Where was beetroot first cultivated?
Origin:
organic beetroot farming,beetroot sowing season,beetroot farming profit,beetroot harvesting techniques,beetroot seeds for farming,best fertilizer for beetroot,irrigation in beetroot farming,beetroot farming in India/USA/UK,beetroot crop care,disease control in beetroot
“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.
best fertilizer for beetroot,irrigation inbeetroot farming,beetroot farming in IndiaUSA/UK,beetroot crop care,disease control in beetroot
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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Middle East → Egypt → Greece → Europe
- British and French took it from Europe to America, India, Africa
- 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