High-yielding certified varieties and seed selection
- Jawahar Asgandh-20 (JA-20): High root-yielding variety developed by RVSKVV Mandsaur, featuring high withanolide alkaloid content.
- WS-90: High-yielding drought-hardy selection noted for uniform root length and thick bark ratio.
- CIM-Pratap: High root and seed yielding selection bred by CSIR-CIMAP for dryland farming.
- Poshita: Vigorous selection yielding high root biomass suitable for late kharif sowing.
- Seed quality criteria: Choose certified seeds with minimum 70% germination and 98% genetic purity.
Soil suitability, climate, and sowing parameters
- Climate and soil: Thrives in dry sub-tropical climates with 500 to 750 mm rainfall; prefers well-drained sandy loam or light red soils with pH 7.5 to 8.0.
- Sowing window: Late Kharif sowing (August to September) is optimal so roots mature through cool winter months.
- Seed rate: 10 to 12 kg per hectare for broadcast sowing; 5 to 6 kg per hectare for line sowing at 30 cm × 10 cm spacing.
- Seed treatment: Treat seeds with Trichoderma viride (5 g/kg seed) or Thiram (3 g/kg seed) to prevent damping-off and root rot.
Harvest indicators, root processing, and marketing
- Maturity indicators: Crop matures in 150 to 180 days when leaves turn yellow and berry fruits turn bright orange-red.
- Harvesting method: Ploughed with a mouldboard plough to uproot deep taproots without breakage.
- Post-harvest processing: Roots are separated from tops, washed, cut into 7 to 10 cm pieces, and graded (Super, Special, Good, Commercial).
- Subsidies and guidance: Financial support for medicinal plant cultivation is coordinated through the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB).
Official source
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National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What are the best certified varieties of Ashwagandha in India?
Prominent varieties include Jawahar Asgandh-20 (JA-20), WS-90, CIM-Pratap, and Poshita.
What is the recommended seed rate for Ashwagandha cultivation?
The seed rate is 10 to 12 kg per hectare for broadcasting and 5 to 6 kg per hectare for line sowing.
When is Ashwagandha sown in India?
It is sown during late kharif (August to September) so that roots develop through cool, dry winter weather.
Which government portal provides guidelines on medicinal crop cultivation?
The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) at nmpb.nic.in provides comprehensive guidelines and scheme support.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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