Safed Musli Cultivation

Farm Questions
1

Hi Fellow Farmers,

Am a silent member of this wonderful site till now. Looks its time for me to do what I wanted to do, “FARMING”.
As any new entry farmers, I do have my own concerns and fear of failure.
Requests your experts advice and suggestions on the below.

Am planning to do Musli cultivation around 100 kms from Chennai. I do have lots of concerns like

What type of soil is best suited
Should I use chemical/fertilizers or should I use organic?
Whats the demand for Musli in India and abroad?
What will be the investment cost?
Labour requirement?
Is there any subsidy?
Is anyone in India into Musli business?

Hope you can know by now that am a naive, but with bit of push from you people, I can confidently venture into this.
Looking forward for your suggestions of any kind.

Thanks in advance.

2

If you are a beginner dont try it for first time. I have met few farmers burnt fingers because of root rot and lost entire crops.

3

Thanks for you suggestion.

4

The soil should be porous so that roots can comfortably grow.In case water does not accumulate for more than 4-6 hours during rainy seasons the soil is good.The pH factor of 5.5 to 7.0 is most suitable.
rcdixit[quote=tmr]
Thanks for you suggestion.
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5
6

Point noted. Thank you.

7

Does below calculation sound good?
Should I consider anything else in case of expense?

Expenses per acre of Land Rs.
Planting material 500 kg @ Rs. 300/- per kg. 1,50,000
Land preparation, Sowing, Labour etc. 30,000
Peeling & Drying 60,000
Other expenses 10,000
Total expenses 2,50,000

Earnings
Dry Musli 500 kg @ Rs. 1000/- per kg. 5,00,000
Planting material 500 kg @ Rs. 300/- per kg. for the next year 1,50,000
6,50,000

Profit
Total Earnings 6,50,000
Total Expenses 2,50,000
Total Profit 4,00,000

8

I view your calculations highly optimistic.You are missing on manure/irrigation arrangements/percentage of seed related damages/protection cost etc.In addition has any body done musali farming in your region previously?If yes see his/her sucess status or else go for trial cultivation in 100 sq ft area for one year and see the results before getting sunk in losses. You can also opt for buy back agreement with some one.Suddenly investing huge money is never advisable.
rcdixit

n case of expense?

Expenses per acre of Land Rs.
Planting material 500 kg @ Rs. 300/- per kg. 1,50,000
Land preparation, Sowing, Labour etc. 30,000
Peeling & Drying 60,000
Other expenses 10,000
Total expenses 2,50,000

Earnings
Dry Musli 500 kg @ Rs. 1000/- per kg. 5,00,000
Planting material 500 kg @ Rs. 300/- per kg. for the next year 1,50,000
6,50,000

Profit
Total Earnings 6,50,000
Total Expenses 2,50,000
Total Profit 4,00,000
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