Papaya- Planting activities

Papaya is propagated through seeds. The recommended seed rate is 100 gram/acre. The best time for raising seedlings is from February to March. Around 1000 plants can be accommodated in an acre.

Papaya seedlings raised in polythene bags are better than those raised in seedbeds. Two seeds are sown in each bag and after germination, only one seedling is retained.

Vegetative propagation by mound layering is also possible.

Pits of size 50 cm x 50 cm x 50 cm are taken and filled with topsoil. Two months old seedlings are transplanted. The ideal planting time is May-June. The recommended spacing is 2 m x 2 m.

Seedlings are given shade to protect them from excessive sunlight until they establish.