Asafoetida is a plant of Iranian origin. Plants range in length from 1 to 1.5 m. Asafoetida is prepared from the milk (called oleo-gum resin) released from the upper roots of plants. Its taste is pungent and bitter. The reason for its strong smell is the sulfur present in it. Asafoetida may have a bitter taste, but using it while preparing many dishes, it enhances the taste of those dishes.

What do the figures say?

India is the largest consumer of asafoetida in the world. Despite this, due to lack of cultivation of asafoetida in our country, it has to be imported from abroad. According to government data, 1200 tonnes of raw asafoetida are imported into India every year. About 100 million US dollars are spent every year on the import of asafoetida. According to a report 1500 tonnes of raw asafetida were imported in the year 2019. Which cost about Rs 942 crore.

import and export

About 80 percent of the total import of asafoetida is imported from Afghanistan. Apart from this, asafetida is also imported from countries like Iran, Balochistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, etc.

Asafoetida is prepared by processing imported raw asafoetida i.e. oleo-gum resin (milk from the asafoetida plants) with maida. Asafoetida made in India is exported to Gulf countries like Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain etc.

Planting of Asafoetida Plants in India

You will be happy to know that now the cultivation of asafoetida has started in our country too. Asafoetida plants were planted in Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh by Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director, CSIR- Institute of Himalayan Bio Research Technology (IHBT) on 15 October 2020. The name of this species is Ferula-Assa-Photida.

cost and profit

Although the cultivation of asafoetida in our country is no less than a big challenge for the farmers. The biggest challenge faced by the farmers is that if 100 plants are planted, then only one of these plants can grow well. Agricultural experts say that if we get success in the cultivation of asafoetida, then efforts will be made to cultivate it in other areas of the country as well. If we talk about the cost, Sanjay Kumar, director of CSIR IHBT, says that in the next 5 years, farmers will get about 3 lakh rupees per hectare of land. If this effort is successful, from the fifth year onwards, farmers will get a minimum benefit of Rs 10 lakh per hectare of land.

The beginning of asafoetida cultivation in our country is not a good news! If you liked this information, then like this post and also share it with other friends. Ask us your questions related to this through comments. Stay connected with Dehaat for more such information.