Welcome to our Farmers Corner

Here u will find information about the cultivation of nutmeg trees, delegates , and notices for farmers.

Nutmeg Production Process

Selection of Planting Materials

Nutmegs are mainly grown from seeds. The best results are obtained by using seeds from selected high yielding trees. Nutmegs can also be propagated by macotting and, to a lesser extent, grafting. Trees grown from macotting grow more slowly and are less productive.

Land Preparation & Planting

Planting in the main field is done at the beginning of the rainy season. Dig pits 2.5 ft wide x 2.5 ft deep x 2.5 ft length for young plants.

Diseases
- Die back: drying up of mature and immature branches from the tip downwards caused by the fungus (Diplodia sp).
- Thread blight: white and black fine thread (fungal) that traverse along the stem underneath the leaves in a fan shaped manner. This dries up the leave. This fungus is caused by (Marasmius pulcherima and equicrinus).
- Root Rot: a fungal infection that affects the root of the trees causing the de-transportation of plant food and nutrients resulting in the drying up of the entire tree.

Fertilization
While it is true that nutrients are recycled through pods and leaves, the latter take a long time to decay that the nutrients available to the plant for the next crop. Furthermore, nutrients removed in the form of nutmegs and mace harvested, need to be replaced. It is recommended that a high phosphate NPK fertilizer (e.g. 12:27:16) be used in two split applications, according to the following schedule:
- 1-3 years - ½ lb / yr
- 3-7 years - ¾ lb/yr
- 7- 10 years - 1 ½ lb/yr
- 10 – 15 years - 3 lb/yr
- 15 - 20 years - 5 lb/yr
- 20+ years - 10 lb/yr
Harvesting

The female nutmeg tree starts fruiting from the sixth (6th) year. Though the peak period is reached after 20 years. The peak harvesting season is during June-August.
Weed Control

Weeds rob the plant of nutrients and moisture and make collection of nutmegs difficult. Weed control can be done manually (cutlassing), mechanically (weed eater) orchemically (use of herbicides). Manual weed control is expensive and time consuming. If weedicides are used, there is the risk of contamination to the Mace. Mechanical control is recommended.
Trash Management

Fallen leaves can make nutmeg collection difficult. If considered a problem, trash should be raked and put in enclosed heaps at convenient locations, which would not disrupt harvesting. Trash should not be burnt under any circumstances.