due to the premium price of figs.

 

 12. Challenges in Anjir Farming

1. Short Shelf Life: Fresh figs spoil quickly and must be marketed immediately. 

2. Cold Sensitivity: Frost can damage fig trees. 

3. Pests and Diseases: Requires regular monitoring and timely action. 

4. Market Access: Farmers in remote areas may find it hard to sell at good prices.

 

 13. Value Addition Opportunities

1. Dried Figs: Sundried figs are in high demand and sell for premium prices. 

2. Processed Products: Fig jams, syrups, and candies have a long shelf life and fetch good returns. 

3. Export: Figs have a growing market in countries like the USA, UAE, and Europe.

 

 14. Final Thoughts

Anjir farming is an excellent option for farmers in dry regions. With proper care, minimal inputs, and good market strategies, it can provide a steady income. By focusing on pest control, irrigation management, and value addition, farmers can make the most out of fig cultivation. Whether sold fresh, dried, or processed, figs are a profitable crop worth considering.