Hazelnuts, scientifically known as Corylus avellana L., are native to Europe and Western Asia and have long been prized for their rich flavor and numerous health benefits. This versatile nut is now garnering attention in India, where it shows promising potential for commercial cultivation. The hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and the North-Eastern Himalayas are considered ideal for growing hazelnuts, given their temperate climates, which closely resemble those required for apple cultivation.
In Himachal Pradesh, hazelnuts are referred to as "Thangi," while in Uttarakhand, they are known as ‘Bhotia Badaam.’ The hazelnut tree is a hardy species, capable of thriving in challenging terrains, but it requires specific climatic and soil conditions to produce high-quality nuts.
Hazelnuts grow on the lateral and terminal branches of the previous season’s growth, yielding smooth, edible kernels that can be enjoyed raw, roasted, or processed into a variety of products, including hazelnut oil and paste.
Climate and Soil Conditions
Hazelnuts grow well under moderate climates where temperatures go down to -10°C. Extreme temperatures have the potential to harm both male and female flowers. Hazelnuts cannot withstand soggy soils as it has a thin root system. For improved growth, it needs to retain moisture. It is highly sensitive to dry heat and hot winds during the summer months.
The well-drained and moderately fertile soils are required for good growth. The soil pH of about 4.5 to 8.5 is ideal for growing hazelnuts. A close-to-neutral pH (around 7) supports better yields. Heavy clay soils are not suitable for this crop.
Planting and Nutrient Management
Hazelnuts are planted usually during winter. The planting density is recommended around 860 trees per hectare. The recommended spacing of 4-5 meters between rows and 2-3 meters spacing within rows. It is prudent to plant at least 10% of other varieties in that orchard to ensure proper pollination and better yields.
If the soil organic matter is less than 2%, 30 tons of organic fertilizers, such as farmyard manure (FYM), should be applied per hectare. For low pH soils (around 5.5), limeing is advised to raise the pH to 6.5. Analysis of the soil and leaves should be the basis for fertilizer applications for mature trees. The general recommendation for each acre should have 120–150 kilograms of nitrogen, 60–70 kg of phosphorus, and 100 kg of potassium.
Irrigation and Crop Care
Hazelnuts require uniform soil moisture during the entire growing season. The critical stage to retain uniform moisture is particularly during the flowering and nut development stages. It needs irrigation every 7 to 10 days in low-rainfall regions. Hazelnut trees are shallow-rooted, and they suffer from drought stress easily. The drought stress in turn adversely affects nut quality and quantity.
Weed management is very important at the onset of crop growth. Hand weeding and loosening of the soil to better aeration are recommended.
Harvesting and Yield
Hazelnuts are ready to be harvested when the nuts turn brown from green and natural abscission starts. This usually occurs in mid-autumn, which is about 7-8 months after pollination. The nuts fall from the tree when they are mature. Most commercial growers wait for this process to occur before collecting them.
A mature hazelnut tree can produce around 2-2.5 kg of nuts per year after five years of planting. Maximum production is obtained between 15 and 20 years. The tree can remain commercially productive for over 100 years. The annual yield at full maturity is estimated to be 2.5-3.5 kg per tree.
Economic Viability
Hazelnut farming provides enormous economic returns to the farmers. The wholesale price of Rs. 200-300 per kilogram for large-sized nuts. A gross return of around Rs 1,25,000 per acre per year can be expected.
The benefit-to-cost ratio of hazelnut cultivation under commercial production has been recorded as 3.96:1. This value makes it a highly profitable venture. Positive cash flow can be achieved 10-15 years after planting. The provided land costs are not excessively high.
Nutritional and Commercial Importance
Hazelnuts are nutritionally rich. It consists of healthy fats, such as oleic acid. It has protein, carbohydrates, the essential vitamins E, B6, and other members of the B complex. It also has dietary fiber, and antioxidants in the form of flavan-3-ols.
The nuts are widely used in the confectionery industry. It is used to make pralines and blend them with chocolate. Hazelnut oil is highly flavored and is also used as a cooking oil. There is growing consumer demand for health-conscious and premium food products. For this reason, the market potential for hazelnuts is immense.
Hazelnut production in the temperate regions of India is a source of constant high yield and income for the farmer. The appropriate planting, irrigation, and nutrient management should be used for growth. In the long productive life of hazelnut and its rising market, it is an added value to the agricultural landscape, The venture is especially for small and marginal farmers who seek to diversify their avenues for supplementary income.
Farmers interested in hazelnut cultivation should consider consulting agricultural experts and take advantage of government schemes for technical and financial support to maximize the potential of this promising crop.
