Olive Cultivation in India: Regions and Profits

The growing demand for olive oil and its health advantages are driving up interest in olive planting in India. Although an indigenous to the Mediterranean region, the olive tree can also be grown in subtropical areas with similar environmental requirements. In India, the states of Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka are where olive farming is most prevalent.

The districts of Jodhpur, Nagaur, and Pali are where you will find the majority of the olive plantations in Rajasthan. With hot, dry summers and moderate winters, these regions’ climate is comparable to that of the Mediterranean. The Rajasthani government has launched a number of programs to promote olive farming, which it has identified as a potential source of revenue for farmers.

The Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu is well-known for its olive farming. With temperature fluctuations between 10°C and 25°C and annual rainfall between 1000 and 1500 mm, the Nilgiri hills offer the ideal habitat for olive plants. Farmers interested in growing olives can receive instruction and assistance from the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.

The mountainous areas of Kolar, Bangalore, and Chikkaballapur in Karnataka are ideal for growing olives. Since a few years ago, the Karnataka State Horticulture Department has promoted olive farming and established an olive processing facility in Bangalore.

The yield per acre, the cost of cultivation, and the market demand for olive oil are only a few of the variables that affect how profitable olive farming is in India. 6 to 8 tons of olives from an acre of olive trees can be processed into 1000 to 1200 liters of olive oil. Olive oil can be sold for about Rs. 300–400 per liter, with an estimated cost of cultivation per acre of Rs. 3–4 lakhs.

Therefore, depending on market demand and the caliber of the olive oil produced, the profit per acre of olives can range from Rs. 6 to 8 lakhs. The lifespan of an olive tree is around 100 years, and the price can range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 2000 depending on the age and variety of the tree.

In conclusion, farmers seeking alternative forms of income in India have a lot of promise with olive farming. Many farmers have already begun to gain from the promotion of olive farming by the governments of Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Olive production may be a viable and sustainable business for farmers in favorable places, especially with the rising demand for olive oil in India.