Shatavari Plant
Shatavari – Asparagus
racemosus
Varieties – Asparagus officinalis
Total
duration of crop – Two to three years.
Soil and
Climate – The plant can grow in many types of soils, but sandy loam or medium
black soil with good drainage is best. Waterlogging should be avoided, as the
crop cannot withstand standing water. It grows well in tropical and subtropical
climates and can also be cultivated in dry land areas.
Cultivation
– The plant can grow in many types of soils, but sandy loam or medium black
soil with good drainage is best. Waterlogging should be avoided, as the crop
cannot withstand standing water. It grows well in tropical and subtropical
climates and can also be cultivated in dry land areas.
Fertilizer –
The crop grows well with both organic manures and chemical fertilizers, though
organic manures like FYM, cowdung, vermicompost are generally preferred. Cow dung is applied as a basal dose
while preparing the land. To boost healthy growth, fertilizers like nitrogen
(N), phosphorus (P), and potash (K) are used. Around 120 kg each of phosphorus
and potash are applied as a basal dose, while 200 kg of nitrogen is given in
three split doses during the crop’s growth.
Irrigation –
The plants should be watered immediately after planting. For the first 5–6 days
after transplanting, seedlings need daily watering. After this period, water
the crop every other day, twice each time, until it becomes well established.
Once matured, provide two irrigations during the winter and one irrigation per
month during the summer.
Harvesting –
The plants can be harvested after 2–3 years of cultivation. Harvesting is done
in winter by carefully uprooting the plants. The roots should be dug out gently
to avoid any damage.
Yield – On average, each plant produces about 2.5–3 kg of fresh roots after 2–3 years. This works out to around 6–7 tonnes of dry roots per hectare
Medicinal Properties of Shatavari
- Supports female reproductive
health
- Boosts immunity
- Digestive aid
- Strengthens the body
- Supports lactation
- Adaptogenic properties
Approximate Economics of
Shatavari Cultivation –
|
Ist Year |
IInd Year |
||
|
Land Preparation |
₹ 1000 |
Weeding |
₹ 1000 |
|
Nursery raising |
₹ 300 |
||
|
Seeds (rhizomes) |
₹ 250 |
||
|
Manure/Fertilizer |
₹ 1200 |
Irrigation |
₹ 500 |
|
Transplantation |
₹ 600 |
||
|
Weeding/Hoeing |
₹ 1000 |
||
|
Irrigation |
₹ 500 |
Harvesting |
₹ 3600 |
|
Miscellaneous expenditure |
₹ 1000 |
||
|
Total |
₹ 5850 |
Total |
₹ 5100 |
Output:
Total Expenditure = Ist
+ IInd year
5850 + 5100 = ₹ 10,950
Returns per hectare = ₹ 36,000 (approx.)
Net
profit = ₹ 25,050 after two years (approx.)