Kalmegh

• Kalmegh – Andrographis paniculata
  

Economic part – Whole plant

Varieties – Andrographis echiodes is a common substitute to the Kalmegh.

Total duration of crop – 100 – 120 days.

Soil and climate –

            This crop can grow well in partially shaded wastelands and adapts to various soil types, from loamy to lateritic soils with moderate fertility. It prefers a hot and humid climate with plenty of sunlight. With the arrival of the monsoon, the plant grows vigorously and begins flowering around September. Flowering and fruiting continue until December, or until temperatures drop sharply in the northern regions.

 

Cultivation –

            In nature, the plant spreads through scattered seeds, though vegetative propagation is also possible since its nodes can develop roots through layering. The seeds are small and usually stay dormant for 5–6 months.

For one hectare of land, prepare three nursery beds (10 × 2 m each) in May by tilling and leveling them. Add plenty of organic manure to raise strong seedlings. Sow the seeds lightly and cover them with a thin layer of soil–compost mix. Keep the beds mulched and water gently until seedlings appear in 6–7 days.

Once seedlings sprout, remove the mulch to prevent them from becoming too tall. After about 10–15 days, start giving regular light irrigation until they are ready for transplanting. Seedlings are transplanted in the second half of June, spacing rows 45–60 cm apart and plants 30–45 cm apart. Water the beds immediately after transplanting.

Fertilizer –

            Even after applying 25–30 tonnes of FYM per hectare, the crop benefits from additional fertilizers. An NPK dose of 75 kg nitrogen, 75 kg phosphorus, and 50 kg potash per hectare is recommended. Half of the nitrogen, along with all the phosphorus and potash, is applied as a basal dose. The remaining nitrogen is given as top dressing about 30 days after transplanting.

 

Irrigation –

            The crop is mostly grown under rainfed conditions. In regions with good rainfall, irrigation isn’t usually necessary. However, in dry periods, the crop needs watering every 3–4 days during the early stages, then once a week as it grows stronger. Once well established, irrigation should be given only when required.

 

Harvesting –

            The crop allows 2–3 harvests per year. The first harvest is done 4–5 months after sowing, ideally when the plant begins to flower. Plants are cut near the base, leaving 15–20 cm of stem so they can regrow. After each harvest, apply a dose of nitrogen and irrigate to promote new growth. The next harvest can be done 60–65 days after the first. Harvested plants are shade-dried for 3–4 days before storage.

 

 

Yield –

            Under good management and favorable conditions, the crop yields 2–2.5 tonnes of dried herb per hectare.

 

Medicinal properties of Kalmegh –

•       Digestive: Promotes Digestion
•       Hepatoprotective: Protects the liver and gall bladder.
•       Vermicidal: Kills intestinal worms & support intestine.
•       Anti-acne: Protect skin from pimples.
•       Anti-inflammatory: Reduces swelling and cuts down exudation from capillaries.
•       Expectorant: Promotes mucus discharge from the respiratory system.
•       Laxative: Aids bowel elimination. 

 

Details	Total expenditure (₹)
Nursery	300/-
Plantation	3375/-
Processing after harvesting	3975/-
Seed	1650/-
Fertilizers	1200/-
Manures	2000/-
Miscellaneous expenditure	4500/-
Total	₹ 17,000/-

 

Returns:

            Total yield – 20 quintals (approx.)

            Sales price - ₹ 2,600/- per quintal

            Total amount - ₹ 52,000/-

            Net profit - ₹ 52,000 - ₹ 17,000

= ₹ 35,000 per hectare (approx.)