The invasive rejuvenation technology for old senile fruit trees, particularly in litchi presents many cross cutting issues on the theme of restoration of youthful vigour, enhancement of quantum of quality fruit production, period of sustainability and above all the economic feasibility. An on-site study was conducted by NRC on Litchi, Muzaffarpur, Bihar during the year 2007–08 to 2011–12 at the farmers field in five locations (5 districts of Bihar). The initial level topping off at the height of 2.5 m was done. The calculated cost of reiterative pruning (very vital and important operation requires utmost care, skill and attention) at all the five locations found to be varying from Rs. 52000 to 63000. The total cost included the thinning and framing of the branches, canopy re-building and intercrop production (open space created) every year. The orchardist remained associated in this operation and compilation (information). The mean of the management cost have been taken into account for calculation of cost: benefit ratio, found to giving an increasing trend, without any economic loss to the growers. The treatment-wise quantum of quality production, as categorized under codex standard showed an increase from 19.25% (un-rejuvenated) to 42.78% (rejuvenated at 2.5 m height) under Extra-class. The conduct of entire technological operations ventured success story through transformation of unproductive to productive ones with successive yearwise increase in quantum of quality production in commercially viable way in sustainable manner.
Rejuvenation, Reiterative pruning, Invasive, Economic feasibility, Sustainability, Productivity
