In today’s world where people are turning back to natural remedies and herbal wellness, Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) is emerging as one of the most powerful and profitable medicinal plants. Widely used in Ayurveda and Unani medicine, Nirgundi is valued for its ability to reduce joint pain, arthritis, inflammation, and muscle injuries. Not only is it in high demand across herbal product industries, but it is also low-maintenance and suitable for farmers in tropical to sub-tropical regions.
In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Nirgundi farming—from how to grow it, its uses, market demand, yield, and potential profit.
What is Nirgundi?
Botanical Name: Vitex negundo
Family: Verbenaceae
Common Names: Nirgundi, Five-leaved chaste tree, Sambhalu, Indrani
Type: Medicinal shrub
Nirgundi is a hardy, fast-growing, multi-purpose medicinal plant native to South and Southeast Asia. It grows up to 3–5 meters tall and bears small purple flowers. Every part of the plant — leaves, roots, seeds, and bark — is useful in herbal formulations.
Ideal Conditions for Nirgundi Farming
Factor Requirement
Climate Warm and humid (Tropical to Subtropical)
Temperature 20°C to 35°C
Soil Well-drained sandy-loam or loam
pH Range 6.0 to 7.5
Rainfall 800–1200 mm annually
It can be grown in open lands, field boundaries, and even degraded soils.
Land Preparation
1. Plough the land deeply 2 times.
2. Add 10–15 tons of FYM (Farm Yard Manure) per acre.
3. Make ridges with spacing of 1.5 x 1.5 meters for transplanting.
4. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Propagation & Planting
Propagation Methods: Root suckers, stem cuttings, or seeds.
Preferred Time to Plant: Monsoon season (June–August).
Spacing:
Row-to-row: 1.5 meters
Plant-to-plant: 1.5 meters
Plant Density: 1,500–1,600 plants per acre.
Irrigation & Crop Management
Irrigate immediately after planting.
Subsequent irrigation every 10–15 days if no rainfall.
Weed control is essential during the early stages.
Intercropping with short-term herbs is possible.
Harvesting & Yield
⏱️ When to Harvest:
First harvest: 5–6 months after planting.
Ideal time: When leaves are mature but not dry.
Harvesting method: Prune leaves and soft stems with a sickle.
You can harvest 2–3 times per year.
Yield per Acre:
Dry Leaf/Herb Yield: 10–12 quintals annually.
Essential Oil: 5–8 liters per quintal (if processed).
Cost of Cultivation and Profit Analysis
Item Cost (Approx. in INR)
Land preparation ₹3,000
Planting material ₹5,000
Manure and bio-fertilizers ₹2,500
Labor ₹4,000
Miscellaneous ₹2,500
Total Cost per Acre ₹17,000
Income:
Market Rate of Dry Herb: ₹50–₹80/kg
Total Revenue: ₹60,000–₹80,000 (per 10–12 quintals)
Net Profit: ₹40,000–₹60,000 per acre annually
✅ Low input + High market demand = Excellent returns
Value-Added Products from Nirgundi
Nirgundi is processed into a variety of herbal products:
1. Nirgundi oil – For external use in joint pain, swelling.
2. Herbal powders and capsules – For internal inflammation.
3. Kadha (Decoction) – For fever, body pain, detox.
4. Balm and ointments – In arthritis, sciatica treatment.
5. Skin creams – For boils, rashes, infections.
Big herbal brands like Patanjali, Himalaya, Dabur, Baidyanath buy bulk Nirgundi for their products.
Medicinal & Health Benefits
Condition Use
Arthritis & Joint Pain Reduces swelling and stiffness
Sciatica & Back Pain Natural pain relief
Respiratory Issues Relieves cough and sinus congestion
Menstrual Disorders Balances hormones
Skin Conditions Treats eczema, boils, rashes
Fever Acts as an herbal antipyretic
Muscle Injuries Speeds healing with topical application
⚠️ Precautions & Side Effects
Safe for external use in most individuals.
Internal use (kadha or powder) should be limited to doctor-prescribed doses.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Large doses may cause gastric discomfort.
Marketing & Selling Opportunities
Sell to local ayurvedic shops or herbal processors.
Supply to essential oil distilleries.
List on B2B platforms like IndiaMART, Amazon Business, or TradeIndia.
Approach pharmaceutical manufacturers or herbal cooperatives.
Explore export opportunities with NMPB (National Medicinal Plants Board) certifications.
Summary at a Glance
Topic Details
Plant Nirgundi (Vitex negundo)
Type Medicinal Shrub
Climate Tropical, Subtropical
Maturity 5–6 months
Harvests 2–3 per year
Yield 10–12 quintals dry herb/acre
Market Price ₹50–₹80 per kg
Net Profit ₹40,000–₹60,000 per acre/year
Products Oil, Powder, Capsules, Creams
Health Uses Arthritis, skin, fever, detox
✅ Final Thoughts
Nirgundi farming is not just a step toward organic and sustainable agriculture — it’s an opportunity to meet the rising demand for natural healing solutions. With a manageable cost of cultivation, strong market demand, and multi-purpose use in healthcare, Nirgundi is a high-value medicinal crop for farmers, startups, and herbal product manufacturers alike.
If you’re planning to diversify your farm or start a herbal business, Nirgundi is a plant with promise.
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