Author: Shailesh Kumar
PLANT PART USED: The market demand of root of this crop is growing, the alkaloid present in the root also decide the quality of produce and seed also used for medicinal purpose.
SOIL AND CLIMATE: Ashwagandha grows well in sandy loam or light red soil, having pH 7.5-8.0 with good drainage. 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. The scientific name of ashwagandha is Withania somnifera (linn.) belongs to family solanaceae
FIELD PREPARATION: The soil of the field is well pulverized by ploughing, disking and/or harrowing. The field may be then leveled with help of leveller.
NURSERY PREPARATION AND TRANSPLANTING: 700 to 800 g seeds are sufficient for one hectare of land. Seeds are sown in nursery in the month of June as it is kharif season crop, one month after sowing seedlings are transplanted in main field maintaining 60X60 cm spacing between plant and row.
THINNING AND WEEDING: The plant population of 5.5 to 6 lakks/ha are recommended for higher yield. And one manual weeding during early growth of seedling is sufficient for this crop.
MANURES AND PESTICIDES: Application of organic manure like FYM, vermi-compost, green manure etc is sufficient for crop growth and root yield. For plant protection bio pesticides are better option for this crop.
IRRIGATION REQUIREMENT: First light irrigation is given after transplantation, excess water or stagnation of rain water in field is harmful for crop. Only life saving irrigation is required after establishment of crop in field.
HARVESTING AND POST HARVESTING PROCESSING: The entire plant is uprooted after maturity, plant mature 6 months after sowing and leaves start drying and red berries get yellow indicate crop is ready for harvest. The roots are then either cut transversely into small pieces (7 to 10 cm) or dried as it is in the sun. The berries are dried and crushed to take out the seeds. Roots are cleaned and lateral roots are removed.
YIELD: 5 quintal dried root and 60 to 70 kg seeds can be obtained from one hectare of land under proper cultivation practices followed.
Address of author: Dr. Shailesh Kumar (Assistant Professor, CBS&H, RPCAU, Pusa, Bihar-848125, India)Email- shailesh_agri@yahoo.com
Agricultural Science Articles 