Mandookparni Agrotechnology  

1 .0 Product and its applications

Mandookparni (Centella asiatica L.) has been used since time immemorial to improve the memory. This plant is also known in Hindi as Manduki, Brahma-manduki; in Sanskrit as Mandukaparni, Saraswati and in English as Indian Pennywort, Gotu kola.

As per Ayurvedic system of medicine, Mandukaparni acts as a powerful brain food, and is known for its ability to enhance mind power (Medhya Rasayana effect). It supports and improves all aspects of mental functioning, including comprehension (Dhi), memory (Dhriti) and recollection (Smriti). It is important because it coordinates these three aspects of mind power to develop the full potential of the mind.

Mandookparni has a very valuable and sought-after Vayasthapana effect, meaning that it helps retard the aging process. It is rated as excellent for both internal and topical application. French scientists recently did some breakthrough research to show that it stimulates synthesis of collagen, for powerful anti-aging effects on the skin. Mandookparni nourishes the mind-body connection and enhances the psychoneuro immune (PNI) response. It supports the formation of quality blood (Rakta Dhatu), as well as the bone marrow and nerves (Majja Dhatu). It is also used for cardiac care, cough expectorant, polyurea and helps to improve lactation.

In pharmacological and clinical trials, it has been found to improve mental alertness and general ability. Studies have shown that this herb improves blood circulation to the brain and also helps as an adaptogen. It also acts as an anti-anxiety food and has a calming effect. Thus this herb is beneficial in the elderly individuals.

2 .0 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. 

3.0 Basis and Presumption

a) The agricultural land and related infrastructure is available with the entrepreneur.

b) Prices are calculated as per the prevailing market rates.

c) The yields depend on proper implementation of package of practices.

d) Economics of cultivation greatly improves on scale of operation.

e) This activity provides tax-free high returns. Additionally a number of government support schemes are  available. Latest provisions need to be checked up.

f) Market for medicinal plants is volatile and economics may vary from time to time.

4.0 Agri practices
4.1 Soil & Climate

Though cold and humid climate is more suitable for its cultivation it can be successfully grown in the tropical climatic conditions. It can be cultivated in fertile land with sufficient water and irrigation facility. Sandy, sandy loam and light black cotton soils are suitable for this crop.

4.2 Land Preparation

No special land preparation is required for this. However one deep ploughing before the onset of rainy season followed by levelling is sufficient. FYM/compost is applied @ 5 tonnes per hectare and small canals are prepared suitable for irrigation and drainage.

4.3 Propagation

After the onset of monsoon in June-July, cuttings bearing 3-4 nodes or rooted plants are planted in the field at a distance of 60 x 60cm. For planting one hectare area 500 kg or 30,000 cuttings are required. Sprouting occurs in about 7 to 10 days time. It can also be propagated through seeds wherein fresh seeds are collected during February-March and sown either in nursery beds or directly in the fields. Seeds germinate in 10 days with about 60 per cent germination. Rooted plants in fields or polybags are planted at a spacing of 60 x 60 cm between the plants in mid June.

4.4 Irrigation

This crop requires more water and is irrigated every alternate day depending on the moisture status of the soil.

4.5 Weed control

Two weedings, one after 25 days and another after 30 days are recommended.

4.6 Harvesting

The crop is ready for harvest within 5-6 months. Plants are uprooted leaving some for next planting.

5.0 Post harvest operations  

5.1 Drying

The clean plants are dried by spreading in thin layers in a well ventilated shaded area and continuously turned2 times a day for quick and uniform drying. In about 8-10 days time plants are completely dry. Good quality final produce is green in colour. The quality of the produce is influenced by the drying method.

6.0 Yield

On average a yield of 6-7.5 t per hectare is obtained for which the prevailing market price (2009) is Rs.30/kg.

7.0 Economics of cultivation per hectare land (Rs.)

In crop duration of 6 months, it provides gross return of Rs. 1, 80,000 @ Rs.30/kg for 6000 kg. Considering expenses as Rs.18, 000, the estimated net return is Rs. 1, 62,000 per ha.

8 .0 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 )

Regional Research Laboratory
Jorhat ( Assam )

Jeevan Herbs & Agro Farms
178,Keshav Ganj, Sagar (M.P.)

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