How to Start Ashwagandha Farming in India: Guide 2025

Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera or Indian ginseng, is one of the most valued medicinal herbs in Ayurveda. With a growing demand in India and across the globe for herbal supplements, adaptogens, and natural stress relievers, Ashwagandha has become a highly profitable crop for farmers. Its roots, which are the main source of medicinal compounds, are widely used in health supplements, tonics, and Ayurvedic formulations.

If you’re a farmer, an agripreneur, or simply someone exploring medicinal plant cultivation, Ashwagandha farming could be a rewarding venture. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of starting Ashwagandha farming in India—from selecting the right variety to harvesting and marketing your produce.

Why Choose Ashwagandha Farming?

Before diving into the technicalities, here’s why Ashwagandha farming is becoming increasingly popular:

• High demand in pharmaceutical and wellness industries
• Short cultivation period (150–180 days)
• Requires low water and minimal maintenance
• Can thrive in semi-arid and dry climates
• Offers good returns on investment

Step 1: Understanding the Ideal Climate and Soil

Ashwagandha is a hardy plant that adapts well to dry, subtropical climates.

Climate Requirements:

• Ideal temperature: 20°C to 35°C
• Best grown in dry regions with minimal rainfall
• Can tolerate mild frost but is sensitive to waterlogging

Soil Requirements:

• Prefers light, sandy loam or red soil
• pH range: 7.5 to 8.0 (alkaline to neutral)
• Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot
• Avoid heavy clayey soils

Tip: If you’re unsure about your soil type, conduct a soil test to check nutrient levels, pH, and organic matter content.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Variety

There are several local and improved varieties of Ashwagandha cultivated across India.

Popular Varieties:

• Jawahar Ashwagandha-20 (JA-20): High root yield and withanolide content
• RVA-100: Developed by CSIR-CIMAP, ideal for high commercial yield
• POSHITA: Known for superior root quality
• WS-134: Suitable for Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan regions

Choose the variety best suited to your climate and market demand.

Step 3: Seed Selection and Sowing

Ashwagandha is propagated through seeds. For best germination and growth, use healthy, disease-free seeds from a reliable supplier.

Seed Rate:

• 5–6 kg per hectare

Seed Treatment:

• Treat seeds with Trichoderma viride or Pseudomonas fluorescens to prevent soil-borne diseases
• You can also soak seeds in water for 10–12 hours to improve germination

Sowing Time:

• Ideal time: June to July (with the onset of monsoon)
• In some regions, October sowing is also practiced under irrigated conditions

Sowing Method:

• Use line sowing or broadcasting
• Maintain row-to-row distance of 30 cm and plant-to-plant spacing of 10–15 cm
• Sow seeds at a depth of 1–2 cm

Step 4: Land Preparation

Proper land preparation helps in better root penetration and aeration.

• Plough the land 2–3 times to bring it to a fine tilth
• Remove weeds, stones, and previous crop residues
• Create raised beds or flat beds depending on rainfall
• Add well-decomposed FYM (Farm Yard Manure)—10–15 tons per hectare

Step 5: Irrigation Needs

One of the biggest advantages of Ashwagandha is its low water requirement.

• Irrigate immediately after sowing for better seed germination
• Thereafter, water only when soil becomes too dry
• Avoid over-irrigation, especially during maturity—excess water can harm root quality

Tip: In regions with moderate rainfall, Ashwagandha can be grown entirely under rainfed conditions.

Step 6: Weed and Pest Management

Ashwagandha is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but proper care ensures better yields.

Weed Management:

• First 30–45 days are crucial
• Manual weeding should be done twice during the growing season

Common Pests:

• Red spider mites
• Leaf spot disease
• Root rot

Natural Solutions:

• Use neem-based pesticides
• Maintain proper spacing for air circulation
• Use bio-fungicides for disease control

Step 7: Fertilizer and Nutrient Management

Being a medicinal plant, organic cultivation is preferred.

Recommended Nutrients:

• Farm Yard Manure (FYM): 10–15 tons per hectare
• Vermicompost: 2–3 tons per hectare (optional)
• Azospirillum and Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) can be used for better nutrient availability

Avoid excessive nitrogen-based fertilizers, as they can reduce the concentration of medicinal compounds in the roots.

Step 8: Growth and Maintenance

Ashwagandha doesn’t require much maintenance post-establishment, but a few practices can enhance yield:

• Thin out weak or overcrowded seedlings after 25–30 days
• Maintain plant spacing to promote healthy root development
• Avoid chemical sprays unless absolutely necessary

Step 9: Harvesting and Yield

Ashwagandha is typically ready for harvest 150–180 days after sowing, usually around December to January.

Signs of Maturity:

• Yellowing and drying of leaves
• Shriveling of berries (if allowed to mature)

Harvesting Method:

• Uproot the entire plant
• Cut off the roots and wash thoroughly
• Shade-dry the roots until moisture is completely removed

Expected Yield:

• 300–500 kg of dried roots per hectare
• 50–75 kg of seeds per hectare (if allowed to mature)

Step 10: Post-Harvest Processing and Storage

• Roots should be cut into small pieces for uniform drying
• Store in a dry, cool place in gunny bags
• Protect from moisture and pest infestation

Tip: The quality of roots (length, thickness, fragrance, and withanolide content) directly affects market value.

Step 11: Marketing and Profitability

Ashwagandha roots are in high demand by:

• Ayurvedic medicine manufacturers
• Nutraceutical companies
• Herbal supplement brands
• Exporters and raw drug traders

You can sell your produce:

• Directly to Ayurvedic companies
• Through herb mandis or APMC markets
• Online B2B platforms
• Contract farming with herbal companies

Profitability Example:

For one hectare:

• Cost of cultivation: ₹30,000–₹40,000
• Gross income: ₹80,000–₹1,20,000
• Net profit: ₹40,000–₹80,000 (in ~5–6 months)

With increasing awareness of herbal health supplements and organic products, Ashwagandha farming presents a scalable and sustainable agribusiness opportunity.

Final Thoughts: Is Ashwagandha Farming Right for You?

If you’re located in a dry or semi-arid region of India and want to diversify your agricultural practice, Ashwagandha farming is a low-risk, high-reward crop. With minimal water needs, short growth duration, and rising market demand, it’s an ideal crop for small, medium, and even large-scale farmers.

Start small, gain experience, and then scale up. And remember—organic farming practices, good quality seeds, and post-harvest care will be key to maximizing your profits in Ashwagandha cultivation.