Fig (Anjeer) Farming in India 2026
Hardy dry-region fruit prized fresh and dried
Overview
Fig, known in India as anjeer, is a high-value exotic fruit valued both as fresh fruit and as premium dried fruit, with strong and steady demand in health and gifting markets. Fig farming in India is most established in Maharashtra, especially the Pune and Daulatabad belt, along with Gujarat, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. This hardy deciduous tree suits warm, semi-arid regions, tolerates moderate drought and gives growers a long-lived orchard with relatively low water needs, making it attractive in dry districts. Fresh figs fetch good prices in urban markets while dried anjeer commands premium rates and stores well, giving flexibility and value addition. Trees begin commercial bearing within a few years and remain productive for many seasons. Because figs are nutritious and increasingly popular for health, anjeer cultivation offers a profitable option for farmers with suitable climate, well-drained soil, quality planting material and good post-harvest handling for the perishable fresh fruit.
Climate
Fig prefers a warm, dry, semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters, broadly suiting temperatures of about 15 to 35 degrees Celsius. Dry weather during fruit ripening improves quality, while excess rain and humidity at that stage cause fruit splitting and rot. It tolerates moderate drought once established.
Soil
Grows in many soils but does best in well-drained, medium to light loam with good organic matter and pH around 6 to 7.5. It tolerates somewhat poor soils but not waterlogging. Deep, well-drained land gives healthy roots and steady fruiting.
Planting & Spacing
Propagated mainly from hardwood cuttings or rooted plants, planted at the start of the monsoon or in the cooler season. Common spacing is about 4 by 4 metres to 5 by 5 metres, giving roughly 250 to 450 plants per acre depending on system, with high-density layouts possible. Use healthy, true-to-type planting material of a proven variety.
Varieties
The Poona fig is the most popular and widely grown variety in India, valued for fresh market quality. Other types include Brown Turkey, Conadria, Mission, Kadota and Dinkar. Choose a variety suited to your climate and whether you target fresh sales or dried anjeer.
Care & Management
Irrigate through drip with moderate, regular water, reducing moisture during ripening for better fruit quality. Apply organic manure and balanced fertiliser, and prune annually to maintain an open, manageable frame and encourage fruiting shoots. Mulch to conserve moisture and control weeds, and protect ripening fruit from rain where possible.
Pests & Diseases
Watch for fig rust, leaf spots, fruit rot in humid weather, plus pests like stem borers, fruit flies, mealybugs and birds. Field hygiene, pruning of affected parts, good drainage and timely management keep losses low. Protecting fruit during rain reduces splitting and spoilage.
Yield & Harvest
Fig trees may bear lightly from the first year but commercial harvesting usually begins from about the third year, with yield rising as trees mature. Per plant yield grows from a few kilograms early to around 15 to 20 kg in later years. Orchard yields commonly range broadly around 3 to 6 tonnes per acre depending on variety, density and care.
Cost & Profit
Establishment with planting material, drip and early care is often around 1.5 to 3 lakh rupees per acre, with modest yearly upkeep. From the third year onward, gross income can range widely, often around 3 to 6 lakh rupees per acre depending on yield, fresh or dried sales and price, with payback usually within three to four years. These are broad indicative ranges; verify current costs, prices and yields locally before investing.
These are indicative ranges. Actual cost and income vary by region, market and management, so verify locally.
Market & Demand
Fresh figs sell well in urban fruit markets, supermarkets, hotels and online grocery, while dried anjeer enjoys strong demand in the dry fruit, health and gifting segments at premium prices. Sell through local mandis, traders, dry fruit processors and direct customers. Value addition into dried and processed anjeer extends shelf life and improves returns.
Subsidy & Support
Fig is supported as a horticulture crop under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture and National Horticulture Board, which can assist with planting material, drip irrigation and area expansion in eligible states. Some states actively promote anjeer in suitable dry regions. Confirm current schemes and rates with your state horticulture department.
Where to grow it in India
Frequently asked questions
Is fig farming profitable in India?
Which is the best fig variety in India?
How much water does fig need?
When does a fig tree start bearing fruit?
Which states are best for fig in India?
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