ponsanthan
Member
White Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus). The part used in this plant is tubers. It takes 24 months to produce nice tubers. It is a spinous hard climber grows to a height of 5-10 ft or even more, leaves are needle like. Shatavari means 100 root tubers. A climber can produce a bunch of 100 roots. Tubers will grow 1 – 3 ft long, thickness will be 1.5 -3 cm depending upon the soil texture and water availability. It is propagated through seeds. It needs some support to grow. 2-3 ft spacing is required from plant to plant. 7000 seedlings can be planted in an acre. The seeds should be planted in seed trays or polythene bags and maintained for 3 months afterwards it should be planted in the main field; during rainy season. Once seedlings established watering is optional, but regular watering ensures good yield. After 24 months the tubers should be uprooted, chopped, skin peeled and dried. The drying ratio will be 10:1. Current market price per kg dried root is around Rs.120/-. The demand for the drug is increasing. Seeds are available from Neemuch suppliers. It will be around Rs. 500/ kg. Even half kg seed is enough for 1 acre. 2-3 ton yield expected from one acre. There is scope for 3lakh rupees per acre in 2 years. It is an aphrodisiac drug; it also increases milk secretion in feeding mothers. It is rich in saponins and starch. Cultivation of Shatavari is encouraging. There is assured market for it.