Chamomile is a popular tea flavor known for its anti inflammatory, antioxidant, mild astringent and healing properties which is cultivated across the world. The wonderful aroma of chamomile and its relaxing properties make this medicinal plant very special.
Profit From Chamomile Farming:
Many women covered under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) have taken up chamomile farming in Dharamsala block. Rural development officers say women involved in its farming will be able to earn Rs 2.5 lakh per hectare annually. Keep These Things In Mind For The Cultivation Of Chamomile.
Soil Requirement for Chamomile Farming:
If you are thinking of cultivating on fertile land, then obviously you will get the same profit. To cultivate chamomile, plowing should be done by mixing desi manure or organic manure in the soil. Then the plants should be sown in the field. Watering is necessary along with sowing but proper drainage must be ensured.
Land Preparation For Chamomile Farming:
If you want to get more yield, then make a bed in the field and keep irrigating keeping the moisture in mind. Hand weeding is advised.
An average of 750 grams of seed is required per hectare for transplanting in the field by growing it in in nursery. The plants are sown at a distance of 50/30 cm.
Farmers can also cultivate chamomile by direct seeding, but it requires more seeds. On the other hand, transplanting by making nursery from seeds has given a better result that is why farmers are advised to cultivate chamomile by this method.
Fertilizer Management For Chamomile Cultivation:
Once the chamomile plant is planted, then no fertilizer is needed. The chamomile plant is a completely organic product. For this reason it is in demand all over the world. Chamomile plant is not prone to much pest attack. This is the reason that there is no need for spraying of insecticide/ pesticide and this makes this plant very easy to maintain.
Harvesting Can Be Done 25 Days after Transplanting
After 25 days, chamomile plants start flowering and at the same time the first harvesting is done. Flowers can be harvested 5 to 6 times in one crop of chamomile plants.
