Hello sir
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.
The crop can be sown either by broad casting or in lines.
About 500-750 gm seeds are sufficient for 1 ha. field.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Commercially, 6 to 15 mm diameter and 7 to 10 cm length root species are better.
The unit cost for development of 1 ha transplanted Ashwagandha cultivation is Rs.22,400/-.
For details contact
National Medicinal Plants Board, Department of AYUSH,
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India,
Chandralok Building, 36,
Janpath New Delhi - 110001,
Phone: 011 - 23319255,
Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants,
P.O. - CIMAP, Near Kukrail Picnic Spot,
Lucknow - 226 015,
Indiaphone: 0522-2359623
E-mail:
director@cimap.res.in