Ashwagandha Cultivation in Nanded: Ayurvedic Herb

Nanded district has emerged as a producer of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), one of Ayurveda's most important adaptogenic herbs. The plant grows naturally in the dry rocky areas of Marathwada and has been cultivated commercially as demand from pharmaceutical companies and international health food markets has grown. WS-20, NMITLI-118, and Poshita varieties are grown on well-drained red laterite soils in Nanded's drier taluka areas. Ashwagandha root, the primary commercial product, is harvested in January-February after 150-180 days' growth. Traditional uses in Nanded's folk medicine include ashwagandha root powder mixed with cow's milk and honey as a tonic for children's growth, the elderly's strength, and men's vitality. Certified organic ashwagandha from Nanded sells at 3-5x the price of conventional produce, motivating farmer groups to obtain organic certification. APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) supports ashwagandha export from Maharashtra.