TIMELY HARVESTING OF JASMINE FLOWERS FOR HIGHER INCOME

S ESWARA REDDY Almost all species of Jasmine flower during summer and the rainy season. Unopened but fully developed flower buds should be picked in the mornings (Preferably before 11.00 cm) and

marketed immediately. Unlike Malli, Gundu Malli and Iruvatchi, Jathi Malli flower buds will open out quickly (within 2 hours of picking). Hence, it is essential to pick the flower buds and transported to the market very early (before 9.00 a.m.) Best prices are obtained for fresh flower buds. Nearness to market, availability of adequate labor for picking and means of quick transportation are essential in jasmine cultivation. An hectare of Jasmine may

require 75-120 women for picking the flowers per day of 5 hours. (6.00 am to 11.00 am) in the peak flowering season. In Pari Mullai and Jathi Malli, flowering will start in March and the yield will be at the peak from June to October. The yield will gradually decline from October to December. Gundu Malli and Irvuvatchi varieties will be in flower from March to October, but the maximum output of flowers will be obtained between April to August. The plants will give stray flowers for 6 months after planting. The yield will gradually increase and optimum yields will be obtained in the third year.

Pari Mullai: Average yield will be around 10,000 kg per ha. per year. Yield upto 19,000 kg per ha can be obtained with proper horticultural practices and good management. Jathi Malli: 11,000 kg per ha per year. Gundu Malli: An average yield of 6,200 kg per ha per year can be obtained from three to four year old bushes. Iruvatchi can yield about 5000 kg per ha per year.
dr_esreddy@yahoo.co.in 14 Dec 2012