Sarpagandha

Sarpagandha – Rauwolfia serpentine                           

Economic part – Root

Varieties – Rauwolfia obversa, Rauwolfia trifoliata

Total duration of crop – Three to four years.

Soil and Climate –

The plant grows best in medium to deep soils that are fertile, well-drained, and slightly acidic to neutral. Clay-loam or silt-loam soils with good organic matter are ideal for farming. Sandy soils should be avoided because they can make the crop susceptible to diseases. The plant prefers warm, frost-free tropical or subtropical climates with proper irrigation. For best results, the soil should be acidic, with a pH around 4.

 

Cultivation –

In Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, the best time to sow seeds in the nursery is around the end of April. Prepare raised nursery beds of about 10 x 10 m in the partial side. The bed mixture should contain one-third well-decomposed farmyard manure (FYM) and leaf mold, and two-thirds silt-loam soil. An area of about 500 sq. m of seedbeds is enough to raise seedlings for one hectare of land.

Sow the seeds in shallow furrows, keeping a spacing of 2-3cm between them. Cover the furrows lightly with a fine mix of soil and FYM. Keep the beds moist with light watering. Seeds begin to germinate in 15-20 days and may continue for up to 30-40 days. By mid-July, the seedlings are ready for transplanting.

Transplant the seedlings at 30cm spacing within rows that are 45 cm apart. If there is no rainfall at or soon after transplanting, provide irrigation for better establishment. Since Sarpgandha is a long-duration crop (about 18 months) and grows slowly in the early stages, farmers often grow intercrops with it.

Fertilizer –

The plants are provided with various chemical fertilizers and manures periodically. Application of 8-10 tonnes of FYM per hectare before planting ensures optimum and continuous supply of nutrients to that plant. A basal dose of 30 kg of Nitrogen (N), 30 kg Phosphorus (P₂O₅) and 30kg Potash (K₂O) per hectare should also be applied before planting. Two top dressings of 25 kg N per hectare should be done after planting August/ September and in February/ March. The same schedule of fertilizer should be repeated during the second and third year of crop.

Irrigation –

Seedlings should be watered regularly. Generally, 15-16 irrigations are enough – about once every 20 days in summer and once every days in winter.

 

Harvesting/ Post Harvesting –

 The plants are removed from the field after 3-4 years, during the winter season when they are dormant. The roots are dug out, cleaned, washed, and then cut into pieces about 12 – 15cm long to make drying and storage easier. Once fully dried, the roots should be stored in gunny bags lined with polythene and kept in a cool, dry place to prevent mold.

 

Yield –

Plants grow from seeds generally produce the highest yield. Under irrigation, the average root yield is about 1,000-1,200 kg per hectare. Actual yield can vary based on soil type, climate, and the age of the plants.

 

Medicinal Properties of Sarpgandha –

• ·         Reduce the high blood pressure
• ·         Reduces rapid heartbeat
• ·         Digestive benefits
• ·         Useful for anxiety and mental stress

• ·          Anti – inflammatory and pain relieving properties