Papaya is a heavy feeder and needs heavy doses of manures and fertilizers. Apart from the basal dose of manures applied in the pits, 200–250g each of N, P2O5 and K2O are recommended for getting high yield. Application of 200g N is optimum for fruit yield but papain yield increases with increase in N up to 300g. A dose of 250g N, 250g P and 500g K/plant is recommended for papaya Coorg Honey Dew under Bangalore conditions, while 200g each of N, P and K in split doses in the first, third, fifth and seventh month is recommended for papaya Co 1 under Coimbatore conditions.

Deficiency of lime and B has often been observed in papaya orchards. Spraying of 0.5% zinc sulphate (twice) and one spray of Borax (0.1%) may be done depending upon the nutrient status of soil.