My experiences and experiments with wonder crop Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) : The details of recent visits to Safed Musli fields of different parts of India

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

Today is 31st August, 2003. Yesterday, I visited 53rd Safed Musli farms. My visits were started from 15th June 2003. During these visits, I met many innovative farmers and noted the problems they are facing in cultivation and also asked them to share their experiences with this wonder crop.

In present article, I am giving details of my visits for the benefits of new growers as well as other interested farmers. I have visited many Indian states viz. Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, this season. I have noted that the area under Safed Musli is has increased many folds this year. I would like to use the term Chlorophytum species, instead of Safed Musli here. All of us know that the Chlorophytum species having commercial importance is Chlorophytum borivilianum. You will be surprised to know that in most of the farms I visited, in the name of Safed Musli other wild species of Chlorophytum are under cultivation. Unfortunately, the farmers are not aware of this bare fact. Possibly they were cheated by the seed suppliers.

I have identified 6 different species under cultivation. It is very difficult to categorized the regions but in Madhya Pradesh, many farmers are growing Chlorophytum tuberosum whereas in South Indian states, Chlorophytum attenuatum is under cultivation in many locations. I have also observed the mixture of Chlorophytum laxum with Chlorophytum borivilianum. The farmers who have purchased the planting material very late are the main sufferers. They have got the mixture of different species. Unfortunately less than ten percent genuine material. As herb researcher, I feel that it is our responsibility to aware the farmers about this cheating. Through my articles at Botanical.com, I tried my best to write on different aspects of this wonder crop, but the visits to Safed Musli farms clearly revealed that I have to work more sincerely for awareness. Around the world, over 200 species of Safed Musli have been reported. According to the reference literatures, about 13 species are found in India. I want to add here that in place of word 'found', one must write 'identified (so far)' because through ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh specially in Bhopalpatnam region, I have collected over 25 unidentified species of Chlorophytum. I am in touch with many international organizations, with the proposal to publish a field guide having simple identification keys and coloured photographs of different species of Chlorophytum so that an average farmer can identify the genuine material without the help of experts. I want to publish it in English as well as in other regional languages. Till the completion of this dream, it is very essential to aware the farmers, planning to purchase the planting material for next season. During this year's visits, I have observed that not only the big farmers but also the marginal and small farmers have started its commercial cultivation. One positive thing is that most of the farmers are adopting organic cultivation practices.

Others are using organic inputs with inorganic inputs. I warned many farmers using chemical inputs. After realizing the fact, they promised me to adopt the organic farming practices in future. In general, the farmers are using cow dung manure in sufficient amount before planting. The vermicompost is in use for Top dressing and side dressing. Many farmers are spraying the solution of cow dung and urine as pest control measure every week. In many farms, I have observed severe infestation of fungal diseases. In my previous articles, I have mentioned that many leading Musli farms of India are acting as source for these fungal diseases and as expected, now it is spreading in different parts of India. The use of chemical fungicides is becoming popular to manage the diseases but this is not good sign. These success stories will motivate the growers to adopt more chemical inputs and this will lead to promotion of chemical farming of Safed Musli crop. With the help of green spray, the Chhattisgarh farmers are managing these diseases to some extent but now it is very necessary to develop organic pesticides. Through this article, I would like to request the plant pathologist having faith in organic farming to start research on this important aspect as soon as possible. Due to excessive rainfall in many parts of India, many farmers cultivating this crop in poorly drained soils are in great trouble. Now they are recognizing the importance of recommended Agronomical practices. I have observed higher percentage of disease attack in poorly drained soils. The insect infestation has started in many parts but I have yet not heard the news of heavy infestation in any Musli farms.

Many farmers have planted Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) and Genda (Marigold) plants in periphery of Safed Musli fields. Most of them were motivated by my articles explaining the new experiments of innovative herb growers of Chhattisgarh. They are getting not only the protection but also earning additional income. Now the festival days have started in India. The farmers are expecting good returns from Genda flowers. I receive many e-mails daily with query to suggest the Musli farms selling the genuine planting material. Many of them writes to me considering me as a seed supplier. Many readers think that I am representative of any specific firm. I simply reply them that I can help in selection of best planting material. I donot recommend any specific farm and if you show me the planting material before purchasing, I will try my best to guide you in selection of the best material . I want to suggest the new growers planning for Safed Musli farming in next season that this is a golden time to visit different Safed Musli farms to gather practical experiences. Also I suggest to collect the information on this wonder crop. I am sure that both practical experience and theoretical knowledge together will establish you as successful Safed Musli grower.

Thank you very much for reading the article.