Beetroot Farming: A Profitable Guide for Modern Farmers

Where was beetroot first cultivated?

Origin:

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“A root that builds blood and brings big profits.”
Beetroot — also known as chukandar in Hindi — is one of the most beneficial and high-demand crops that not only improves human health but also helps farmers earn a sustainable income. In today’s age of organic and healthy living, beetroot farming has become a golden opportunity, especially for small and medium farmers.

Let’s dive into the complete guide on beetroot cultivation, from sowing to selling, with every detail you need.

What is Beetroot?

Beetroot is a root vegetable, deep red or purple in color, rich in iron, antioxidants, and natural nitrates. It is consumed as a vegetable, juice, salad, and is also used in medicine and food coloring. It is a cool-season crop and grows well in mild winters.

Where is Beetroot Grown?

In India

United States

Russia

China

Germany

France

Poland

Ukraine

Iran

These countries grow beetroot both for table use and industrial use (like sugar, juice, and supplements).

How to Grow Beetroot: Step-by-Step Farming Guide

1. Ideal Climate

Best temperature: 20–25°C

Grows well in cool weather

Sowing Time: October to December (Rabi season)

2. Soil Requirement

Loamy or sandy loam soil with good drainage

pH level: 6.0–7.5

Avoid water-logged fields

3. Seed and Sowing

Seed rate: 4–5 kg per acre

Use certified seeds (hybrid or desi)

Pre-soak seeds in water for 10–12 hours before sowing

Row spacing: 30 cm | Plant spacing: 10–12 cm

Sowing depth: 2–3 cm

4. Fertilizer and Nutrient Management

Apply organic manure (cow dung or vermicompost) before sowing

NPK dose as per soil test (typically 60:40:40 kg/acre)

Micronutrient sprays (like zinc, boron) can enhance yield

5. Irrigation

First irrigation immediately after sowing

After that, irrigate every 7–10 days

Avoid overwatering — it causes root rot

6. Weed Control

First weeding after 15–20 days

Use hand weeding or light hoeing

Mulching can help retain moisture and control weeds

7. Pest & Disease Management

Common problems: leaf spot, root rot, aphids, and cutworms

Use neem oil spray or organic pesticide (cow urine, etc.)

Rotate crops to reduce disease risk

8. Harvesting

Crop ready in 60–80 days

Harvest when roots reach 5–8 cm diameter

Delay in harvesting can harden the root

Yield and Profit Potential

Yield per acre:

100–120 quintals under good practices

Cost Breakdown (Approximate):

Input Cost

Seeds ₹1,200
Fertilizer & Organic inputs ₹3,000
Labor + Irrigation ₹4,000
Total Cost per Acre ₹8,000 – ₹10,000

Market Price:

₹10–₹30 per kg (varies by season and location)

Expected Income:

₹1,50,000 – ₹1,80,000 per acre (at ₹15/kg average price)

Net Profit: ₹1,40,000+ per acre

✅ Organic beetroot sells at a higher price — often ₹40–₹60/kg in urban health markets.

Uses of Beetroot

1. Juice & Smoothies

2. Salads and Cooked Vegetable

3. Pickles

4. Natural Food Coloring

5. Herbal & Ayurvedic Medicines

6. Face Packs & Organic Cosmetics

7. Beetroot Powder (for capsules, supplements)

Beetroot is also in demand from juice bars, cosmetic brands, and food processing units.

❤️ Health Benefits of Beetroot

Benefit Description

Increases Hemoglobin Rich in iron & folate – fights anemia
Lowers Blood Pressure Natural nitrates help relax blood vessels
Improves Liver Health Detoxifies and supports liver function
Boosts Energy Enhances oxygen flow to muscles
Supports Heart Health Reduces bad cholesterol
Aids Weight Loss High in fiber, low in calories

⚠️ Side Effects / Precautions

People with kidney stones should limit intake (due to oxalates)

Overconsumption of juice may lower blood pressure too much

May cause beeturia (pink/red urine) – harmless but surprising

Rare allergic reactions in some people

Beetroot-Based Products (Value Addition Ideas)

Beetroot juice (bottled)

Beetroot pickle

Organic beetroot powder

Lip tints and face masks (natural cosmetics)

Beetroot jam or energy bars

Supplements for iron deficiency

Marketing & Selling Beetroot

✅ Where to Sell:

Local vegetable markets (mandi)

Juice shops and cafes

Supermarkets & health stores

Online platforms (BigBasket, Amazon, Farmizen)

Direct to customers via social media

Contract farming with ayurvedic and food brands

✅ Tips for Marketing:

Focus on “health benefits” while selling

Try organic or chemical-free labeling

Offer samples to local juice shops

Build your own farmer’s brand

Tips for Successful Beetroot Farming

1. Get your soil tested before sowing

2. Use mulching and drip irrigation for better control

3. Store harvested roots in cool, shaded places

4. Keep records of input costs and yields

5. Learn value addition techniques to increase income

Final Words: Is Beetroot Farming a Good Business?

Absolutely YES.

Beetroot farming is:

Easy to grow

Low-cost input

High yield

Quick return

Growing demand across industries

You can earn ₹1 lakh+ per acre with proper planning, organic methods, and marketing strategy. Plus, its short harvest cycle allows quick returns.

Beetroot is more than just a vegetable – it’s a superfood and a super business.

🧬 Where was beetroot first cultivated?

Origin:

The real origin of beetroot is believed to be West Asia and Mediterranean region (Italy, Greece, parts of Egypt).

There is evidence that it was cultivated for the first time ~2000 BCE (about 4,000 years ago).

Who cultivated it first:

Ancient Egyptians (Egyptians) used the root and leaves of beetroot.

It was used as a medicinal plant in the Greek and Roman empires.

🔍 How did people know about the benefits of beetroot?

1. Ancient Ayurvedic and Greek Texts:

Beetroot is mentioned in the texts of Charak Samhita (India) and Hippocrates (Greece).

It is called blood purifier, digestion booster, and liver tonic.

2. Traditional Use:

Ancient people used its leaves as a vegetable.

The paste of the root was used to heal wounds, reduce fever, and build blood.

3. Modern Science (19th–20th Century):

In the 19th century, beetroot started being used for sugar extraction (sugar beet variety).

In the 20th century, research confirmed that beetroot:

Is a good source of iron and folate.

BP reduces (nitrate vasodilation).

Detoxes the liver.

🧪 What did we learn from scientific research on beetroot?

Research Discovery

1970s Beetroot juice lowers blood pressure
2000s Boosts stamina and oxygen in athletes
2010s Contains antioxidants like betalains – fight cancer & aging
Recently used in cosmetic and nutraceutical products

🧭 Beetroot Travel Across World

1. Middle East → Egypt → Greece → Europe
2. British and French took it from Europe to America, India, Africa
3. Its cultivation was first introduced in India during colonial times (British era)

📚 Why is beetroot so popular today?

The organic health wave has made it a “superfood”

It is a craze in juice shops, ayurvedic clinics, gyms

Cosmetic companies use it for natural red color and skin tonic