Arrowroot Cultivation: Arrowroot is known by different names in different parts of the country. It is also known as Tikhur, Tawakhir, Paluwa, Tewakkur. It is a turmeric plant, whose roots are white. Due to being white, it is also called white turmeric. Its roots smell like camphor, so its plants can be easily identified even in the forest.
Arrowroot 30-60 cm long plants do not have a stem. Its leaves are pointed and long like a spear. Its flowers are yellow in color, which are used in making bouquets. That is, if farmers cultivate arrowroot, they can earn extra income by selling flowers.
Arrowroot flour is used for eating. For this, its roots are processed and powder is extracted. Farmers can also earn well from arrowroot cultivation, because the price of its flour in the market is around Rs 200 per kg.
If you are also thinking of cultivating arrowroot, then know some important things related to it.
Soil and climate
Arrowroot is a tuber crop, that is, it grows inside the ground. Sandy loam soil is considered best for its cultivation. The temperature should be 25-30 degrees centigrade for the growth of plants. It is necessary to have a slightly shady and open space for the development of its roots.
Method of planting
It is necessary to prepare the field before planting. For this, plow the field at least twice in the month of May. Plowing destroys the fossils present in the soil. Then mix 10-15 tonnes of cow dung manure per hectare and plough the field. Since this is a tuberous crop, it is always necessary to plough the field deeply and then irrigate it. Transplanting is done by making 20-25 deep trenches at an interval of 30-35 cm in the leveled soil. Rhizome is used for transplanting.
Before transplanting, the rhizomes should be treated with Carbendazim or Bavistin fungicide. This prevents the possibility of them rotting. The month of April-May is suitable for transplanting. Keep in mind that there is no need for irrigation after transplanting. Apart from this, weeding is also necessary 30-40 days after transplanting.
Digging of tubers and market price
The tubers are ready in about 7-8 months. If its leaves start drying in October-November, then understand that the tubers are ready for digging. Then they are dug out with a small spade and dried in the shade. In the market, tubers are sold at the rate of Rs 25-30 per kg. 30-40 quintals of tubers are obtained from one hectare. According to this, if we sell them for Rs 1,20,000 and deduct the cost, then there will be a net profit of Rs 80,900. Whereas arrowroot flour is sold at the rate of Rs 200 per kg.
How is flour prepared?
Arrowroot powder is made by processing the tuber. First of all, the tuber is washed thoroughly, then it is rubbed on a stone or crushed with something heavy due to which a thick liquid comes out which is starch. This starch should be washed 2-3 times with water so that all the dirt is removed. Then the starch is left to settle and after 24 hours it is shaken and washed again.
This is done for 6 days and on the 7th day it is placed on a tray and dried in the sun, which forms crystals. Then these are ground and flour is made which is packed and sent to the market. 10 kg of tubers are required for 1 kg of flour.
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