Kalmegh Farming in India 2026
Bitter immune and liver tonic herb known as king of bitters.
Overview
Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), often called the king of bitters, is a short duration leafy medicinal herb grown for its whole dried plant, rich in the bitter compound andrographolide. It is widely used in Ayurvedic and herbal formulations for immunity, liver health, fever and respiratory care, and demand has grown with rising interest in natural immune support. India is among the leading producers and a large global market exists. Being a Kharif herb harvested in a single season, it gives quicker returns than long root crops and fits well into rainfed and intercropping systems. It is grown in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and other states. Per kg prices are moderate, so income relies on good yields of quality herb with high andrographolide, plus a confirmed buyer such as an extract or Ayurvedic company.
Climate
Kalmegh is a tropical to subtropical herb that grows well in warm, humid conditions during the monsoon. It performs best at about 25 to 35 degrees Celsius with moderate rainfall and tolerates partial shade, which makes it suitable as an intercrop. It is sensitive to frost and prolonged waterlogging.
Soil
It grows on a wide range of soils but prefers fertile, well drained loamy soil rich in organic matter with near neutral pH. Light shade and moist but not waterlogged conditions favour leafy growth. Prepare a fine seedbed and mix in farmyard manure before sowing or transplanting.
Planting & Spacing
Kalmegh is grown by raising seedlings in a nursery and transplanting them with the monsoon, around June to July, at about 30 cm by 15 cm spacing, or by direct sowing of the fine seed. Only a small quantity of seed, roughly 400 grams to a few hundred grams, is needed per hectare because the seed is very small.
Varieties
Andrographis paniculata is the cultivated species, with selections differing in andrographolide content, which determines quality and price. Some institutes have released improved high andrographolide lines such as CIM and CIMAP selections. Use quality seed of a known line, since active content strongly affects buyer acceptance.
Care & Management
Keep the field weed free in the early weeks and provide light irrigation if monsoon rain is deficient, while avoiding waterlogging. Modest farmyard manure usually suffices and excess nitrogen should be avoided. The crop can give a first cut at flowering and regrow for a second cut, so keep it healthy after the first harvest.
Pests & Diseases
Kalmegh is fairly hardy, helped by its bitterness which deters many pests. Damping off can affect nursery seedlings, so use clean seedbeds and good drainage. Leaf spot and occasional sucking pests may appear in very humid weather. Use clean cultivation, crop rotation and need based, light control measures.
Yield & Harvest
Plants are cut at the flowering stage, about 90 to 120 days after sowing, leaving short stubble for regrowth, with a second cut possible roughly 50 to 60 days later. The herb is dried in shade or mild sun. Dry herb yield is commonly about 2,000 to 2,500 kg per hectare across cuttings, varying with management and season.
Cost & Profit
Cultivation cost is moderate, often around 25,000 to 40,000 rupees per hectare, helped by low seed need. Dry herb prices are moderate and vary mainly with andrographolide content and cleanliness. With good yields and a buyer paying for high active content, returns can be reasonable, but confirm grade specifications and price before planting a large area.
These are indicative ranges. Actual cost and income vary by region, market and management, so verify locally.
Market & Demand
Buyers include Ayurvedic and herbal companies, extract and nutraceutical manufacturers and exporters, as kalmegh extract has a sizable global market. The National Medicinal Plants Board recognises kalmegh as a supported medicinal species. Quality, especially andrographolide content, drives price, so test if possible and confirm buyer requirements. Be cautious with unverified buy back schemes.
Subsidy & Support
The National Medicinal Plants Board under the Ministry of Ayush supports kalmegh through cultivation subsidies, nursery development, post harvest help and training, usually delivered via State Medicinal Plants Boards. Apply through your state board or district horticulture office and confirm current rates and eligibility for your region.
Where to grow it in India
Frequently asked questions
How long does Kalmegh take to harvest?
What decides the price of Kalmegh?
What yield can I expect from Kalmegh?
Can Kalmegh be grown as an intercrop?
How much seed is needed for Kalmegh?
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