Operational cost and return pattern in cultivation of Aswagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal]

The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH has providing assistance to farmers/growers for cultivation of identified species of medicinal plants in the form of subsidy in graded pattern depending upon the cost of cultivation under the National AYUSH Mission (NAM). Presently, 140 species of medicinal plants are included in the priority list. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the identified medicinal plants for which subsidy are admissible. As per existing operational guidelines, admissible subsidy @ 30% of cost of cultivation for Ashwagandha is Rs. 43757.55 per hectare. Ashwagandha is a seasonal crop and gets ready for harvesting in only 4–5 months. Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of Ashwagandha in terms of rupees has been calculated 1: 1.98. Thus, the farmers are earning a significant net profit of double income per hectare.