Asafoetida, commonly known as ‘hing’, can transform a simple plain ‘daal’ into a finger-licking delicious dish. While many people use it merely as a flavor-enhancer, asafoetida has many medicinal properties that can improve one’s digestive system. And for farmers across the nation, the cultivation of asafoetida can bring a lot of prosperity as it is considered one of the costliest spices in the country. Amid the spread of COVID-19, the farmers could benefit even more if they cultivate asafoetida in their farms.
Recently, the government of Himachal Pradesh has taken the initiative to grow asafoetida for the welfare of the farmers. The long-standing efforts of Himachal Pradesh’s agriculture expert Dr. Vikram Sharma, have finally succeeded and the farmers of the state will now be cultivating asafoetida. Furthermore, the government is planning to increase the scope of its cultivation in other Himalayan regions also.
At present, asafoetida is consumed the most in India while the spice is not cultivated even 1% of its consumption in the country. Dr. Sharma has ordered asafoetida seeds from Iran and its cultivation will start in Lahaul Spiti.
Asafoetida Seeds to be Given Free of Cost to Farmers
As per Dr. Sharma, now is the time to empower the farmers, which can perhaps be done only by helping them. He said that it is necessary to look at the economic condition of the farmers as well, therefore, no money will be taken from the farmers for asafoetida seeds and will be given free of cost to them for cultivation. Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi, and Kinnaur have been selected to start their cultivation. The climate of these places is suitable for asafoetida cultivation.
Suitable Environment for Asafoetida Cultivation
Finding a preferable environment for asafoetida cultivation is not easy. It is necessary to meet certain standards, the most important of which is a favorable temperature. It can be cultivated only in places where the temperature ranges from 0-35° C. Asafoetida plant cannot tolerate temperature higher than this.
Highly Rewarding Asafoetida Cultivation
According to Dr. Sharma, asafoetida cultivation can be very profitable to farmers. If farmers start cultivating it, they can earn manifold. As of now, the market price of asafoetida is about Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000 per kg.
