CISH Rejuvenation Technology Gives New Life to Ageing Mango Orchards

A scientific pruning technology developed by Lucknow’s CISH is helping farmers revive old mango orchards, improve fruit quality, reduce labour costs and increase long-term productivity across plantations.

May 8, 2026 | Lucknow:Thousands of ageing mango orchards across India may soon witness a fresh lease of life, thanks to an innovative rejuvenation technology developed by the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH) in Lucknow. The advanced pruning-based technique is emerging as a major breakthrough for mango growers struggling with declining productivity from decades-old plantations.

According to experts at CISH, mango orchards that are over 40 to 50 years old often become excessively tall and dense, making maintenance, pesticide spraying and fruit harvesting highly expensive and labour-intensive. In many cases, sunlight fails to penetrate the thick canopy, leading to poor fruit quality and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.

To address these challenges, scientists have introduced a scientific rejuvenation process using specialised pruning machines. Under the technique, the main branches of old mango trees are carefully trimmed at a height of around four to five metres. This controlled pruning encourages the growth of fresh and vigorous branches while restricting excessive tree height.

Researchers say the process not only improves the health of the trees but also significantly enhances fruit size, colour and overall quality. Unlike traditional manual pruning methods, the use of mechanised pruning equipment ensures cleaner cuts, faster operation and quicker healing of plant wounds, thereby reducing the risk of fungal infections.

The technology is also proving economically beneficial for farmers. With shorter trees, the cost of spraying pesticides and harvesting fruits can reportedly be reduced by nearly 50 percent. Improved sunlight penetration allows fruits to develop better colour and shine, increasing their market value. Another major advantage is the availability of additional space between trees. Farmers can cultivate intercrops such as turmeric, ginger and leafy vegetables, generating supplementary income while the orchards recover.

Agricultural experts believe the CISH rejuvenation model could play a crucial role in extending the lifespan of traditional mango orchards and improving sustainable fruit production in major mango-growing regions of the country.

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