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Tonk/Sop (Rajasthan): Amid rising input costs and shrinking profits in traditional farming, medicinal crop cultivation has emerged as a profitable alternative in Sop area of Tonk district. Farmer Mohanlal Nagar has set a successful example by adopting scientific methods and innovation in herbal farming, achieving financial stability while guiding hundreds of other farmers.
From Training to Transformation
On August 9, 2002, Mohanlal Nagar received training in medicinal and aromatic crop cultivation from the Institute of Entrepreneurship and Management Development, Jaipur. He began farming crops such as safed musli, ashwagandha, amla, and satavar.
On June 24, 2003, he formally registered with the Rajasthan State Medicinal Board and started structured medicinal farming.
He later submitted a ₹3 lakh project proposal to the National Medicinal Plants Board, of which ₹30,000 was approved, though the amount could not be disbursed due to technical reasons. Despite early setbacks, including losses in amla cultivation, he continued growing ashwagandha. Selling produce at ₹130 per kg in Jaipur’s spice market gave a new boost to his efforts.
20 Bigha Cultivation, Annual Income of ₹25 Lakh
Currently, Mohanlal Nagar cultivates medicinal crops across 20 bighas, including:
- Ashwagandha
- Stevia
- Safed Musli
- Black Turmeric
- Chia Seeds
- Iranian Akarkara
His annual income now reaches approximately ₹25 lakh. He has trained more than 500 farmers in medicinal farming techniques. Recognizing his outstanding contribution, the Ministry of AYUSH honored him as a special guest at the Independence Day 2025 celebrations at Red Fort, New Delhi.
Cost and Profit Analysis of Ashwagandha Farming
In one bigha, the average yield of dried ashwagandha root ranges between 4 to 5 quintals. With market prices between ₹6,000 and ₹8,000 per quintal, total revenue can reach ₹28,000 to ₹40,000 per bigha.
The average cultivation cost ranges from ₹12,000 to ₹15,000. With improved techniques and direct marketing, profit margins can increase to ₹40,000–₹80,000 per bigha. On four bighas, earnings can go up to ₹3 lakh annually.
Farmer Empowerment Through Training and Market Support
After formal training, Mohanlal Nagar adopted crop diversification and modern farming strategies. He established Gurukripa Herbal Agro Farm to provide seeds, technical guidance, and marketing support to fellow farmers.
By training over 500 farmers, he has significantly contributed to promoting medicinal farming as a sustainable and profitable agricultural model in Rajasthan.
Medicinal Farming: A Profitable Alternative for Rural India
With increasing demand for herbal products in domestic and global markets, medicinal crop cultivation is emerging as a strong income model for farmers. Mohanlal Nagar’s success story highlights how innovation, training, and diversification can transform traditional agriculture into a high-value enterprise.
