MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC CROPS (2+1)

Harvesting, processing and yield

• The crop is ready for harvest in 180 days after planting. Flowers if any should be nipped-off during the growing period to obtain more root biomass.
  


• The roots are harvested either by ploughing using a bullock or by tractor. The tubers can also be manually dug and taken with least damage.
  


• The roots are cleaned making free of soil and transported for drying. The roots are cut into small pieces using mechanized rotary motors.
  


• The root bits are spread thinly on the cement yard and allowed to dry for 3-5 days. The roots get completely dried and are packed.


• On an average, a yield of 1500 kg of dried tubers per hectare is obtained. If proper cultivation practices are followed, a yield of 2500 kg of dried tubers can be expected per hectare.