Brahmi
Brahmi: Bacopa monnieri
Family: Scorphulariaceae
Economic
part – Whole plant, fresh as well as dried.
Varieties
– Baccopa monnieri (also
known as Water Hyssop or Neer Brahmi) and Centella
asiatica (also known as Gotu Kola or Mandukparni), are two separate herbs
traditionally used in Ayurveda as brain tonics. They are different plants with
their own unique characteristics. Baccopa
monnieri thrives in watery, marsh-like environments, whereas Centella asiatica is typically found in
moist swampy areas.
Total
duration of crop – It is a perennial crop. (Plant can survive for more than two
years)
Soil and
climate-
This plant adapts well to a wide range of soils and
climates. It performs especially well in moist, poorly drained or waterlogged environments
typical of sub-tropical regions. The plants shows best growth in warm, humid
weather, so it is preferably planted in early summers as the rainy season
approaches. High temperature ranging from 30°C to 40°C is favorable for growth.
Propagation-
Propagation
is done by using soft, herbaceous cuttings. For large scale cultivation, the
entire plant is divided into smaller sections and placed directly into prepared
sunken beds. Approximately, 62,500 cuttings are needed to plant one hectare.
Cuttings about 5-6 cm long, each containing a few leaves and nodes, are
preferred as they root quickly and establish well. They are planted in moist
soil with a spacing of 10 x 10 cm to achieve maximum herbage production. Flood
irrigation is applied immediately after planting. For the best yield,
transplanting should be carried out during July – August.
Manures
and fertilizers-
Using
natural fertilizers such as FYM or compost is generally enough to support
healthy growth. However, to enhance both quality and yield, supplementing with
nitrogen-based fertilizers is recommended. A basal dose of 60kg phosphorus, and
60kg potash per hectare should be provided, along with 100 kg of nitrogen per
hectare, divided into three split applications.
Irrigation-
This is a moisture loving,
marsh-adapted plant that requires regular irrigation. The first watering
immediately after transplanting is crucial for the survival of the cuttings.
Afterward, the fields are typically flooded every 7-8 days, depending on the
requirement. During the monsoon season, additional irrigation is generally
unnecessary.
Interculture
operation –
In the early stages of growth, the plants need hand
weeding every 5-20 days. As the plant mature and form a dense mass of
vegetation, weeding becomes less frequent and is only needed occasionally.
Plant
protection-
Grass
hoppers are commonly observed and can be controlled by spraying of neem based
insecticide or 0.2% of Nuvocron or Rogar.
Harvesting
-
The harvested plant should be dried in the shade at
room temperature. Alternatively, it can be oven-treated at 80°C for 30 minutes
immediately after harvest. Following this, the material can be further
air-dried on the ground at room temperature or in an oven at 37°C. The dried
material must be thoroughly cleaned of any impurities. For storage, keep it in
a cool, dry room in bags or boxes on concrete flooring, away from walls. Proper
precautions should be taken to prevent fungal or insect infestation.
Yield –
When Brahmi is harvested after September, the crop
can produce about 300 quintals of fresh herb and about 60 quintals of dried
herb per hectare. An additional harvest in June provides another 40 quintals of
dried material. Overall, growers can expect roughly 100 quintals of dry herb
per hectare annually.
Benefits of Brahmi –
·
Boosts memory and learning
·
Reduces stress and anxiety
·
Supports brain health
·
Improves concentration
·
Promotes better sleep
·
Supports the nervous system
·
Good for heart
· Skin and hair benefits
Approximate Economics of
Cultivation –
|
Ist Year |
IInd Year |
||
|
Land Preparation |
₹ 3500 |
Fertilizers |
₹ 2000 |
|
Nursery raising |
₹ 2000 |
||
|
Transplanting |
₹ 1000 |
||
|
Manure/Fertilizer |
₹ 4000 |
Irrigation |
₹ 1000 |
|
Irrigation |
₹ 3000 |
||
|
Harvesting |
₹ 6500 |
||
|
Weeding/Hoeing |
₹ 2000 |
Harvesting |
₹ 5000 |
|
Labour charges |
₹ 9000 |
||
|
Miscellaneous expenditure |
₹ 1000 |
||
|
Total |
₹ 32,000 |
Total |
₹ 8,000 |
Total Expenditure = Ist
+ IInd year
32,000+8,000 = ₹ 40,000
Returns per hectare:
Dry herb at rate of ₹ 20/kg
Total yield = 100
Qunitals
Gross return = ₹ 20,000
Net profit = ₹ 1,60,000 after two years