Drumstick Farming: Plant Once and get 10 Years of Profitability, Here’s How

Key Highlights

• Drumstick cultivation yields profits for 10 years.
• Versatile: Every part is edible or medicinal.
• Drought-resistant; ideal for dry regions.
• High demand in market; lucrative prices.
• Thrives in hot climates; requires minimal irrigation.
• Various varieties available; choose improved strains.
• Optimal planting time: June to September.
• Sustainable, profitable opportunity for farmers.

Drumstick, also known as Moringa, is a remarkable plant with a excess of uses. From its pods to flowers, every part is valuable for the consumption and medicinal purposes. Its seeds are a source of oil used in various medications, while the pods are high in demand, fetching favorable prices in the market.

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Nutrient Powerhouse:

Rich in essential nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals including calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, and potassium, drumstick serves as a remedy for over 300 diseases. Its adaptability to grow in dry conditions makes it an ideal choice for farmers, even on barren lands.

Long-term Investment:

Once planted, a drumstick tree yields crops twice a year after the first year and continues to produce for a decade. With each kilogram fetching Rs 40 to Rs 50 in retail and Rs 25 in wholesale, farmers stand to make substantial profits over the tree's lifespan.

Understanding Drumstick:

Botanically named Moringa Ophifera, drumstick belongs to the Moringaceae family. Its fast growth rate and drought resistance makes it suitable for cultivation in regions with water scarcity and high temperatures.

Planting Procedure:

Drumstick seeds are sown in pits or polythene bags, with a recommended pit size of 45X45X45 cm. Planting distance of 2.5X2.5 meters is ideal for the optimal growth. Adding 10 kg of composted cow dung to the soil before planting ensures nutrient-rich conditions for the development of the sapling's.

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Harvesting Timeline:

Typically, drumstick plants flower within 90 to 100 days and start bearing fruit in about 160 to 170 days post-sowing. Farmers can harvest at different stages depending on their needs, ensuring flexibility in production.

Varieties and Soil Requirements:

Improved varieties such as PKM 1, Coimbatore 2, Rohat 1, and PKM 2 are recommended for cultivation. While drumstick thrives in various soil types, sandy or clayey soil with proper drainage yielding optimal results. However, it's important to note that the plant cannot tolerate extreme cold temperatures.

Ideal Climate:

Drumstick flourishes in hot climates with temperatures ranging between 25 to 30 degree Celsius. Its ability to tolerate high temperature further enhances its suitability for cultivation in regions with scorching weather conditions.

Optimal Planting Time:

The period from June to September is ideal for planting drumstick saplings prepared in polythene bags. With 500 to 700 grams of seeds sufficient for one hectare, farmers can plan their cultivation accordingly.

Bountiful Harvest:

With approximately 1500 plants per acre, farmers can expect yields of up to 3000 kg per harvest. By leveraging the plant's biannual harvest cycle, they can secure significant returns, making drumstick cultivation a lucrative venture.

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CMV360

Drumstick cultivation offers a sustainable and profitable opportunity for farmers, promising long-term returns with minimal investment. Its versatility, coupled with its nutritional and medicinal properties, positions drumstick as a valuable addition to agricultural practices, contributing to food security and economic stability in farming communities.