Vanilla price per kg varies between Rs 4000, Rs 28,000 and Rs 48000 as well. Approximately 400 kg of vanilla beans are expected in one acre. While multiplying the yield with the minimum price i.e. Rs 4000 x 400 kg = Rs 1600000 lakh can be achieved.
Quick Overview – 800 to 900 plants can be planted on 1 acre, 1 plant yields 500 gram beans, 400 kg vanilla yield per acre, Rs 13,79,000/acre is achievable after deducting the cost.
Vanilla is a spice primarily obtained from the pods of the flat-leaved vanilla. Vanilla spice is obtained from the fruit and a pollination process is required to make the plants produce fruit.
Vanilla species
Three major species of vanilla are grown globally: V.planifolia species grown in Madagascar, Reunion, Indian Ocean and other tropical areas. The V.planifolia species is grown in the majority of the world.
It is commonly known as Bourbon Vanilla or Madagascar vanilla which is grown in the South Pacific, V. Pompona regions of the West Indies, Central America and South America. V.planifolia is grown in the majority of the world and is commonly known as Bourbon vanilla or Madagascar vanilla.
It is produced in Madagascar and neighbouring islands including South Western Indian oceans and Indonesia. Two-thirds of the world’s supply of vanilla is produced in Madagascar and Indonesia. Growing vanilla seed pods is labour intensive, and is the second most expensive spice after saffron.
Vanilla crop is widely used in commercial and domestic baking production and aromatherapy. Small amounts of vanilla are needed to impart its signature flavour and aroma.
Project Report
Vanilla beans cost per acre
- Planting material cost = Rs 10,000.
- Labour cost (land preparation, pollination, harvesting) = Rs 60,000.
- Required farming tool cost = Rs 30,000.
- Irrigation cost = Rs 25,000.
- Fertilizer cost = Rs 15,000.
- Plant protection charges = Rs 6000.
- Fencing cost = Rs 50,000.
- Bamboo sticks cost = Rs 15,000.
- Miscellaneous cost = Rs 10,000.
- Total cost = Rs 2,21,000.
Vanilla farming profit per acre
- Plants per acre = 800 plants.
- Vanilla yield per plant = 500 grams of beans.
- Therefore, 2 plants will produce 500 grams + 500 grams = 1000 grams.
- 1000 grams = 1 kg.
- Now multiply 1 kg with half plants i.e. 400 plants.
- 400 plants = 400 x 1 kg = 400 kg.
- Thus, 800 plans = 400 kg.
- Vanilla yield per acre (by planting 800 plants) = 400 kg.
- Vanilla price per kg = Rs 4000/kg, Rs 10,000, Rs 28,000 and Rs 48,000.
- Let’s take the minimum price i.e. Rs 4000 per kg.
- Vanilla farming profit per acre = Total yield x vanilla price.
- Profit = 400 kg x Rs 4000 = Rs 1600000.
- Net profit = Cost – profit.
- Net profit = Rs 221000 – Rs 1600000 = Rs 13,79,000.
- Net Profit = Rs 13,79,000.
So, this is the vanilla farming profit per acre and cost report explained in easy language.
Note – It is the assumption of vanilla profit, cost and actual profit may differ. The profit and cost may vary according to the labour cost, other expenses and market price.
How to start Vanilla farming in India
To start a vanilla cultivation in 1 acre you need to gain basic knowledge which is given below.
Vanilla species
V.planifolia, V. Pompona, V.tahitensis.
Climate conditions
A humid climate and shade is required. Direct sunlight is not tolerated by them. Hence, grown in the shades of taller trees therefore they are mostly grown as intercrop in coconut farms.
- Temperature – They need warm and humid conditions temperatures from 25°C to 34°C.
- Rainfall – Yearly rainfall of 150 to 350 cm is required.
Soil
Soil PH with 6.5 to 7.5 is ideal for vanilla cultivation. Rich organic soil and loose soil with a loam texture are preferred.
Land preparation
Ploughing needs to be done to maintain the level of the soil. Level the ground and remove unwanted tiny stones and weeds before vanilla plantation. It is a climbing vine crop that initially needs support to grow.
Rock pillars, trees and bamboo sticks can be used to give them support. Trees are natural and also provide the much-needed shade to vanilla crops therefore they are the best support for these climbing plants.
Vanilla planting method
Vanilla is propagated through cuttings and seed. Cuttings are preferred due to quick growth in comparison to seeds. Unflower portions of the vine are selected. The vines need 50% shade hence tree farms are best for growing vanilla crops.
Pits of size 30 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm should be dug away from the tree. Now fill the vermicompost, soil mix and sand into these pits. Remain open the pits for 48 hours before plantation. Before planting the cutting at least 4-5 leaves need to prune from the base then press these leaves into the soil.
It is a climbing crop so arrange stone pillars or bamboo sticks. Trees can also be grown in between the farm or vanilla can be cultivated in between a tree farm to get automatic shade. If not having any tree in the farm one should arrange the shade.
Dig bamboo sticks all over the farm and maintain grass sheets on the top of bamboo sticks in such a way that it passes sunlight partially to the vines.
Remember, vanilla crops need 50% shade and partial sunlight, they don’t like direct sunlight. Two plants can be planted along with one pole. A 5-year-old crop produces 2 to 3 kg of pods and production increases up to 6 kg after a few years.
Vanilla plantation per acre and hectare
- Vanilla plants per hectare – 2000 plant cuttings.
- Vanilla plants per acre – 800 to 900 plant cuttings.
- Shade needed – 50%.
- Greenhouse – While planting vanilla in the greenhouse, select the cuttings between 60 to 120 cm.
Vanilla yield per acre
3 years are required to obtain the first fruit in vanilla yield. Yield obtaining is continued for 14 years.
800 plants can be planted on 1 acre farm and vanilla yield per plant is 500 gram beans. By planting 800 plants 400 kg vanilla beans can be achieved.
Pollination
Orchid bees carry vanilla pollen but the success rate is only 1%. Therefore, pollination is done by hand and for that good labour is required. Vanilla flowers grow in the spring season and pollination becomes necessary at that time to save blossom wits.
Harvesting
Growing vanilla beans for profit is not an easy task, it is a labour-intensive crop and needs a good number of labourers during the harvesting period. After reaching the harvesting stage daily harvesting is required because each fruit ripens at its own time.
Vanilla harvesting takes place after 2.5 to 3 years. The harvesting starts after 6 months of the flowering stage when the distal ends turn a pale yellow colour. Killing, sweating, drying, and conditioning are different stages to get the final product.
