Ashwagandha Cultivation Project Report

Ashwagandha Cultivation Project Report: Ashwagandha is a traditional herb found in the southern parts of Asia, specially in the regions of India and Nepal. Botanical name is Withania somnifera. Ashwagandha is also known as the King of medicinal plants. Ashwagandha is the most popular herb used worldwide for its various benefits and medicinal values.

Benefits of Ashwagandha Cultivation

• Low Initial Investment: This low seed cost makes it accessible to small-scale farmers.
• Adaptability to Different Soil Types: The soil types required for the cultivation of ashwagandha are Black soil, sandy loamy soils, and red soil, black soil is considered the most suitable.
• Minimal Water Requirements: Ashwagandha is suited to regions with low rainfall.
• High Market Demand: Ashwagandha health benefits have led to a high demand for this herb.
• Short Crop Cycle: Ashwagandha is 6 monthly crops and only a one-time harvest can be done. Once the crop is harvested the roots are separated and graded in various ways.

Ashwagandha is being cultivated in the parts of MP and WB and some parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu (Dindigul district), Rajasthan like Bhilwada, Nagore, and Jaipur have been found with ashwagandha cultivation. Recommended spacing for planting is 5×30 cm, with sowing taking place in June-July. As demand for ashwagandha increased, local farmers found the opportunity to switch from their traditional crops to cultivating ashwagandha. Most of Pharma industries use root as a main raw source for powdering and extracting the withanolide.

Ashwagandha Cultivation Project Report: Cost of cultivation

• When it comes to growing Ashwagandha, the major investment is in harvesting the roots.
• With comparatively lower investments required for cultivation practices, pest and disease management, and irrigation.

Total cost needed for one acre Ashwagandha cultivation

Seed rate per acre	Cost	Cost per acre
5-8 kg	100-400 Rs per kg based on variety	1,300 Rs
Other expenses (land preparation, fertilizer: FYM, Labor, Harvesting expenses)	35,000 Rs	35,000 Rs
Total investment per acre		36,300 Rs

Grading and Harvesting

Ashwagandha is then segregated in various ways and various grades as given below.

1. Special grade – Special grade is obtained by segregating the last finger size and big sticks from the farmer grade. Usually, the cost of a special grade is high. This grade is mostly suitable for powdering as the starch content is found more in this grade.
2. No1 grade – This grade is obtained after separating thin and thick (big size) sticks from the farmer grade. Usually, the thickness of the sticks will be around 2-3 mm. And starch content is also more in this grade. The price of this grade is less compared to the Special grade.
3. Tukdi – This grade is said to inferior quantity as the size of the sticks is small and broken pieces of roots are found. The Tukdi refers the broken pieces. Price of this grade is very less compared to Special grade and No 1 grade.
4. Farmer grade– This is nothing but the roots that is harvested and brought straight into the market and sold as it is without any segregation and processing. In mandies, mainly the farmer grade is found.

Selling price per kg Ashwagandha roots

Grade type	Selling cost per Kg
Special grade	350-400
No1 grade	250-350
Tukdi	230-250
Farmer grade	200-230

Average profit potential of Ashwagandha from a one-acre land

	Cost
Average cultivation cost per acre	36,300 Rs
Average Yield per acre	250-350 kg/acre
Average selling price of ashwagandha root	Market ranges from 200 Rs/kg to premium grades up to 350 Rs/kg.

Total profit = Yield – (Seed cost + Cost of cultivation)= around 13,700 Rs to 1,22,500 Rs per acre.

Note: Note that actual profits may vary based on various factors, including market conditions, farming practices, and the quality of the crop.

Ashwagandha in Contract Farming

• Growing awareness of ayurveda has also cherished the industry and so the demand for ashwagandha will grow.
• Many new companies having requirements of ashwagandha for contract farming like The Himalaya Wellness, Dabur, Patanjali, Botanical Health Care, and many more are opting for contract farming by providing all the inputs starting from seeds to packing material to keep the harvested stock.
• Once the contract is signed companies representative will visit field and inspect the field and advise for necessary action to be taken that suits ashwagandha cutlivation.
• During the harvest company representative will visit and check if the crop is ready for harvest and then harvested material will be packed and transportation facilities will be provided by the companies itself.

Also visit: Shatavari Farming, Contract Farming, Future of Agriculture Agri-Silviculture

Ashwagandha: A Cost-Saving and High-Return Crop

Ashwagandha cultivation offers an attractive opportunity for farmers with its low initial investment. As the biological nature of ashwagandha is blessed to grow and withstand in less water it is said to be boon for farmers of Indian subcontinent. The cost of cultivation, pest infestation and storage cost is also low. And as perishability or shelf life of ashwagandha is more than 5 years.

Ashwagandha in Modern Times

• Ashwagandha is known for its stress-relieving and stamina-boosting character. Usage of this herb has been recorded exponentially high in recent days, as people are getting more aware of this herb and its medicinal value.
• Ashwagandha has been included in the supplementary diet and its usage among the youngster has increased very high for boosting stamina and overall wellness.
• Fitness freak people who as regularly to the gym have started using this herb for testosterone boosting as many studies have proved its testosterone-boosting character in human beings.

Cultivation and Economic Impact

• Ashwagandha is a native crop of India and is found in parts of Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal. Neemuch district of Madhya Pradesh has been given GI tag for ashwagandha.
• A study has proved that the quality of ashwagandha in Neemuch is very high compared to any part of the world.
• Many pharmaceutical industries have included ashwagandha in their formulations and many animal health companies have added this herb in their animal feeds.
• Though the aerial part of ashwagandha is also used for extracting the withanolide (the active content) roots have been used widely for extracting the withanolide actives.

Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

Usage of this herb has been recorded exponentially high in recent days, as people are getting more aware of this herb and its medicinal value.

• Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Ashwagandha is known for its stress relieving. It regulates cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone.
• Ashwagandha has been included in the supplementary diet and its usage among the youngster has increased very high for boosting stamina and overall wellness.
• Improved Sleep Quality: It promotes better sleep
• Enhanced Cognitive Function: improving memory and concentration.
• Managing Chronic Conditions: It plays a role in managing diabetes and regulating blood sugar levels.

Ashwagandha Cultivation Project Report: Conclusion

Ashwagandha cultivation offers a low-cost, high-profit opportunity for farmers, mainly for dry land farmers to boost their economy. Contract farming with companies like Himalaya Wellness, Dabur, Patanjali, and Botanical Health provide all the inputs for cultivation and procuring the harvested roots. And its Ayurvedic properties and health benefits, including stress relief and improved cognitive function, have led to increased demand.

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