Marang Farming: How to Plant and Grow Marang

June 1, 2023 by Lauro Braganza

Are you looking for a new fruit to add to your farm or backyard? Look no further than marang! This delicious and tropical fruit, scientifically known as Artocarpus odoratissimus, is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in various regions of the Philippines. Not only does marang have a unique taste similar to custard or banana, but it also has the potential for profitable farming through sustainable agriculture practices. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about planting and growing marang – from how to plant seeds all the way up until harvesting your first crop. Let’s dive into the world of marang farming!

What is Marang

Marang, scientifically known as Artocarpus odoratissimus, is a tropical fruit that grows on tall evergreen trees. It belongs to the same family as other popular fruits like jackfruit and breadfruit. Marang can be found in various regions of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.

The marang fruit has a unique appearance – it’s round with a greenish-brown textured skin that resembles pine cones. Inside, you’ll find creamy white pulp divided into segments with large seeds in the center. The texture of the pulp is similar to custard or banana but with a more complex flavor profile.

Aside from its delicious taste, marang also offers health benefits such as being rich in vitamins A and C and potassium. Some studies even suggest that marang can help reduce blood sugar levels.

While relatively unknown compared to other fruits, marang offers plenty of potential for commercial farming through sustainable agriculture practices. With proper care and maintenance, farmers can enjoy profitable yields while contributing to environmentally-friendly practices.

Where Can Marang Be Found in the Philippines

Marang is a tropical fruit that grows abundantly in the Philippines. This delicious and nutritious fruit can be found in many parts of the country, particularly in Mindanao where it is widely cultivated.

One of the best places to find marang is Davao City, which has been dubbed the “Durian and Marang Capital” of the Philippines. In fact, there are several farms in Davao City that offer guided tours for visitors who want to experience firsthand how marang farming works.

Aside from Davao City, other provinces such as Bukidnon, Surigao del Sur, and Agusan del Norte also cultivate marang. These areas have rich soil and favorable weather conditions which make them ideal for growing this fruit.

In addition to being available fresh at local markets and supermarkets across these regions, marang can also be found in various forms such as jams, jellies, or pastries made from its pulp. There are even specialized stores dedicated solely to selling products made from this flavorful fruit.

What is Marang Taste Like

Marang is a fruit with a unique taste that cannot be compared to any other fruit. When ripe, its scent can fill an entire room and lure you in for a bite. Its taste can be described as sweet and creamy, with hints of vanilla and banana.

The flesh of marang is soft and juicy, similar to durian but without a strong odor. It has large seeds inside, which are usually removed before eating. The texture of the flesh is smooth like custard or pudding.

Eating marang can be an experience on its own because it requires some effort to open up the spiky outer covering and get into the goodness inside. But once you do, it’s worth it!

Many people who have tried Marang say that they love its rich flavor profile since it’s not too sweet nor sour – just right! If you’re looking for something new to add to your diet or want to try out exotic fruits from sustainable agriculture practices, then give Marang a try today!

How to Plant Marang From Seeds

Planting marang from seeds is an easy and cost-effective way to start your own marang farm. Here are some steps on how to plant marang from seeds.

First, choose a healthy and ripe fruit that is free from any deformities or damage. Use a sharp knife to cut through the thick skin of the fruit and extract the fleshy pulp containing the seeds.
Next, wash off any remaining flesh on the seeds with clean water. Soak them in lukewarm water for at least 24 hours to help soften their hard outer shell.
Prepare a well-draining potting mix by combining equal parts of soil, sand, and compost. Fill small plastic pots with this mixture up to two-thirds full.
Sow one seed per pot about 2 centimeters deep into the soil, making sure that they are planted vertically with their pointed end facing downwards.
Cover each pot with clear plastic wrap or place them inside a propagator box until germination occurs which usually takes around three weeks.
Once new shoots have emerged, remove the coverings and transfer each seedling into individual larger pots filled with good-quality soil mixed evenly with organic compost.
Water sparingly but frequently while keeping your young trees out of direct sunlight during their first few months of growth so as not to damage its delicate foliage which can stunt its growth potential if exposed too early under extreme weather conditions such as high temperatures or strong winds.

How Long Will It Take for Marang to Grow and Bear Fruit?

One of the most common questions that aspiring marang farmers ask is how long it will take for the fruit to grow and bear fruit. Well, the answer can vary depending on several factors such as climate, soil condition, and cultivation practices.

Generally speaking, marang trees usually start bearing fruit after five to six years from seedling. However, some farmers claim that their trees started producing fruits as early as three years old while others wait up to ten years or more.

To hasten fruit production, proper care and maintenance are crucial during the tree’s growing period. Marang trees need adequate sunlight exposure and warm temperatures ranging from 20-30°C. They also require regular watering especially during dry seasons but without causing waterlogging in overly wet soils.

Aside from these factors, a good pruning technique can help improve yield productivity by removing weak branches and promoting new growth. Fertilization with organic matter like compost or manure can also enhance nutrient uptake for healthier tree growth.

Patience is essential when planting marang since it may take several years before you see your first harvest. Nevertheless, with proper care and management practices in place coupled with ideal environmental conditions conducive to its growth – your efforts will eventually pay off once those sweet-smelling fruits ripen on your tree!

Is Marang Farming Profitable?

The answer to this question depends on several factors such as location, market demand, production costs, etc. However, one thing is for sure: there is a growing interest in exotic fruits like marang among consumers worldwide.

Marang has a unique taste that appeals to many people who are looking for something new and exciting. This increased demand could translate into higher prices for farmers who can produce high-quality fruits consistently.

Moreover, marang trees have a long lifespan and can continue producing fruits for up to 30 years or more. This means that once you establish your plantation properly and maintain it well over time, you may enjoy a steady income from selling your harvest year after year.

In addition to direct sales of fresh or frozen fruits, there are also opportunities in value-added products such as jams, jellies, pastries, or drinks made with marang pulp. By diversifying your product range and exploring different marketing channels (such as online platforms), you may increase your chances of profitability even further.

While there are risks involved in any agricultural venture including marang farming – the potential returns could be significant if done right. With sustainable agriculture practices at the forefront of operations, costs should remain low making profit margins better than traditional fruit crops

Intercropping with Marang

Intercropping is a farming technique where two or more crops are grown in the same area at the same time. This method maximizes land use and reduces soil erosion, making it beneficial for farmers who want to optimize their harvests while minimizing negative environmental impacts.

Marang trees can be intercropped with other crops such as coconut, banana, and cacao. These crops benefit from the partial shade provided by marang trees and help improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen in the soil.

Coconut trees make excellent companions for marang because they provide additional income through copra production without competing for space or resources. Similarly, bananas can complement marang since they grow quickly and do not require much maintenance.

Cacao plants thrive under partial shade conditions which makes them perfect intercrop partners for marang that also grows well under these conditions. They both have complementary needs when it comes to soil composition as well.

Intercropping with Marang increases yield per unit of land while promoting sustainable agriculture practices that benefit both farmers and nature. This practice enables efficient utilization of available resources thereby allowing small-scale farmers to increase their incomes sustainably whilst ensuring food security without sacrificing farmland productivity

Final Thoughts

Marang farming is not just an excellent source of food and income, but it also contributes to sustainable agriculture. With proper planting techniques, care, and maintenance, marang trees can bear fruit for up to 30 years.

Whether you plan on growing marang for personal consumption or commercial purposes, it’s vital to understand the basics of marang farming. By following the tips mentioned above and seeking guidance from local experts, you too can cultivate healthy Marang trees in your backyard.

Marang is a delicious tropical fruit that thrives in the Philippines’ warm climate. It has many health benefits and adds variety to the country’s agricultural landscape. As more people become aware of its potential as a profitable crop with numerous uses beyond just eating fresh fruit out-of-hand (such as making jams or using seeds for medicinal purposes), we may see further growth in this industry in the coming years.

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