Shatavari Farming in India 2026
Tuberous climber valued in women's health Ayurvedic formulations.
Overview
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a climbing medicinal plant grown for its bunch of tuberous roots, widely used in Ayurvedic tonics, especially for women's health, lactation and general strength. It enjoys steady demand from Ayurvedic and pharmaceutical industry and growing interest in herbal exports. The crop takes about 18 to 24 months to mature, so it ties up land longer than seasonal crops, but it can be intercropped early and grown on partly shaded or marginal land. It is cultivated across many states including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and the Himalayan foothills. Roots are dug, peeled and dried, with several parts fresh root giving one part dry. Because returns depend on the long duration and on quality and buyer, growers should plan finances for the full cycle and confirm market outlets before planting rather than trusting very high profit claims.
Climate
Shatavari grows in tropical and subtropical climates and tolerates a fairly wide range. It does well at about 20 to 35 degrees Celsius, prefers warm humid conditions during growth and can tolerate light shade. Moderate rainfall suits it, but it needs protection from severe frost and prolonged waterlogging.
Soil
It prefers well drained, fertile sandy loam to medium loam rich in organic matter with pH around 6.0 to 8.0. Deep, loose soil helps the tuberous roots develop and makes digging easier. Avoid heavy clay and waterlogged sites. Deep ploughing with generous farmyard manure improves root yield.
Planting & Spacing
Shatavari is usually raised from seed in a nursery and seedlings are transplanted with the monsoon, around June to August, at about 60 cm by 30 to 45 cm spacing, often with a support for the climbing vines. It can also be grown from root crowns. Provide trellis or stakes and keep early weeds in check.
Varieties
Asparagus racemosus is the main cultivated species, with local selections differing in root yield and active saponin content. Some research lines have been identified for higher root yield and shatavarin content. Use healthy nursery seedlings or quality root stock from a reliable source for uniform stands.
Care & Management
Provide support for the vines and weed regularly in the first year. Irrigate at intervals during dry periods, as moderate moisture improves root growth, but avoid waterlogging. Use organic manure as the main nutrient source. In the final months before harvest reduce irrigation so the roots mature well.
Pests & Diseases
Shatavari is relatively hardy. Root rot and wilt can occur in waterlogged soil, so drainage matters. Leaf spot, stem blight and occasional caterpillars or sucking pests may appear in humid conditions. Use clean cultivation, crop rotation, disease free planting material and need based control rather than routine spraying.
Yield & Harvest
Roots are harvested about 18 to 24 months after planting, usually in winter when the vine dries. Plants are dug carefully, roots cleaned, peeled and dried. Average fresh root yield is around 8 to 12 tonnes per hectare, which after peeling and drying gives roughly 1 to 2 tonnes of dry root per hectare, varying with care and season.
Cost & Profit
Cultivation cost over the long cycle commonly runs around 50,000 to 90,000 rupees per acre including labour for peeling and drying. Dry roots typically sell from about 250 to 600 rupees per kg by grade, with good quality or export lots fetching more. Because the crop spans nearly two years, plan working capital for the full period and treat very high per acre profit claims with caution.
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, herbal extract makers, traders in wholesale herbal markets and exporters. Demand is steady and partly export driven. The National Medicinal Plants Board lists Shatavari as a priority species. Confirm buyer, grade and price before harvest, and be cautious with guaranteed buy back offers.
Subsidy & Support
The National Medicinal Plants Board under the Ministry of Ayush supports Shatavari through cultivation subsidies, nursery and post harvest assistance and training, usually routed through State Medicinal Plants Boards. Given the long crop cycle, this support helps with cash flow. 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 Shatavari take to harvest?
What dry root yield can I expect?
Can Shatavari be intercropped?
Where is Shatavari sold?
Which soil suits Shatavari best?
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