Selection of Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) planting material : Are we in right direction ?

Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia
© 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved

Today is 20th July, 2003. The ideal time for Safed Musli plantation is over. The crop planted in 15th May is at full bloom stage and in many parts, Musli leaves are turning yellow, as maturity time is coming near. But there is still a long waiting list of interested beginners, who wants to become Safed Musli grower from this year only. There is a shortage of planting material. The best quality Musli roots are sorted out already. It is very hard to find out the lowest grade of Musli roots that can be used for commercial cultivation. But the wait listers are still getting Safed Musli roots but at very high rates. The dream of becoming Safed Musli grower is so glamorous and sweet that no body was caring that what the rates the suppliers, (the emergency suppliers) are asking. The Musli growers, I must say the genuine and senior Musli growers are well aware that Safed Musli roots are no longer available. But the big question is that how the wait listers are getting Musli roots? The answer is very shocking and depressing. In the name of cultivated Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), the emergency suppliers are supplying inferior wild species like Chlorophytum arundinaceum, Chlorophytum laxum and Chlorophytum tuberosum. As you know, over 175 species of Musli are present in our planet but only Chlorophytum borivilianum is domesticated and selected for the commercial cultivation. The high saponin content and rich traditional medicinal knowledge about this species in India are the main reasons responsible for its increasing demand. India is only country in the world, having maximum area under this wonder crop. As the farmers are getting regular losses from traditional agriculture and in India, the agricultural income is free from income tax, now both traditional and beginners are taking interest in Herbal farming. Over 1300 medicinal and aromatic crops can be cultivated in different parts of India, but seeing its impressing returns, most of the farmers, I must say the rich farmers, are taking interest in Safed Musli cultivation.

An average Indian farmer, that can grow paddy crop in mere 3000 Rs. , never imagine to cultivate Safed Musli having the investment around 2.5 lakhs rupees (1 US $ = 48 Rupees approx.) Like traditional farmers, the new farmers are not aware of the norms of common agriculture. From experiences, the traditional farmers know the importance of time in common agriculture and they are well aware that any delay can cause a great harm. Unfortunately, the beginners interested in Safed Musli cultivation are not aware of this rule. This is the reason, they are eager to plant this hi-value crop in wrong season. This is really surprising that the research organizations engaged in herbal research are also not showing their responsibilities to warn the beginners. The main purpose behind this article is to aware the beginners about this fact. The delayed plantation is possible and problem free to some extent in case of routine agricultural crops but for any medicinal crop it will be disastrous. The delayed medicinal crop can give satisfactory production but in terms of quality, it will be far inferior. The produces of this crops are purchased considering only its quality. More than 20 percent area increased this year all over India will be due to these beginners, having no knowledge of basic agriculture. They have selected inferior species and planted it in wrong time. Now they are expecting good returns. How it is possible? Are we in right direction? As Indian researcher, I am working hard to make our country the world leader in Safed Musli production and marketing. How it is possible, if the inferior species are adopted without following the standard cultivation practices? When next year the new beginners will purchase the planting material from this year's beginners, who will inform them that be aware, your decision is wrong, the material you have chosen is fake? I personally feel that eradication of any disease is possible only at early stage, not after its establishment. The ongoing malpractice is like a lethal disease and if timely steps are not taken we can never fulfil our dream. I am expecting governmental action on this aspect. I am writing regularly on different aspects of Safed Musli, as I am aware the reference and genuine reading materials are not available with the farmers and the cheaters are taking advantage from this. Only through roots it is very hard to identify the correct species. But as the roots are sold to the farmers, it is a big challenge for the Indian researchers to develop a simple identification method, so that farmers can stop the cheating practices by identifying the false species at the spots. I am not a computer expert, but I have one project. Is it possible to develop a software to identify the true species and by simply putting the roots on special computerized plate, the computer can give correct identification of the species? If it is possible, I would like the computer experts to think and start the work on this aspect and help the farmers. I will write more on different aspects of Safed Musli, time to time because I am aware that how valuable by articles are for the Safed Musli growers. Their overwhelming responses are proof of this.

Thank you very much for reading the article.