Konkan Swad
Released by Dr BSKKV, Dapoli, from a selection in the Ratnagiri seedling population. Female variety — a male tree is needed for pollination.
Quick facts
- Crop
- Nutmeg (Jaiphal)
- Type
- Grafted plant (improved variety)
- Season
- All seasons
- Maturity period
- First harvest about year 6–7
- Seed rate
- About 50–60 grafted plants per acre at 8 × 8 m spacing; keep one male tree for every 10–12 females
- Expected yield
- About 761 fruits per tree
- Suitable soil
- Deep, well-drained clay loam, laterite or coastal soil
- Release
- Dr BSKKV, Dapoli, Maharashtra — selection from Ratnagiri seedling population
About this variety
Konkan Swad is a nutmeg variety released by Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth (BSKKV), Dapoli, Maharashtra, selected from the Ratnagiri seedling population. It produces about 761 fruits per tree. Limited published data is available on this variety compared to the IISR releases; it is primarily suited for the Konkan coastal belt. Being a female variety, it needs a male pollinator tree nearby.
Key characteristics
Sowing & cultivation
- Sowing timeRainy season (June–December)
- Seed rateAbout 50–60 grafted plants per acre at 8 × 8 m spacing; keep one male tree for every 10–12 females
- SpacingAbout 8 × 8 m
- Sowing methodOne grafted plant per prepared pit (60 × 60 × 60 cm), filled with topsoil and cattle manure, then shaded and watered in
- IrrigationEvery 5–7 days in summer; drip or basin irrigation
- FertilizerYoung tree: 20:20:60 g N:P₂O₅:K₂O + 15 kg FYM/year; bearing tree: about 300:300:960 g + 50 kg FYM (TNAU schedule)
- HarvestingFruits picked when outer husk splits; mace peeled and dried, nut dried in shell then shelled
Soil & climate
Soil
- Suitable soil
- Deep, well-drained clay loam, laterite or coastal soil
- Irrigation
- Free drainage essential
Climate
- Maturity
- About 20–30°C mean
- Irrigation
- About 2,000–3,500 mm (Konkan coast)
- Climate
- Warm, humid tropical Konkan coastal climate; partial shade for young plants.
Yield & maturity
Maturity period
First harvest about year 6–7
Expected yield
About 761 fruits per tree
Actual yield depends on sowing time, soil, irrigation, weather, seed quality and crop management.
Pest & disease considerations
Major pests
- Loranthus (parasitic plant)
Management notes
- Standard nutmeg management: shade, drainage, regular watering, Loranthus removal.
- Keep one confirmed male tree for every 10–12 female grafts for pollination.
Advantages & considerations
Why farmers may choose it
- Released and adapted for the Konkan coast
- Available from BSKKV Dapoli nurseries
Things to consider
- Female variety — needs male trees for pollination
- Less published performance data than the IISR varieties
- Regional suitability mainly for the Konkan belt
Suitable regions
Released for the Konkan coastal belt of Maharashtra (Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg). May suit similar warm, humid tropical zones.
- Maharashtra
Frequently asked questions
Should I plant Konkan Swad or Konkan Sugandha?
Konkan Sugandha is hermaphrodite — every tree bears fruit without a male pollinator, which is a major advantage. Konkan Swad is a standard female variety. Unless you specifically want Konkan Swad for its local adaptation in Ratnagiri, Konkan Sugandha is generally the safer choice from the Dapoli releases because it eliminates the male-female gamble.
Sourced from: Dr BSKKV Dapoli — Spice crops research, TNAU Agritech Portal — Nutmeg. editorial policy.