Guggul

Guggul – Commiphora weightii 

Economic part – Olio gum resin

Varieties – Mahishaksha, Mahanneel, Padamda Marusudha and Kanak guggul

Total duration of crop – It is a perennial crop.

Soil and climate –

This crop grows well in arid and semi-arid regions and is naturally tolerant to drought and salinity. It can be cultivated both in plains and hilly areas, especially where soils are rocky or hard. Sandy-loam soils with good drainage, coarse texture, and higher gypsum levels are most suitable. It performs best in soils with a pH between 7.5 and 9.

 

Cultivation –

The crop is mainly established using stem cuttings taken from mature branches. Cuttings about 1 meter long and roughly 10 mm thick are planted in a well-manured nursery bed during June–July. Light and regular irrigation helps them root. Sprouting usually starts within 10–15 days, and the young plants become fully established over the next 10–12 months. These rooted plants are ready for field planting in the next monsoon. Stem cuttings show a high success rate of 80–94%, while seed germination is low (around 5%), though seedlings tend to be stronger and more wind-resistant

 

Fertilizer –

Application of 5kg FYM per plant per year is sufficient.

 

Irrigation –

Once established, the plants need only moderate watering. When they reach maturity at about 6–7 years, they require irrigation twice during summer and winter seasons.

 

Harvesting/ Post harvesting operation –

Plants attain normal height and girth after 8-10 years of growth when they are ready for tapping of the gum by shallow incision on the bark between December and March.

 

Yield –

Each mature plant typically produces around 500–800 grams of gum.

Benefits of Guggul –

1. ·         Supports Healthy Cholesterol Levels
2. ·         Promotes Joint Comfort
3. ·         Helps Maintain Clear Skin
4. ·         Supports Thyroid Function
5. ·         Natural Detoxifier
6. ·         Enhances Immunity
7. ·         Supports Liver Health

Approximate economics of Guggul cultivation:

Ist Year	₹	IInd Year	₹
Land preparation	500	Land preparation	-
Cost of plant + transplanting	6000	Land rent	6500
Cost of FYM + DAP	3000	Cost of FYM + DAP	3000
Irrigation	1000	Irrigation	500
Weeding	500	Weeding	500
Plant protection	1000	Plant protection	500
Tending/ Taping	-	Tending/ Tapping	1000
Total	₹12,100	Total	₹ 12,000

 

Returns per hectare:
            Cost of guggul ₹ 65 – 85 per kg

                Total guggul production after 5^th year at rate of 1000 gm/ plant = 3200kg

                Gross return from sale of guggul = ₹ 2,80,000

                Cost of cultivation upto 10 years at rate of ₹ 12,000 per hectare per year = ₹1,20,000

                                Net return/hectare/year = ₹54,000 (approx.)