Nagauri Ashwagandha: Dryland Farmers' Boon, Lakhs in Earnings with Minimal Water

• Nagauri Ashwagandha, recently granted a GI tag, is transforming agriculture in Rajasthan's Nagaur district, offering high profits in dry areas.
• Known for its medicinal properties and distinct thick roots, it thrives in dry, warm climates and light sandy-loamy soil with a pH of 7.5-8.0.
• Cultivation requires minimal water (1-2 irrigations), making it ideal for water-scarce regions; excessive water can rot roots.
• Sowing in September-October, with 4-5 kg seeds per hectare and minimal fertilizer (15 kg nitrogen/potash), keeps costs low.
• Farmers can earn 3-4 lakh rupees per hectare from 5-6 quintals of dry roots, with cultivation costs of only 15-20 thousand rupees, due to high demand from Ayurvedic companies.

Why It Matters: Nagauri Ashwagandha offers significant income for farmers in dry regions with low water and cultivation costs.