Blueberry is one of the most popular fruits abroad and slowly it is gaining quite a momentum in India as well. While the fruit is still imported from Western countries, there is a swift attempt to try for an indigenous farming as well.
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and the popularity is a reason why it is so viable as a commercial crop as well. Blueberry farming in India could be a great option if you know how to practice the same. You will be able to find common blueberry plants for sale and then nurture the same.
The Rise of Blueberry Farming in India
If you thought of farming blueberry plants in India even a decade back, it would have been a bizarre idea. But thankfully not anymore. There are means to make blueberry farming happen and it could lead to immense profitability as well. Until recently, blueberry cultivation was largely restricted to cooler, temperate climates. This was mostly in countries like the U.S., Canada, and parts of Europe.
However, technological advancements and the introduction of suitable varieties through tissue culture and biotechnology have allowed blueberry growing in India to become possible. Cities like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and even parts of the Western Ghats are opting in for experimental and commercial cultivation which is often resulting in profitability.
Cost Analysis and Preliminary Investment
Before you jump into an investment, it could be crucial to understand what the investment is for the same and whether it is profitable. Some of the common concerns that you have to address before going ahead in this business are:
- Setting up a greenhouse or polyhouse to control environmental factors.
- Purchase of tissue-cultured blueberry plant samples.
- Treating the soil for acidification.
- Drip irrigation systems.
- Choosing the right fertilizers, pesticides, and maintenance.
- Labor and post-harvest management.
A controlled environment through a greenhouse or polyhouse helps maintain ideal temperature, humidity, and protects plants from sudden weather changes. These structures also enable year-round farming and higher yield per plant.
The ultimate cost that would be invested depends to a great extent on how much blueberry you want to procure. On an average, an acre of land usually requires about 1000 to 1500 blueberry plants and the pricing for each plant tends to vary between Rs. 200 to Rs. 250. However, you have to make sure that you choose someone sustainable who does not charge you a hefty amount for simple setup of the blueberry farm.
Return and Profitability
Now that you do have a good idea about what the investment looks like, the return and profitability could take a timespan of three to four years. This means that you would take this much time before the return on investment rolls in. A field can yield a total of 3 kgs to 5 kgs of blueberry fruit during season. Depending on the location that you belong to, the prices for a kg of blueberry usually varies between Rs. 800 to Rs. 1500 for a good quality fruit.
However, before you factor in the profitability, you have to consider basic expenditures like maintenance, labor, packaging, and transportation costs. Generalizing the cost, one can expect a net profit margin of 40–60% after the third year. That makes blueberry farming in India a highly profitable venture over the long term.
Challenges in Blueberry Farming
While blueberry farming might seem to be extremely promising, there are some basic challenges associated with blueberry. The first comes in the form of soil needs. For a good blueberry plant, the PH balance has to be between 4.5 to 5.5. Anything below or above the same leads to a poor fruit quality.
Another very important factor that has to be considered is the weather requirements. The weather has to be chilly for most parts of the year otherwise the blueberry plants will succumb to dryness. And finally, blueberries are shallow rooted and consequently they need frequent watering. Inability to do the same will not lead to much of a yield.
Conclusion
Blueberry growing in India has turned popular in the past years and if ample attention is paid to the same, it will be quite an investment. However, you have to make sure that you choose the right support who can guide you through this process. Blueberry is quite new as a farming ingredient and hence it needs expert attention. One of the best options that you can consider is Sheel Biotech limited. With years of experience and the perfect partners, your blueberry farm will get the attention that they deserve…
