Sarpagandha Ki Kheti: How to grow Sarpagandha? Know the complete method of cultivation and the math of earning
Sarpagandha: In today’s time when the cost of traditional farming is increasing and the profit is decreasing, farmers are now turning towards medicinal plants. One of these is Sarpagandha cultivation (Sarpagandha Ki Kheti), which is gradually becoming popular in different parts of the country. Sarpagandha is not only important from the medicinal point of view but its demand and price in the market is also good. The special thing is that it can be cultivated with less water and less care. Let’s know how it is cultivated and what are the benefits of it.
What is Sarpagandha? (What is Sarpagandha?)
Sarpagandha is a medicinal plant, whose roots are used in making medicines. It is mostly used in making medicines for diseases like BP (blood pressure), stress, insomnia, mental weakness. Its scientific name is Rauvolfia serpentina. Its demand always remains in pharmaceutical companies and this is the reason why its cultivation gives good profit.
What kind of weather is required for the cultivation of Sarpagandha?
This plant does not like too much cold or too much heat. Mildly warm and humid weather is good for it. It does not grow well in too much sunlight, so its growth is good where there is a little shade. If your area receives 1000 to 1200 mm of rainfall annually, then this farming will go well there.
What kind of soil should be there for the cultivation of Sarpagandha? (What should the soil be like for the cultivation of Sarpagandha?)
The soil should not be too heavy for Sarpagandha. Light to medium loamy or sandy loamy soil is considered the best. Just one thing to keep in mind is that water should not stagnate in the field, otherwise the roots will rot. It is even better if the pH i.e. salinity is between 6 to 7.5.
How to start cultivation of Sarpagandha? (How to start cultivation of Sarpagandha?)
You can cultivate it directly from seeds or by planting saplings. Before sowing the seeds, they should be soaked in water for a day so that the sprouts come out quickly. Usually seeds are sown in the nursery in June-July. In about 45-60 days, small plants are ready, which are then planted in the field.
About 40,000 to 50,000 plants are planted in one hectare field. At the time of planting, the distance between the lines is kept 45 to 60 cm, so that the plants can grow freely.
How to irrigate and care?
Sarpagandha cultivation does not require a lot of water. Irrigation is not required during the rainy season. In summer, it is good to irrigate once every 15-20 days. Keep in mind that water should not stagnate in the field for a long time.
It is necessary to clean the grass around the plants from time to time. Weeding has to be done 2-3 times in the first three months. If insects attack, spray with neem oil or cow urine, this is an organic method and does not harm the crop.
Harvesting and processing of roots
It takes about one and a half to two years for the Sarpagandha crop to be ready. When the plant grows well and the roots become thick, then the harvesting is done. The plants have to be uprooted from the roots, then the roots have to be washed with water and cleaned thoroughly.
To dry the roots, they should be dried in the shade and not in direct sunlight. This keeps the color of the roots and the effect of medicines intact. After drying, fill them in sacks or boxes and keep them in a clean place.
How much production and how much profit?
About 8 to 9 quintals of dry roots are produced from one hectare of land. Its price in the market is ₹450 to ₹700 per kg. That means about ₹4 lakh to ₹6.30 lakh can be earned from one hectare.
This is many times more than common crops and it does not require much hard work. Just a little attention has to be paid in the beginning, then the plants take care of themselves.
Demand and market of Sarpagandha
The demand for Sarpagandha is very high in pharmaceutical companies. It is in demand in India as well as abroad. Its roots are bought and then medicines are made from them. Therefore, if you cultivate it, then there is no need to worry about the market. Just prepare good quality roots and do the processing at the right time.
Advice related to cultivation of Sarpagandha
If you want to cultivate Sarpagandha, then start with 1 bigha or half hectare in the beginning. When you understand the method, then you can gradually increase its area. Buy seeds or plants from a reliable source only. And yes, it will also be beneficial to keep a little record along with cultivation – like when the planting was done, when irrigation was done, etc.
Conclusion
Less labour, less irrigation, good profits and ever-increasing demand – all these things make Sarpagandha farming (Sarpagandha Ki Kheti) special. If you want to do something new and profitable apart from traditional farming, then this crop is right for you. Once you understand it properly, then the path of your earning will be created automatically.
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