Less Popular Crops in India with Market Demand - An Eye-Opener
In a country as huge and culturally diverse as India, farming continues to support the economy for centuries. However, despite the abundance of crops grown in India, many lesser-known crops still need to be explored. With untapped market potential, these crops are practically the same as untouched treasures in this time and age. As food tastes worldwide continue to mutate and change, it’s high time to take heed of the market demand for some of these less popular crops and put them on the radar of farmers and consumers alike.
This eye-opener of a topic delves into the realm of less popular crops in India that have market demand. From the mighty hills of the northeast to the west’s arid plains, crops uniquely suited to the local climate, soil, and cultural preferences exist. Some of these crops have been a part of the local cuisine for generations. On the other hand, crops new to our landscape are gaining popularity due to their nutritional value and versatility.
This blog, in that spirit, is all about such crops with high potential but are often overlooked or undersold. We’ll discuss the benefits of these crops, their potential market value, and the problems involved in adapting their cultivation. So, join us on a journey to discover the hidden gems of Indian farming. Note this, such crops can shape the future of farming and food.
The Nutritional Powerhouse: Amaranth
Amaranth is an ancient crop that farmers grew in India for centuries. But, the dominance of rice and wheat overshadowed this crop’s popularity. However, now it is making a comeback. The main reason behind such a comeback is its health benefits. Amaranth is a protein-rich, gluten free crop. Not just this, it is also rich in fibre, iron, and calcium. So you can balance your diet like a boss if you have some amaranth at home! And if you grew this on your farm, rest assured. You’re minting money sooner rather than later!
Amaranth farming is an easy process. It doesn’t require much water compared to your usual grains, such as rice and wheat. All you have to do with prepare your soil with a cultivator mounted to your John Deere 5045 and plant amaranth!
But then again, no grain is without its fair share of cultivation problems. Moreover, your access to markets is limited with amaranth than the popular crops. And the cultivation knowledge may not be much either. But once you learn what to do and commit to research, you can become an amaranth farming star!
The Climate Resilient Crop: Millets
One other less popular crop that you should know of is millet. These small seeded grasses have in their protein, minerals and vitamins, not to mention fibre. Furthermore, it is gluten free! This makes it an ideal choice to cultivate, as people are becoming more and more aware of the health concerns of gluten filled food varieties.
Like amaranth, millets are also easy to grow, as they require very little water. It can also grow in poor soil conditions. Despite having a slew of benefits, its low yield tends to be a deal breaker to most farmers. However, provided that you know how to make the most of your plantation, you can go for millet farming and make money, as millets are in demand constantly.
The Aromatic Herb: Lemongrass
Having its origins in Asian countries, lemongrass can grow in India easily. It is used to make tea, oil, and more products. It has a distinct lemony aroma due to citral. Citral is a compound with health benefits and a lovely smell. It has vitamin C in it, along with folate and many other essential minerals. Medicinally speaking, this plant reduces burns and has anti fungal properties as well.
Lemongrass farming is also an easy process, as it doesn’t need much water or fertilisation to thrive. You can grow it in pots or soil directly as well. It is becoming popular farm and wide in the beverage industry. It, therefore, has the potential to become a key source of income should you choose to grow it.
As expected, this isn’t without its problems as well when it comes to growing this crop. Knowing how to grow, can get you ahead while lacking such know how can pull you down further. You have to know where to plant it, the distance and so on. You can use a super seeder mounted on a John Deere 5405 to finish the job without hassles.
The Medicinal Plant: Ashwagandha
Indian ginseng, known in India as Ashwagandha, is an ayurvedic herb with several uses. It is believed to reduce stress and anxiety, improve brain function, and reduce burns. With India returning to its roots, the roots of this crop can aid in such development as well!
The Cash Crop: Saffron
Saffron has unique flavour, aroma, and medicinal properties. This makes it a highly sought crop in and around India. The crop requires special attention, which makes it a luxury spice that only a few farmers grow. Grown in India for centuries, Saffron gained popularity in international markets due to its unique flavour and aroma.
Cultivating Saffron is hard. You have to get this crop’s weather and soil conditions just right. Think cold frigid regions such as Jammu & Kashmir. These are the places where Saffron can grow without any obstacles. Do you get what the challenges are in growing this? Of course, but rest assured, as people say, this is a high-risk, high-reward crop.
Conclusion
In conclusion, many crops in India have the potential to meet market demands and provide farmers with good profits. The five crops we’ve discussed in this article, quinoa, millet, amaranth, lemongrass, and Saffron, are not commonly grown but offer unique nutritional benefits, potential markets, and cultivation advantages.
By diversifying their crops and exploring alternative options, farmers can find success in India’s agricultural sector. While challenges exist regarding cultivation knowledge and access to markets, the benefits of growing these less popular crops make them worth considering.
