SMPB NEWS
Nation-wide Campaign on Ashwagandha
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) is promoting the cultivation of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), a medicinal plant used in the Ayurvedic system. The campaign aims to increase awareness and utilization of the plant across India.
The Chittur block in Palakkad District was chosen for trial cultivation due to favourable soil and climate conditions. Four trial plots, each covering one acre, were established in Kerala to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of ashwagandha cultivation. ISD Farm, Eruthempathy, State seed farm, Muthalamada and two farmer fields in Eruthempathy were chosen for the demonstration trial.
Two Ashwagandha varieties, 'Pushti' and 'Poshita', were planted in trial plots with Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhiza from Kerala Agricultural University. The soil pH ranged from 7.5 to 8.1, suitable for Ashwagandha cultivation. The project marked the first commercial Ashwagandha planting in Kerala. The initial results from the experimental plots were highly promising, demonstrating the successful growth and adaptability of Ashwagandha in the region.
To raise awareness among local farmers, a seminar on Ashwagandha cultivation was held on February 27, 2024, at Krishi Bhavan in Eruthempathy, Palakkad. Approximately 90 farmers attended the seminar, which was well-received and deemed a success. The seminar aimed to educate farmers on the benefits and cultivation practices of Ashwagandha, and about 15000 seedlings of Ashwagandha were distributed. The seminar was successful in attracting farmers' interest in Ashwagandha cultivation, highlighting the potential for expanding Ashwagandha farming in Kerala and beyond.
Trial plots and seminar established the Ashwagandha farming foundation in Kerala, contributing to the medicinal plant industry. SMPB published a book on cultivation methods, soil conditions, and medicinal products derived from Ashwagandha, benefiting local farmers. Visit Publications sction of SMPB Kerala website (https://www.smpbkerala.in/publications/) for more details.