Commercial herbal farming is a very popular and old farming business in various countries worldwide. People use herbs almost everywhere all over the world. Herbal cultivation is the practice of producing herbs for market sale purposes. Growing herbs on a small scale on small farms is an ancient practice. Herbal farming is very beneficial in small farms as small farms are more efficient in terms of manpower usage and the value of crops on a per-acre basis.
How to Start Herbal Farming?
It is very easy to start commercial herbicide or small-scale farming. When you start growing any plant, you need to know the various essential sections which will be useful for profitable cultivation. We can provide information about the most reliable tractors in herbal farming. We can recommend Powertrac Tractor, which assists in the entire process of farming. In the below section, you should know about herbal farming with complete information.
Soil and Prepare the Land Requirement for Herbal Farming
You should choose the good fertility of the soil with good conditions for herbal farming. You should keep the well-drained soil and free from waterlogging. Prepare the land in such a way that it is easily crumbled. This will allow the roots to get enough water without rotting and strengthen them as well. If the soil is not suitable in any field area, then some changes should be made by amending the soil so that good and healthy growth of herbs can occur.
Greenhouses/Nurseries
Greenhouse production systems are a great way to grow herbs year-round. It is very important to control the temperature and water condition inside the greenhouse in this system. Growers can also start seedlings early and then get them ready for transplanting outside when the weather permits.
The greenhouse used for growth depends on the long-term needs of the herb farm, and utility costs must be considered when determining the size and type of greenhouse installation required.
For growing from the seedling stage to the full cycle of the plant are water, light, water, mineral content of the soil, temperature control, control of the gases required in the process of pest and photosynthesis, and disease management.
Propagation
Farmers do herbal farming using many propagation systems like other commercial crop production systems. You can start growing the herb plants from seed or purchase them as a seedling. Farmers grow the common herbs from seed: chives, basil, dill, curly leafed parsley, flat, thyme, sage, aloe vera, rosemary, cilantro, lavender, etc.
You can also grow some herbs via rooting, cutting, division of the plant, tissue or bulb culture. Soft-stemmed herbs work with rooting cuttings such as basil, mint, lemon balm, and stevia. The advantage of growing through the vegetative process is to give you a plant that is exactly the same as the parent plant.
Diseases & Pests Control
To control pests and disease, most herb growers used organic materials. Common pests are lacewings, ladybugs, aphids, mantids, parasites, fungus gnats, whiteflies, predatory mites, etc. Common herb diseases are rusts, viruses, root diseases, mildew and botrytis etc. To control them, always try to apply organic methods.
Different Types of Herbs
There are various herbs available to grow. You can choose any herbs to start your commercial herbal farming business.
- Aromatic Herbs
- Biennial Herbs
- Culinary Herbs
- Medicinal Herbs and
- Perennial Herbs
1. Aromatic Herbs Farming
Aromatic herbs are used for enhancing the taste of the food, and these dishes are called aromatic herbs. This herb is used to season the stews and add extra flavour to the recipe. Due to its aromatic and medicinal value, Aromatic herbs are mostly used in the foods of the Mediterranean.
2. Biennial Herbs
The ‘biennial’ term refers to the longevity of the plant. Plants grown as annuals will only live for one season, and their entire life cycle will be completed in that time. The seeds that are dormant will go on to grow in the next season. These plants take about two years to complete their life cycle.
Biennial plants will grow leaves, roots and stem in the first year and, in winter, it reaches a dormant period. The stem will be short, and the leaves will be very low to form a rosette.
Biennial plants will take a winter treat before flowering. After that, the stem grows well, and the plant begins to flower the following summer. It also produces the best number of fruits and seeds before death.
3. Culinary Herbs
Culinary herbs will have properties that are aromatic and flavorful. They are used as flavourings in food and also for garnishing purposes. And most of these culinary herbs are annuals, and some live for many years.
Culinary herbs that have a long life will also serve as insect repellent plants, companion plants, etc. In addition, these herbs are tolerant of drought after their establishment and will require full sun.
4. Medicinal Herbs
Medicinal herbal farming has become a popular business in many countries worldwide, especially in South Asian countries. This is because these herbs are cash crops that are considered very profitable and those that are most valuable. Therefore, this herbal farming has been a very good opportunity for farmers.
5. Perennial Herbs
Perennial plants which live for at least three years. The leaves that are at the top move back to the ground each winter and then regrow the following summer from the roots that are currently in place. Perennial herbs are those herbs that are grown from herbaceous plants that can live for more than two seasons. For the farmers who are growing vegetables and herbs, the cultivation of perennial plants will save more time as well as save effort with big profits. Although these plants do not survive low temperatures, there are some types of perennial plants that can survive the winter as well. When you are considering growing perennial plants, you should choose a place that is permanent to grow them.
Note – Herbal farming is very easy and simple while you begin it at the initial level. When you want to get information about herbal cultivation, you should also know the equipment that will help to boost the yield. Cultivators, Tillers and tractors are crucial factors in herbal farming. However, you can choose the Same Deutz Fahr Tractor or many more famous branded tractors.
For more information regarding herbal farming in India, stay tuned with us.