How to Start Ajwain Farming Business – Beginners Guide

Do you want to start a commercial ajwain farming business plan? Find here a detailed guide of how to grow ajwain commercially for profit.

Ajwain seeds are the main commercial items you can get from the ajwain farming business. The scientific name of ajwain is Trachyspermum Ammi. In addition, it belongs to the Umbelliferae; Apiaceae family. The small fruits are pale brown schizocarps and have an oval shape, resembling caraway and cumin. It has a bitter and pungent taste, with a flavor similar to anise and oregano.

The ajwain seed is a very popular spice globally. However, the Asia Pacific region is the major grower of ajwain. Apart from India, some of the major ajwain-producing countries are Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Egypt. In India, major ajwain growing states are Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and West Bengal.

Is Ajwain Farming Profitable?

Ajwain is a very popular spice worldwide. Therefore, it has great export potential. Different food processing industries and food retails are the major consumers of this product. However, the product has a normal domestic consumer demand throughout the year.

In addition, ajwain has other applications in the ayurvedic and medicine industry. Furthermore, the Hydrodistillation of Ajwain fruits yields an essential oil consisting primarily of thymol, gamma-terpinene, and p-cymene as well as more than 20 trace compounds.

Health Benefits of Ajwain

• Ajwain contains high levels of thymol. It is a chemical, which aids the release of gastric juices from the stomach. Therefore it speeds up the process of digestion.
• Due to its great anti-inflammatory and curative properties, ajwain is great for pregnant and lactating mothers.
• In addition, the thymol, present in ajwain makes it a great local anesthetic, antibacterial and anti-fungal compound.
• Ajwain is a good way to get rid of pain due to rheumatism and arthritis.
• Due to the presence of niacin and thymol along with other vitamins, ajwain is very good at maintaining heart health. Additionally, it has properties that improve nerve impulses and overall circulation within the heart.

Things To Consider In Commercial Ajwain Farming

• First of all, check how much land you have for growing ajwain. And accordingly, craft a business plan. Mainly, you need to focus on the marketing strategy and cost of the production.
• Check the availability of required tools and equipment.
• In addition, you will need to arrange the irrigation facility.
• Identify other important resources like labor, fertilizer, pesticides, etc. And accordingly, have a plan for those items.
• Choose the right variety according to the agroclimatic condition of your area to get the maximum yield.
• Ajwain is very sensitive to waterlogging and needs good drainage. However, it is tolerant of drought. So you must have a field with an adequate drainage facility.

Ajwain Farming Basic Steps

Prepare The Soil & Procure The Seeds

Ajowan grows on all kinds of soil but does well on loamy or clayey loams, both as a dry crop and under irrigation. You can sow the seeds from August to November.

You can ajwain both from the seeds or cuts. However, you can expect a better yield when you grow from the seeds. Prepare the soil and sow the seeds directly. The seeds take 8 to 10 days to germinate. You will need to procure 1.5 Kg of seed for 1 hectare of land.

Also Read: How to Start Greenhouse Farming Business From Home

Maintenance & Care

Ajwain farming demands very little care. The plant requires about 120 to 140 days for maturity. The fruits are ovoid, greyish brown, aromatic cremocarps with a single seed.

You can sell the ajwain to the spice processing units. Otherwise, you can sell the ajwains to the local wholesalers or pharmaceutical companies. However, you must determine the marketing channels before starting ajwain farming.