Introduction: What is Ginseng?
Ginseng is a rare and precious herb, which is known worldwide for its medicinal properties. Its roots are considered to be very effective in increasing health, energy and immunity. This is the reason why it is in great demand in the market, especially in countries like America, China and Korea.
How is ginseng cultivated in America?
In America, ginseng is cultivated in particularly cold and hilly areas, such as Wisconsin and North Carolina. There it is grown in two ways:
1. Wild Simulated Ginseng – grown in a forest-like environment
2. Shade Grown Ginseng – cultivated in special shade structures
Cost and profit in ginseng cultivation
Cost of an acre: Around ₹5–7 lakh (including shade, seeds and 4–5 years of care)
Time to harvest: 4–6 years
Earning from an acre: ₹40–₹60 lakh (price is even higher for good quality)
> Note: The price of ginseng in the international market ranges from $500 to $1000 per kg.
Properties and uses
Relief from stress and fatigue
Strengthening the immune system
Useful in diabetes and heart health
Important part of Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine
Can ginseng be grown in India?
At present, ginseng is cultivated very little in India, because its crop needs a cool and shady environment. But its successful trials have been done in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and some parts of North East. If scientific and organic methods are adopted, then it can become a crop worth crores in India too.
Conclusion: Ginseng – A crop as precious as gold
If you are interested in long-term high-profit farming, then ginseng can be a great option. America is a living example of this, where farmers consider it herbal gold.
Great! Below you will find the complete timeline of ginseng cultivation, year-by-year cost vs growth, and the harvesting and grading process in detail.
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1. Timeline from seed sowing to sale (6-year plan)
Year Major Activities Cost (INR) Notes
1st Seed purchase, shed construction, sowing ₹1.5–2 lakhs Most expensive preparation happens this year
2nd Germination, initial care ₹40,000–₹60,000 Growth slow, leaves start getting stronger
3rd Shade maintenance, weeding, watering ₹30,000–₹50,000 Roots start forming
4th Nutrition management, pest control ₹30,000–₹40,000 Growth becomes faster
5th Maturation, disease control, quality check ₹20,000–₹30,000 Harvesting preparations begin
6th Harvesting, grading, sale ₹50,000–₹70,000 Crop ready, marketing necessary
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2. Growth vs cost – year after year
(₹ per acre)
Year Estimated cost Growth stage Estimated value (₹)
1 ₹1.8 lakhs Germination ₹0
2 ₹50,000 10–20% growth ₹0
3 ₹40,000 30–40% root development ₹1–2 lakhs (if sold early)
4 ₹35,000 60% maturity ₹3–4 lakhs (raw form)
5 ₹25,000 90% full growth ₹5–6 lakhs
6 ₹60,000 Harvesting, processing upto ₹40–60 lakhs (graded roots)
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3. Harvesting and Grading Process
A. How to harvest?
Time: October–November (5–6 year crop)
Method: Digging by hand (use of machines may break the roots)
Caution: The entire root should be taken out clean from the soil
B. Grading Process
Grade A: Thick, uncut full root – most expensive
Grade B: Slight cracks or small roots – medium price
Rejects: Sent for powder or extract
C. Storage and packing
Keep in dry and cool place
Vacuum packing, labeling required
Marketing of ginseng cultivation is a strategic process, as it is a niche and high-value crop. Below you are given the complete marketing strategy, which will be extremely useful for farmers, agri entrepreneurs or herbal business starters.
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How to market ginseng?
1. Target Market
International Market: US, China, Korea – largest consumer market
Buyers: Ayurveda companies, pharma industry, health brands, herbal product manufacturers
E-commerce: Amazon, Etsy, Alibaba, Flipkart (for processed or dried root)
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2. Marketing Channels
A. Direct Selling
Talk to international buyers through email and websites
Use B2B platforms like IndiaMART, TradeIndia, Alibaba
Send samples to pharma companies and get long term contracts
B. Sell by processing and branding
Start your own herbal brand: “Pure Ginseng”, “Ayur Roots”, etc.
Sell by packaging: Ginseng Tea, Capsules, Powder
Focus on social media marketing (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube)
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3. Government assistance and licenses
Export for herbal crops under APEDA Registration
Subsidy and technical support from NMPB (National Medicinal Plant Board)
FSSAI/AYUSH license – if you are making your own brand
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4. Pricing and dealing tips
Keep correct information of market rate – $500–$1000/kg
Quality certification (like GMP, Organic Certified) increases the value
Take advance payment from buyers or make an agreement
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5. Digital marketing tools
Google Ads & Facebook Ads – if you are making your own brand
LinkedIn B2B Outreach – to reach pharma companies
Website + Email Campaigns – to attract export clients
Tags: #GinsengKheti #HerbalFarming #ProfitableCrops #FarmingWriters
