Babchi Agrotechnology
Uploaded on : September 2009
Product and its applications
Since generations, Babchi ( Psorolea corylifolia Linn.) plant is used in Ayurveda and as folk medicine in India . It is called in Sanskrit as Bakuci, Vakuchi; in Hindi as Babchi, Bemchi, Bawchi, Bakuchi; in Kannada as Bavanchigida; and in Tamil as Karpogam, Karpokkarisi. It is mainly used in treatment of Leucoderma. It is under cultivation as medicinal crop in many parts of India .
The seed, root and leaves of Babchi are used in the form of powder to treat skin diseases, vitiligo, poisoning, for conception, caries, deafness, filaria, wound and as rejuvenative. An ointment with the powder of babchi mixed with dry ginger ( Zingiber officinale ) reportedly destroys severe and chronic kustha. Decoction of Amla ( Phyllanthus emblica ) and khadira ( Acacia catechu ) added with babchi powder is used regularly keeping on wholesome diet. It alleviates vitiligo.
According to Ayurveda, root is useful in carries of teeth whereas leaves are good for diarrhoea. Fruit is diuretic and causes biliousness. It is useful in treatment of vomiting, piles, bronchitis, inflammation, anaemia etc. It improves hair growth and complexion. Seeds are refrigerant, alternative, laxative, antipyretic, anthelmintic, alexiteric and good for heart troubles. Seed oil is used externally in treatment of elephantiasis. According to Unani system of medicine, its seed is purgative, stomachic, anthelmintic, vulnerary, stimulant, aphrodisiac and cures blood related troubles. It is applied externally in treatment of skin related troubles.
Market Potential
Importers, buyers within the country, processors, traditional practitioners, Ayurvedic and Siddha drug manufacturers throng the markets for procurement of this plant every year. Its domestic demand is quite large. As the production is much less in India , the internal market itself is highly potential .
Basis and Presumption
- The agricultural land and related infrastructure is available with the entrepreneur.
- Prices are calculated as per the prevailing market rates.
- The yields depend on proper implementation of package of practices.
- Economics of cultivation greatly improves on scale of operation.
- This activity provides tax-free high returns. Additionally a number of government support schemes are available. Latest provisions need to be checked up.
- Market for medicinal plants is volatile and economics may vary from time to time.
Agri practices
It is an erect herb with densely gland-dotted branches
Soil & Climate
It thrives well on a variety of soils ranging from sandy medium to black cotton soils. However, red loamy soils with good organic matter and pH ranging from 6.5-7.5 are ideal. The plant prefers dry tropical regions with comparatively warm climate for its growth. It is a hardy plant and grows well even in areas with low to medium rainfall even during summer months.
Land Preparation
The land should be prepared by repeated ploughing and harrowing before the onset of monsoon. The seeds are dibbled in rows preferably 45-60 cm apart, keeping a spacing of 30-45 cm depending upon soil fertility.
Propagation
It is propagated through seeds. The seeds have a hard seed coat and therefore its germination is poor (5-7%). Germination percentage can be improved by mechanical puncturing of the seed coverings or by treating the seeds with one percent sulphuric acid for 50 minutes and washed repeatedly in water before the seed is sown
Fertilizer
The crop responds well to use of organic and inorganic fertilizer. Basal application of FYM @ 2t /ha gives good initial growth and increased seed yield significantly.
Irrigation
One irrigation per month is preferred.
Weed control
The field is kept free from weeds by regular weeding as and when required. In all about 2-3 hand weddings are necessary during the early period of growth.
Pest control
The major pest is leaf folder and defoliator which can be managed by spraying the crop with 0.2 % Chloropyriphos at weekly intervals. Major disease noticed on this crop is Powdery mildew which, can be controlled by spraying 0.3% sulphex at weekly intervals.
Harvesting
The crop takes about 7-8 months to reach maturity. At maturity stage the single seeded fruit turns brownish to black and emits a mild odour. The seeds continue to mature and the seed picking commences from mid-December onwards. In all 4-5 pickings are usually required.
Post harvest operations
Yield
An average yield of about 2t of dry seeds per hectare can be obtained. A high seed yield is obtained when 40 kg N, 20 kg P 2 O 5 per ha are applied at 30 x 30 cm spacing. Psoraline content is also high with this treatment. Application of 500-750 ppm maleic hydrazide increases seed yield significantly.
Economics of cultivation per hectare land
The average market price of dry seed is Rs. 23/kg (2009). Its cultivation yields a net return of Rs. 35.000/ha.
Addresses of Some Dealers in Medicinal plants/ Planting material
Tropical Forest Research Institute
Mandla Road , Jabalpur (M.P.)
Cedmap,
60, Jail Road , Jahangirabad,
Bhopal (M.P.)
KRD Musli Farm,10/47, Station Road , Rau,
Indore-453331 (M.P.)
Mittal Musli Farm and Research Centre,
Jamod, Jalgaon ( Maharashtra )
SSS Biotic.com
C/o biosourcing.com (P)Ltd.
A-41, Janpath, Ashoknagar
Bhubaneswar (Orissa)
Kasiraj Exports,
37, Santhai Road ,
Tuticorin (TN)
A.Y. Agritec Private Limited
16-7-382/18, Azampura Masjid,
Hyderabad (A.P.)
Contact for more information
Information Manager
TIMEIS Project
E-mail: timeis@ficci.com
