Peach farming is very popular and an old agribusiness idea. Peach is actually an important stone fruit crop of the temperate zone. It is full in nutrients and very popular in the market. And commercial peach fruit farming is very easy and simple.
The peach is actually a deciduous tree native to the region of Northwest China between the Tarim Basian and the north slopes of the Kunlun Mountains, where it was first domesticated and cultivated.
The trees bear edible juicy fruits with various characteristics, most called peaches and others nectarines (the glossy-skinned varieties).
The specific name persica refers to its widespread cultivation in Persia (modern-day Iran), from where it was transplanted to Europe. It belongs to the genus Prunus, which includes the cherry, apricot, almond, and plum, in the rose family.
The peach is classified with the almond in the subgenus Amygdalus, distinguished from the other subgenera by the corrugated seed shell. Due to their close relatedness, the kernel of a peach stone tastes remarkably similar to almond, and peach stones are often used to make a cheap version of marzipan, known as persipan.[1]
Peaches and nectarines are the same species. But they are commercially regarded as different fruits. The skin of nectarines lacks the fuzz (fruit-skin trichomes) that peach skin has; a mutation in a single gene (MYB25) is thought to be responsible for the difference between the two.
The peach trees grow up to 23 feet tall and wide. But the trees are usually between 10 and 13 feet tall and wide when pruned properly. The leaves are lanceolate, and pinnately veined.
The flowers are produced in early spring before the leaves. The flowers are solitary or paired, 2.5 to 3 cm diameter, pink in color with 5 petals.
The fruit has yellow or whitish flesh, a delicate aroma, and a skin that is either velvety (peaches) or smooth (nectarines) in different cultivars.
The flesh of the fruit is very delicate and easily bruised in some cultivars, but is fairly firm in some commercial varieties (especially when green).
The seed is single, large in size, red-brown in color, oval shaped, around 1.3-2 cm long, and surrounded by a wood-like husk. Peaches, along with cherries, plums, and apricots, are stone fruits (drupes).
Currently, China is the #1 producer of peach fruit in the world. And in the year of 2018, China alone produced 62% of the world total peaches and nectarines.
Peach Nutritional Benefits
Peaches are popular throughout the world. It is a very good and nutritious fruit. They can be eater on their own or added to a variety of dishes.
Peaches are highly nutritious and may offer an array of health benefits, including improved digestion, smoother skin and allergy relief. Here we are trying to describe more about the top health benefits of consuming peaches.
- According to ‘USDA Food Composition Databases’, the peaches are packed with nutrients and antioxidants. They are rich in many vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds.
- Peaches are great source of calories, protein, fat, carbs, fiber, potassium, niacin, copper, manganese, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin K. [2]
- Peaches also offer smaller amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, iron and some B vitamins.
- Peaches are also packed with antioxidants, which is beneficial plant compounds that combat oxidative damage and help protect your body against aging and disease. The fresher and riper the fruit, the more antioxidants it contains.
- According to a study, juice from fresh peaches demonstrated antioxidant actions in healthy men within 30 minutes of consumption.
- Although, fresh peaches have higher levels of antioxidants and appear to be more effective at protecting against oxidative damage than canned ones.
- Peaches are great source of fiber. And fiber contributes to smooth digestion and a lower risk of gut disorders.
- Peach flowers also provide certain compounds that appear to support a healthy gut.
- Peaches contain compounds that may help reduce risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, as well as triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
- Peaches may have protective effects that help keep your skin healthy. Compounds in fruits and flowers may help keep your skin healthy by maintaining moisture and protecting against sun damage.
- Some compounds found in peaches may offer some protection against cancer by limiting the formation, growth, and spread of cancerous cells.
- Peaches may help lower your immune system’s response to allergens, thus reducing allergy symptoms.
- Consuming peaches regularly may boost immunity. Peaches are rich in immune boosting nutrients and antioxidants.
- Peaches may protect against certain toxins. And it may also reduce blood sugar levels.
- Peaches are widely available and can be eaten in a variety of ways. Enjoy them on their own or easily incorporate them into main dishes, sides, smoothies, or desserts.
Advantages of Peach Farming
The peach plants generally require less care and other management. So, starting commercial peach farming business is relatively easy. And commercial peach farming business has many benefits/advantages.
The peach plants require less caring, so it’s very easy to start this business. And you can start this business for making profits.
You can start commercial peach farming business even if you are a beginner. Here we are shortly describing about the top advantages/benefits of peach farming business.
- Commercial peach farming is not a new business idea. It is an established business, and many people are already doing this business.
- You can take this opportunity for making good profits. You can start the business, even if you are a beginner.
- Caring the peach trees is very easy and simple. Beginners can also take good care of them. So, you can take this opportunity for making profits.
- Demand and price of peach are very high in both domestic and international market.
- The peach trees grow well in the areas with relatively low temperature. So you can start this business if you live somewhere with relatively cold climates.
- Commercial peach farming can be a very good business idea for you, if you are an unemployed educated person. It can be a great employment source.
- Production costs are relatively less, but profits are much higher.
- You can also produce other crops in the peach field, which can help you making some extras.
- Marketing peach is very easy, because this fruit already has very good demand and value in the market. So, you will probably be able to easily sell your products i the local market.
- Consuming peaches regularly has many health benefits. And you can enjoy fresh peaches if you grow of your own.
How to Start Peach Farming
Starting peach farming business in both commercially and in small scale is very easy and simple. The peach trees generally require less caring. So, you will probably be able to easily start and operate this business, even if you are a beginner.
The peach trees generally grow in the areas with relatively low temperature with the availability of full sun. And almost all types of soils are good for peach farming.
If you live somewhere with cool weather, then you can start peach farming business. Here in this guide, we are trying to describe more information about peach farming business from planting, caring to harvesting and marketing.
Select Good Location
The peach plants generally require deep sandy loam soil. It will be better if the soil become rich in organic matter with good drainage system.
Ideal pH of the soil should be between 5.8 and 6.8. Acidic and saline soils are unfit for peach cultivation.
The land with gentle slope is considered ideal for peach cultivation. The plant thrives best in foothills, high hills and mid hills situation.
Prepare the Soil
You have to prepare the soil perfectly before planting the peach trees. The peach trees generally require deep sandy loam soil with lots of organic materials and good drainage system.
Prepare the land by digging 5m X 5m apart and fill the beds with 20 kg of organic fertilizer or manure, 125 grams of urea and 25 ml of chlorpyriphos. Mix all these with 30 cm soil and fill above 10 cm of ground level.
Climate Requirement For Peach Farming
The peach fruit can be cultivated in a wide range of climatic conditions. The trees are tolerant to warm climatic conditions compared to other stone fruits.
The peach plants prefer clear and warm weather during it’s fruiting season. The plants require about 24°C temperature for ripening the fruits.
Best Time For Peach Farming
The peach plants can be planted anytime. But for better growth and good production, the plants should be planted in winter or early spring.
Choose a Variety
There are many different varieties of peach are available throughout the world. Not all the varieties are suitable for cultivation in all the areas around the world.
For example, some popular and common peach varieties which grow well in India are Floridaprince, Sharbati, Khurmani, Red (Nectarine), Florida red sun, Shan-e-Punjab, Floridasun, Pratap, Prabhat etc.
Low chilling varieties like TA-170, Flordasun, Shan-e- Punjab and Sharbati are suitable for NEH region.
Purchase Plants
Propagation in peach fruit is done by raising rootstock and grafting. Both types are available in the market. Purchase depending on the availability in your area.
Plants Per Acre
Exact number of plants per acre depends on the propagation and planting system used. For planting square system is generally used with spacing of 6.5 m X 6.5 m.
Planting
June to August is considered as the best time for peach plant plantation. Although, you can plant anytime if you have good irrigation system.
Light watering is very important after planting in the field (in case of dry spell). But in the case of irrigated conditions, the plants can be planted during December and January month.
Exact number of plants per acre depends on the propagation and planting system used. For planting square system is generally used with spacing of 6.5 m X 6.5 m.
Caring
Taking good care of the plants is very important for successful peach farming business. Although, the peach plants generally require less caring and other management. But taking additional caring will help in total yield.
Fertilizing
When the tree is 1-2 years old, apply FYM@10-15 kg/tree, UREA@150-200gm/tree, SSP@200-300gm/tree and MOP@150-300gm/tree. When the tree is 3-4 years old, apply FYM@15-20kg/tree, UREA@500-700gm/tree, SSP@500-700gm/tree and MOP@400-600gm/tree. When the trees is 5 years and above, apply FYM@25-30 kg/tree, UREA@1000gm/tree, SSP@1000gm/tree and MOP@800gm/tree. Review the table below.
| Age | FYM (kg) | Urea (grams) | SSP (grams) | MOP (grams) |
| 1 | 5 | 200 | 250 | 150 |
| 2 | 10 | 400 | 500 | 250 |
| 3 | 15 | 650 | 750 | 300 |
| 4 | 20 | 1000 | 1000 | 400 |
| 5 and above | 25 | 1200 | 1250 | 500 |
Watering
Immediate watering after planting the trees is very important. But if you plant the trees in rainy season, then there is no need for watering.
Drip irrigation is the best method for effective use of water. Provide irrigation at some critical stages, in case of dry spell. Watering is also important at flowering/budding stage and fruit development stage.
Mulching
Mulching is beneficial for retaining moisture into the soil. And it is also very effective for controlling weeds. You can use organic materials for mulching.
Controlling Weeds
Hand weeding should be carried in the initial stages of the plantation. Pre-emergence of weedicide can be applied to prevent any weeds in the peach field.
Prunning
The peach plants generally require regular and heavy prunning, due to the fact that fruiting occurs laterally only on previous season’s growth.
Cut newly planted trees to about 2.5 feet high, just above a lateral branch. Select 3-4 laterals with wide-angle crotches spaced evenly.
20 to 30 percent linear growth of the shoots should be removed during early bearing. The best time of pruning is last week of October. Water sprouts that come below the graft union is removed periodically.
Pests & Diseases
The peach plants are less affected by pests and diseases. Although, sometimes, powdery mildew and shot hole cause damage to the crop.
Powdery mildew disease cause white powdery substances on the leaves, buds and flowers. You can control this disease by spraying Sulfex at the rate of 2.5 grams per liter of water.
Shot hole disease is cause by fungus, in which dark brown scattered lession on leaves appears. It can be controlled by spraying with Captan at the rate of 2 grams per liter of water.
Stem borer feed below the bark, making minute irregular galleries, resulting the bark split and gum oozes out from the holes. The branches start drying up and do not bear fruits. Cut and destroy the affected branches.
Peach leaf curling aphid suck growing buds. Leaf buds become weak and result in poor setting and fruits fall-off prematurely. It can be controlled by spraying with Dimethoate at the rate of 1.5 ml per 1 liter o water, or Monocrotophos at the rate of 2.5 ml per liter of water at 7 to 10 days before flowering.
Harvesting
The peach fruits will be ready for harvesting when the fruits reach good color with hard skin. And such fruits are good for the export market. Although, you can harvest in a ripe stage if you market locally.
April to My is the best time for harvesting of the peach fruits. Hand harvesting can be carried out by twisting the fruit. After harvesting they are stored in moderate temperature and can be used in processing squash.
Yield
On an average, 20 to 30 kg fruits can be harvested from a 3 years old tree.
Marketing
Marketing peach fruits is very easy and simple. Because peaches already have very good demand and value in the market. So, you will probably be able to easily sell your products in the local market.
These are the common steps and ways for starting and operating a successful peach farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
