Profitable Clove (Laung) Farming in India: Tools, Planting Steps, Care, & Harvesting

India, a land of diverse agricultural practices, is not only known for its rich cultural heritage but also for its wide array of spices. Among these aromatic treasures, the clove (Syzygium aromaticum) stands tall as a highly sought-after spice. Let us delve into the captivating world of clove cultivation in India, exploring its origins, ideal growing conditions, and the intricate process of nurturing this precious spice.

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Climate and Soil Requirements

Clove thrives in rich, loamy soils found in the humid tropics. In India, it flourishes in the red soils of Kerala's midlands and the hilly terrain of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. An ideal growing environment for clove is characterized by a cooler climate with well-distributed rainfall, which fosters optimal flowering. It is worth noting that clove cultivation in India spans from sea level up to 1500 meters above sea level.

Tools Commonly Used in Clove Cultivation:

1. Spade: A spade is used for digging pits during land preparation and for general soil manipulation in the field.

2. Nursery Trays or Polybags: Nursery trays or polybags are used for sowing clove seeds and raising seedlings in the nursery.

3. Hand Fork or Hand Trowel: These small handheld tools are used for transplanting seedlings from nursery beds to polybags or larger containers.

4. Pruning Shears: Pruning shears are used for selectively pruning or trimming clove trees to maintain their shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and promote better growth.

5. Shovels: Shovels are used for moving soil, compost, and organic matter during land preparation, as well as for filling pits with soil and amendments.

6. Rakes: Rakes are employed for leveling and preparing the soil surface, removing debris, and creating a smooth bed for planting.

7. Sprayers: Sprayers, such as handheld sprayers or knapsack sprayers, are used for the application of fungicides, insecticides, or foliar fertilizers to protect clove plants from diseases and pests.

8. Harvesting Tools: Harvesting clove buds requires delicate handling. Specialized tools such as small hand pruners or scissors are used to carefully pluck the unopened buds from the trees without damaging the branches.

9. Drying Racks or Mats: After harvest, the clove buds are spread out to dry. Drying racks or mats are used to provide proper air circulation and prevent moisture buildup during the drying process.

10. Sieves or Screens: Sieves or screens are used to separate dried clove buds from any debris or impurities during the processing stage.

11. Storage Containers: Once dried and processed, clove buds are stored in airtight containers to maintain their flavor, aroma, and quality until they are ready for sale or further processing.

Planting Material and Nursery Practices

For the successful cultivation of clove, high-quality planting material is crucial.

* Farmers collect seeds from fully ripe fruits, also known as the "mother of clove."

* These fruits naturally ripen and drop from the trees before being collected.

* They are either directly sown in nurseries or soaked in water overnight, with their pericarp (outer covering) removed before sowing.

* The soaking method accelerates germination and improves the overall success rate.

* Nurseries are prepared with beds of optimal dimensions, typically 15-20 cm in height, 1 m in width, and a convenient length.

* The beds consist of loose soil-sand mixtures, with a layer of sand spread on top.

* Seeds are sown at proper spacing and depth, ensuring a suitable environment for germination.

* Seedlings are transplanted into polythene bags filled with a mixture of soil, sand, and well-decomposed cow dung.

* After approximately 18-24 months, the seedlings are ready for transplanting into the main field.

Land Preparation, Planting, and Intercropping

* Before monsoon arrives, the land designated for clove plantations is cleared of wild growth.

* Pits measuring 75 cm x 75 cm x 75 cm are dug at a spacing of 6-7 meters.

* These pits are partially filled with organic matter, such as compost or well-decomposed cattle manure, mixed with topsoil.

* The transplanting of seedlings occurs during the rainy season, typically in June-July, or at the end of the monsoon, around September-October, in low-lying areas.

* Clove prefers partial shade and pairs well with other crops, making it an ideal choice for mixed cropping.

* In older coconut or arecanut plantations or coffee estates, intercropping with banana provides a cool and humid microclimate, promoting the growth of clove trees.

Manuring and Fertilizer Application

* To ensure healthy growth, clove trees benefit from regular manuring and fertilizer application.

* Cattle manure or compost is applied at a rate of 50 kg per bearing tree per year, alongside bone meal or fish meal at a rate of 2-5 kg.

* Organic manures are typically applied as a single dose at the beginning of the rainy season.

* The application of inorganic fertilizers starts with lower doses and gradually increases as the tree matures.

Also Read: Profitable Black Pepper (Kali Mirch) Cultivation: Know About Farming Techniques, Requirements, & Total Income

Plant Protection Measures

* Like any other crop, clove is susceptible to various diseases and pests that require proper management.

* Some notable diseases include seedling wilt, leaf rot, leaf spot, and bud shedding.

* These ailments can be managed through appropriate spraying of fungicides, such as carbendazim or Bordeaux mixture.

* Insect pests, such as the stem borer and scale insects, also pose a threat to clove trees.

* Regular inspections and prompt action, such as spraying insecticides like quinalphos or dimethoate, help control infestations.

Harvesting and Processing

* Clove trees typically begin flowering in the fourth year, but full-bearing capacity is reached around the 15th year.

* Flowering occurs at different times, varying from September-October in the plains to December-January at higher altitudes.

* Harvesting involves carefully plucking the unopened buds when they are plump and rounded, but before they turn pink. Opened flowers are not used as a spice.

* After harvesting, the flower buds are meticulously separated from the clusters by hand and spread in a drying yard.

* Proper drying is crucial, as it determines the quality of the cloves. Well-dried cloves weigh approximately one-third the weight of fresh cloves.

* A kilogram of dried cloves typically contains around 11,000 to 15,000 pieces.

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