MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC CROPS (2+1)

Harvesting and yield

The first harvest can be done after six months of planting. The spikes are ready for harvest 2 months after their formation on the plants. Spikes are picked when they are blackish green and most pungent. The harvested spikes are dried in the sun for 4 to 5 days until they are perfectly dry. The green/to dry spike ratio is around 10:1.5. The dried spikes are then stored in the moisture proof containers.







During the first year, the dry spike yield is around 200 kg per hectare. The yield increases thereafter up to 3 years and it will be about 500 kg per hectare during the third year. After three years, the productivity of the vines decreases and should be replanted. Besides the spike, the thick parts of stems and roots which have medicinal value may also be harvested from 18 months after planting. While harvesting the stems are cut close to ground, the roots are dug up, cleaned and heaped in shade for a day, after which they are cut close to ground, the roots are dug up, cleaned and heaped in shade for a day, after which they are cut into 2.5 to 5 cm long pieces. The average yield of dried roots is 500 kg per hectare.