Growing Medicinal herbs Hydroponically: top varieties and their economic benefits
Introduction
Herbs have been used for their culinary, medicinal and aromatic qualities since many centuries now. These small plants are versatile and packed with exceptional healing properties, bursting flavours, fragrance and much more. From the soothing effect of chamomile to immunity boosting basil, herbs have established themselves as an essential component in our daily lives. Today, we are going to talk about medicinal herbs- the plants that serve as time honoured remedies to cure various health conditions. Medicinal herbs holds cultural significance for many civilizations since ancient times. So let’s take a friendly stroll through the world of medicinal herbs and look into how Hydroponic systems can be beneficial to grow these nature’s wonders in limited space and time.
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What is the economic importance of medicinal herbs ?
·?????? Research studies: medicinal herbs are used for research purpose to discover new application techniques and ?treatments for various health related issues.
·?????? Employment opportunities: cultivation of medicinal herbs specially in rural areas of the country can boost employment opportunities, thereby benefiting the local economy.
·?????? Health and wellness: medicinal herbs are used to develop a wide range of health and wellness products such as dietary supplements, essential oils, herbal tea etc.
·?????? Export: since medicinal herbs have gained immense popularity amongst the western countries and in global markets, export of these herbs can contribute to overall economic growth and helps to boost international trade.
·?????? Raw material: medicinal herbs serve as raw material to the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry for production of different drugs, skin care products etc.
Profitable herbs suitable for hydroponic cultivation:
·?????? Basil (Ocinum basilicum) – Basil is commonly used as a flavouring agent and as a natural remedy for ailments. The economic benefits of growing basil include- high demand in the market due to its culinary and medicinal uses; cultivation in small scales and low production costs.
·?????? Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – Ashwagandha is a perennial herb that is commonly used as a natural remedy for stress, anxiety, and insomnia. The economic benefits include high demand in the market due to its medicinal uses and high prices for dried roots and extracts.
·?????? Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – Chamomile is an annual herb that is commonly used as a tea and as a medicinal herb due to its calming properties. The economic benefits of growing chamomile include- ?popular choice of herbal tea in global market, extensive use in cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry.
·?????? Echinacea– Echinacea is known for it’s use in boosting the immune system. It has high demand in the market due to its medicinal properties. The economic benefit of growing echinacea include high prices for dried roots, seeds and extracts.
·?????? Peppermint- Peppermint has a strong and refreshing aroma which makes it a popular ingredient in medicinal and cosmetic products. With a steady market demand for peppermint oil and dried leaves, it is an excellent herb to grow and expand a hydroponic business.
·?????? Lemongrass: Lemongrass also known for its citrus flavour and medicinal properties, is a high-value herb that thrives in a hydroponic system. Lemongrass grown hydroponically tends to have a higher market value due to its high quality and purity.
·?????? Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – Rosemary is a perennial herb that is commonly used as a natural remedy for memory and concentration issues and as a flavouring agent.
·?????? Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana): A natural sweetener, stevia is gaining popularity as a sugar substitute, making it a profitable option in hydroponic systems.
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Benefits of growing medicinal herbs using Hydroponics:
·?????? High yields: hydroponic systems gives higher yield of medicinal plants due to adoption of a controlled environment as well as precise nutrient management
·?????? Space saving: Hydroponic systems enables cultivation of medicinal herbs in compact spaces, which is particularly beneficial for urban gardeners with limited room.
·?????? Reduced chemical usage: Hydroponic systems can reduce the use of pesticides and herbicides because the plants are grown in a controlled environment, which eliminates the need for these chemicals.
·?????? Reduced Labour Costs: Hydroponic systems can reduce labour costs because they require less maintenance compared to traditional soil-based methods.
·?????? Reduced Water Usage: Hydroponic systems use less water. This is because the nutrient solution is recirculated, which reduces water waste and conserves resources.
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Materials required to set up a hydroponic system for medicinal herbs:
·?????? Growing media: Rockwool, coco coir, perlite etc.
·?????? Lighting system: LEDs, fluorescent light, sunlight
·?????? Customised nutrient solution
·?????? Water reservoir and pump
·?????? pH adjustment meter
·?????? Timers
·?????? Air pump
·?????? Temperature and humidity control( thermometer and hygrometer )
·?????? Cleaning solution or disinfectants
·?????? Containers or trays with drainage system
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Tips to ensure optimal yield of medicinal herbs and higher returns:
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Challenges in setting up a hydroponic system:
·?????? Technical knowledge: Without proper knowledge, it can be challenging to grow healthy plants and prevent diseases. This includes understanding the pH levels, nutrient ratios etc.
·?????? Power requirements: Hydroponic systems require power to operate, which can be challenging if power outages are common.
·?????? Maintenance: Hydroponic systems require regular maintenance that includes cleaning, monitoring nutrient levels and adjusting pH levels.
·?????? Cost: Setting up a hydroponic system can be expensive. Usage of growing media, lightings and nutrient solution significantly increases the overall investment.
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Post harvest handling of medicinal herbs-
??????????? Harvest: harvesting of herbs should be done early in the morning before sunrise when the essential oils have the maximum potent.
??????????? Cleaning: Rinse the herbs thoroughly with clean water to remove any dirt or debris.
??????????? Drying: dry the harvested herbs in layers on clean sheets using any mechanical dryers. Avoid direct sunlight as it can effect the quality of essential oils.
??????????? Storage: Store the herbs in containers in a cool, dry, and dark place away from heat and light. The containers should be airtight as well.
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Wrapping up!
As the demand for natural and organic medicinal products continues to rise, hydroponic cultivation of medicinal herbs offers a sustainable solution for meeting this demand while at the same time preserving the environment. Stevia, basil, ginseng, mint , lemongrass etc. can be grown with ease using hydroponic systems. With ongoing advancements in technology and research, the potential of soil less cultivation to increase yield and enhance the quality of herbs is promising, with new possibilities and opportunities for the pharmaceutical or medicine industry.
Explore the future of medicinal herbs cultivation with AgriJoy! Trust us for seamless and efficient setups of commercial hydroponic farms. Elevate your cultivation journey by connecting with us right away.
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