Report of National workshop on Protocol Development for Sustainable Governance of NTFP Resources
 
 
 
Cultivation and Harvesting
 

Chlorophytum Borivilianum

The genus Chlorophytum has about 175 species of rhizomatous herbs, found in tropice of the world. Chlorophytum borivilianum is a herb belonging to the family Liliaceae. It is commonly known as "Safed musli".
Soil and climate
Sandy loam soil is the best for its cultivation. It flourishes well in tropical climate. Annual rainfall required is between 800 mm - 1200 mm.
Cultivation Techniques
Land Preparation

 

The soil should be ploughed about 30 - 40 cm deep 2-3 times. It should be harrowed to make it loose.
Vegetative Propagation
Since seed germination is poor (14 - 16%) so the root crown could be used for production of a large number of propagules round the year. This could be planted in field and green house condition.
Fleshy roots are fasiculated and attached to stem disc and vegetative multiplication can also be achieved by separating the fasciculated roots and planting them in soil. A single fleshy root with a small portion of stem disc serves as propagule for vegetative multiplication.
Propagation by seed
This species is also raised through seeds. About 18-20 kg of seed is sufficient for planting one hectare area.
Transplantation
Healthy seedlings are transplanted in the field. In july or end of june seedlings which have attained a sufficient height are carefully picked up from nurserybeds to avaoid injury. 2 to 3 weedings are required during rainy season. It grows in rainfed conditions.
Irrigation
It may not require any irrigation. However, in the event of long dry spell due to failure of monsoon irrigation as may be necessary should be given(weekly).
Manuring and Fertilizers
Its nutrient requirement is very high. The nutrients should be made available in comparatively short period of say 4 to 6 months. Phosphatic fertilizers can be beneficial to root development. Organic manure such as farm yard manure at the rate of 14 to 16 tons per hectare may be applied.
Weeding
2 to 3 weedings are required during August, November and April month, just after harvesting
Harvesting
This species blooms at first showers of monsoon. Harvesting should be done after rainy season in December month. Duration of harvesting is 8 months to 10 months. Care is to be taken during harvesting to avoid injury.
Yield
The yield of dry tubers is 150 Kg per hectare.
Economics


Sale price of fresh root

: Rs.30 to 40 per Kg.

Sale price of dried root

: Rs.500 per kg.

Expenditure per hectare

: Rs.8000 to 10000

Net Profit

: Rs.65000/-.