Mulethi Farming in India 2026
Sweet liquorice root crop in steady demand by Ayurveda and industry.
Overview
Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), or liquorice, is a perennial medicinal crop grown for its sweet roots, valued in Ayurvedic cough and throat formulations, digestive and general tonics, and widely used in food, confectionery and the flavour industry for the compound glycyrrhizin. India consumes a large quantity yet imports much of its liquorice, so domestic cultivation has clear potential, though it is still limited. It is a long duration crop that stays in the field for about two and a half to three years before the roots are dug, so it needs patience and assured irrigation. It is being developed in Punjab, Haryana, the sub Himalayan tracts and parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, with research institutes supplying planting material. Returns depend on the long cycle, root and glycyrrhizin yield and a confirmed buyer, so plan finances for the full period and secure a market before planting widely.
Climate
Mulethi prefers a warm temperate to subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters and grows well in regions with full sun. It tolerates a fairly wide temperature range and some dryness once established, but needs assured irrigation during the dry season for good root growth. It does not suit heavy frost pockets or permanently wet land.
Soil
It grows best on deep, well drained, fertile loamy or sandy loam soil with pH around 6.0 to 7.5 and good organic matter. Deep, loose soil allows the long roots and underground runners to develop and eases digging. Avoid heavy, poorly drained or saline land. Deep ploughing with farmyard manure improves the long term root crop.
Planting & Spacing
Mulethi is propagated mainly from root or rhizome cuttings and crown divisions, since seed germination is poor, planted in the warm season at a wide spacing such as around 60 to 90 cm between rows. Healthy planting material from a research institute or reliable nursery gives a better stand. Provide irrigation after planting to establish the cuttings.
Varieties
Glycyrrhiza glabra is the main cultivated species. Improved selections such as the HM-1 line developed by research institutes offer better root yield with good glycyrrhizin content, and institutes like CSIR have supplied planting material to farmers. Use authentic, high glycyrrhizin planting material from a reliable source for quality roots.
Care & Management
Keep the field weed free, especially in the first year, and irrigate at intervals of roughly 30 to 45 days in the dry summer season while avoiding waterlogging. Apply farmyard manure and modest nutrients. Because the crop is in the ground for two to three years, maintain it steadily across seasons so the roots and runners build up well before harvest.
Pests & Diseases
Mulethi is relatively hardy. Root rot and wilt can occur in heavy or waterlogged soil, so drainage matters. Leaf spot, rust and occasional sucking pests or caterpillars may appear. Use disease free planting material, good drainage, crop rotation and need based control, and remove badly affected plants to limit spread over the long crop.
Yield & Harvest
Roots and underground runners are dug after about two and a half to three years, usually in winter, when glycyrrhizin content is good. They are cleaned, trimmed and dried. A satisfactory crop yields roughly 5 tonnes of roots per hectare along with a large quantity of trimmings, with improved lines such as HM-1 giving around 7 to 8 tonnes of roots, varying with soil and management.
Cost & Profit
Over the long cycle, cultivation cost is spread across two to three years and includes planting material, irrigation and labour, so plan working capital accordingly. Liquorice root and powder fetch moderate to good prices depending on glycyrrhizin content and processing, with premium extracts worth more. Since India imports much of its liquorice, demand is assured, but treat profit estimates cautiously given the long wait.
These are indicative ranges. Actual cost and income vary by region, market and management, so verify locally.
Market & Demand
Buyers include Ayurvedic and pharmaceutical companies, the food, confectionery and flavour industry, and herbal extract makers, with strong demand met partly by imports. The National Medicinal Plants Board lists mulethi as a priority species and supports domestic cultivation to cut import dependence. Confirm a buyer and quality requirement, and prefer institutes or processors over unverified buy back offers.
Subsidy & Support
The National Medicinal Plants Board under the Ministry of Ayush promotes mulethi cultivation to reduce import dependence, offering subsidies, planting material support and training, usually through State Medicinal Plants Boards, while research institutes such as CSIR have supplied quality planting material to farmers. Apply through your state board or district horticulture office and confirm current rates and eligibility.
Where to grow it in India
Frequently asked questions
How long does mulethi take before harvest?
How is mulethi propagated?
What root yield does mulethi give?
Why is there scope for growing mulethi in India?
Who buys mulethi roots?
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