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Cultivation
W. somnifera grows well in sandy loam or light red soil,
having pH 7.5-8.0 with good drainage. It can be cultivated between
600-1200 m altitude. The semi-tropical areas receiving 500-750
mm rainfall are suitable for cultivation of this rained crop. The
crop requires dry season during its growing period. Temperature
between 200C to 350C is most suitable for cultivation. Late winter
rains are conducive for the proper development of the plant roots
LAND PREPARATION
Ashwagandha is usually grown in fields which are not well covered by
the irrigation systems. The field on which food crops cannot be
taken profitably for the above reason may be used for Ashwangandha
cultivation. The soil of the field selected for Ashwagandha
cultivation is well pulverized by ploughing, disking and/or
harrowing. The field may be then levelled by the application pata.
PLANTING
The crop can be sown either by broad casting or in lines. Live to
line method is preferred as it in creases root production and also
helps in performing intercultural practices properly. The seeds are
usually sown about 1-3 cm deep in June- July in nursery. A light
shower after shower after sowing ensures good germination. About
500-750 gm seeds are sufficient for 1 ha. field. Seeds can be
treated, with Thiram or Indofil or Dithane medicinal plants - 45 (@
3 gm/kg seed), before sowing to protect seedlings from seed borne
diseases. The seedling after 25-35 days after sowing can be
transplanted in the field marinating 60 x 60 cm. Spacing between the
plants & the rows. It may be noted that since 'Asagnadh' is a rainy
season Kharif crop, the time of sowing is decided by date of arrival
of monsoon in that area.
THINNING AND WEEDING
The seeds sown by broadcasting or in the line in furrows should be
thinned out by hand at 25-30 days after sowing to maintain a plant
population of about 30-60 plants per square meter (about 3.5 to 6
lakh plants/hectare). The plant density to be used may depend on the
nature and fertility of the soil. On the marginal land the
population is kept high. If some fertiliser (N:P:K::20:20:0) is
applied then the population should preferably be kept at a lower
level. One hand weeding at an early stage is sufficient to enable
the Ashwagandha plants to take over the growth of weed which get
suppressed by its smothering effect.
MANURES, FERTILISERS AND PESTICIDES
The medicinal plants have to be grown without chemical fertilizers
and use of pesticides. Organic manures like, Farm Yard Manure (FYM),
Vermi-Compost, Green Manure etc. may be used as per requirement of
the species. To prevent diseases, bio-pesticides could be prepared
(either single or mixture) from Neem (kernel, seeds & leaves),
Chitrakmool, Dhatura, Cow's urine etc.
IRRIGATION
Light shower after transplantation ensures establishment of
seedlings. There is no need of irrigation if rainfall is at regular
intervals. Excessive rainfall/water is harmful to the crop. Life
saving irrigations may be applied, if required.
HARVESTING/ POST HARVESTING
The plants start flowering and bearing fruits from December onwards.
The crop is ready for harvest in January-March at 150 to 180 days
after sowing. The maturity of crop is judged by drying out of leaves
and yellow red berries. The entire plant is uprooted for roots which
are separated from aerial parts by cutting the stem 1-2 cm above the
crown. The roots are then either cut transversely into small pieces
(7 to 10 cm) or dried as it is in the sun. About 650-800 kg roots
can be obtained from 1 ha on drying it comes to 350-435 kg. Berries
are hand plucked separately. They are dried and crushed to take out
the seeds.
The dried roots, entire or transversely cut into smaller pieces,
have to be further cleaned, trimmed and graded. The roots are beaten
with a club which removes adhering soil and breaks off the thin,
brittle lateral rootlets. Lateral branches, root crown and stem
remains on roots are carefully trimmed with the help of knife.
YIELD
On an average, the yield from 1 hectare of commercial cultivation is
approximately 3 to 5 q./ of dry roots and 50 to 75 kg of seeds. A
maximum yield can be procured upto 6.5 to 7.0 q/ha. There are
instances where farmers have achieved root yields as high as 1 tonne.
Commercially, 6 to 15 mm diameter and 7 to 10 cm length root species
are better. Alkaloid percentage in roots ranges from 0.13 to 0.31%.
On an average yield from one hectare land under commercial
cultivation is approx 3-5 quintals of dried roots and 50-75 kg
seeds.
Ashwagandha as Medicinal Herb
Ashwagandha is considered to be one of the best rejuvenating agents
in Ayurveda. Its roots, seeds and leaves are used in Ayurvedic and
Unani medicines. Ashwagandha root drug finds an important place in
treatment of rheumatic pain, inflammation of joints, nervous
disorders and epilepsy. Dried roots are used as tonic for hiccup,
cold, cough, female disorders, as a sedative, in care of senile
debility, ulcers, etc. Leaves are applied for carbuncles,
inflammation and swellings. Leaf juice is useful in conjunctivitis.
Bark decoction is taken for asthma and applied locally to bed sores.
Ashwagandha and its extracts are used in preparation of herbal tea,
powders, tablets and syrups.
Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, antioxidant,
mind-boosting, immune-enhancing, and rejuvenating properties.
Ashwagandha root has also been noted to have sex-enhancing
properties. Ashwagandha is mentioned in the ancient Kama Sutra as an
herb to be used for heightening sexual experience, Ashwagandha has
the ability to restore sexual health and improve overall vitality
while promoting a calm state of mind. A 2002 laboratory study
indicates ashwagandha stimulates the growth of axons and dendrites.
A 2001 study in rodents showed ashwagandha had memory boosting
ability. A 2000 study with rodents showed ashwagandha to have
anti-anxiety and anti-depression effects.
The plant has been used as an aphrodisiac, liver tonic,
anti-inflammatory agent, and more recently to treat asthma, ulcers,
insomnia, and senile dementia. Clinical trials and animal research
support the use of ashwagandha for anxiety, cognitive and
neurological disorders, inflammation, and Parkinson's disease.
Incorporation of ashwagandha in the diet may prevent or decrease the
growth of tumors in human.
Ashwagandha Side Effects
Ashwagandha does not have any significant side effects reported in
the medical
literature.
Economics
Unit cost
The unit cost for development of 1 ha transplanted
Ashwagandha cultivation is Rs.22,400/-. The details of the income assumed are also presented in the
given table.
Income
(Rs./ha)
From roots
35000
From seeds
3600
Total gross income
38600
Cost
22400
Net income
16200
Note: Market for medicinal plants is volatile and the economics may
vary.
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