Chlorophytum borivilianum is the botanical name for Safed Musli. Its roots are used to make a variety of drugs. It is an annual herb that grows to a height of 1-1.5 feet. Flowers are 2cm across, star-shaped, and yellow or green in colour. Fruits range in colour from greenish to yellow and are primarily produced between July and December. The roots are grouped together and have black seeds. It is found mainly in tropical and subtropical Africa. Moreover, Safed Musli is grown extensively in Assam, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
Soil for Safed Musli Farming
You can grow it in a wide range of soil types, from loamy to sandy, as long as they have a sound drainage system. It is tolerant of mountain slopes and sloppy terrain. It performs best when grown in red soil rich in organic matter. Avoid cultivating when there is a water lock. Soil with a pH range of 6.5-8.5 is ideal for plant growth. After choosing soil, get the help of excellent farming equipment like Swaraj 735 and others.
Popular Varieties
RAU, Udaipur maintains and collects the following varieties: RC-2, RC-16, RC-36, RC-20, RC-23, RC-37, and CT-1. They have a high saponin content and a high yield.
Maa Danteshwari Herbal Research Centre, Chikalputi, developed MDB-13 and MDB-14. This variety has a high yield, is disease/fungal resistant, and has a high saponin and alkaloid content.
Jawahar Safed Musli 405 and Rajvijay Safed Musli 414: These seeds were released by Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh.
Land Preparation
Safed Musli necessitated well-prepared nursery beds. Before sowing, the land is prepared with single deep cultivation followed by 2-3 tillering. During April and May, the majority of the land is ready. You can also use good quality farming machines like Swaraj 717 and others to enhance performance.
Sowing
The best time to plant Safed Musali is from June to August. Use a 10-inch x 12-inch spacing depending on the plant’s growth habit. Plant a seedling in the main field.
Seed Treatment
Tubers or seeds are commonly used for propagation. Use a seed rate of 450kg per acre for adequate growth. Fungicide and growth promoter treatments are used to protect crops from insects, pests, and diseases. To protect crops from soil-borne diseases, Humicil@5ml in 1 litre of water or Dithane M-45 @5gm per litre are applied. Sow seeds after they have been chemically treated.
Nursery and Plant Management
Sow Safed Musli seeds on raised beds with a width of 1.2m and a convenient length for you. Seedlings grown in a well-prepared nursery bed. The broadcast method is used for sowing seeds. Cover the bed with light soil after sowing. Mulching is done to promote growth.
Seeds germinate in about 5-6 days. In about 5-6 days, seedlings are ready for transplantation. Apply water to seedling beds 24 hours before transplanting to ensure that seedlings easily uprooted and turgid when it comes time to transplant.
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Weed Control
Keep the field weed-free for 3 months by weeding, hoeing, and earthing up on a regular basis. One post-emergence weeding and two weedings performed to keep the area weed-free. If a deficiency in plant growth is detected, apply the necessary spray as soon as possible.
Plant Protection
White grub: Grub worms eat plant roots, causing them to rot. To get rid of white grub, apply Aldrin at a rate of 10kg per acre.
Leaf blight: It is a pathogenic disease that causes yellowing of the leaves, followed by withering and, finally, death of the entire leaf. A Bavistin solution @1g in 1 litre of water is applied twice every 25 days to control the red spot.
Caterpillars that eat leaves: Caterpillars eat plants’ fresh and healthy green leaves. To avoid the pest, Metacid@0.2 per cent is applied.
Red Spot: It is a plant disease that causes red, orange, and yellow leaf spots. A Bavistin solution @1g in 1 litre of water is applied twice every 25 days to control the red area.
Irrigation
Irrigation applied every 20-22 days for good growth and development. Irrigation is not necessary during the rainy season, but it is essential at regular intervals when there is no rain. Irrigation varies depending on the climate and soil.
Harvesting
In about 90 days after planting, the plant begins to yield. Harvesting takes place in September or October. Harvesting occurs when the leaves start to yellow and then dry.
The tuber harvested after the leaves have fallen when the colour changes from light to deep black. When the tubers reach maturity, they produce the most quantity. Tuber harvesting takes place primarily in March or April.
Post Harvesting
Tubers dried after they have been harvested. First, the white tubers harvested and air-dried for 4 to 7 days. After that, they peeled and packed in airtight bags for transportation and less spoilage. Following processing, several products such as Safed Musli powder and Safed Musli tonics made from dried material.
