Cost Effective Cultivation of Centella asiatica Linn. (Mandukparni) ? A Pilot Study

Background: Centella asiatica is widely used in pharmaceutical companies in various Ayurvedic formulations. Although over exploitation of the species is now widespread due to high market demand and it's used as a substitute of Bacopa monnieri, no serious effort has been made for its planned cultivation. Aim: To create awareness in cultivation of medicinal plant, C. asiatica and whether its cultivation is cost effective as compare to traditional crops. Materials and methods: Cultivation of C. asiatica L. was done over 5000 square feet area of round type II- poly house. Mother plants were procured from the herbal garden, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital and Research Centre, Salod, Wardha, Maharashtra. Analysis of soil was done for the quantification of micronutrients showing Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Salt, Organic carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and pH. The land was given thorough preparatory tillage. For cultivation, plant cuttings along with root were used. The cuttings were transplanted in wet soil at spacing of 30 cm. in dual row with in between space of 30 cm. in the month of December 2012. First irrigation was given just after transplantation and harvesting was done in the month of April 2013 i.e. after 4th month of cultivation. Later harvesting was done at an interval of 1-2 month throughout the year. Results: Cost-Profit analysis of Mandukparni (Centella asiatica) was calculated for per acre/year. Excluding all expenditure, the Net income per acre/year was Rs. 1,20,600. Conclusion: Successful cultivation of this plant is economically eye-catching provided marketing is not a problem. Better management can results in much higher income and net profit as compare to traditional crop.