- Introduction:
Hop is a plant used for medicinal and beer making. Its soft stems are called “hop shoots”, which are also eaten as vegetables and used in medicines.
- Climate & Soil:
Weather: Cold climate (ideal temperature 10–20°C)
Region: Hilly areas of North India – Himachal, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand
Soil: Sandy loam soil, good drainage is necessary
pH: 6.0 to 7.5
- Seed or Planting:
Sowing is done not with seeds but with “rhizomes” (pieces of root)
About 1200 to 1500 rhizomes are required in one acre
Planting time: February–March (after cold)
- Maintenance:
Fertilizer: Giving organic manure, cow dung manure and neem cake is beneficial
Irrigation: Once a week – avoid excess water
Support: It is a vine plant, support will have to be given with wood or wires
Pests/Diseases: Powdery mildew, aphid – prevention with organic pesticides 5. Harvesting:
Harvesting starts 60–90 days after planting
Only soft shoots are cut
Fresh shoots are cut every 3-4 days
- Yield:
About 400–500 kg of shoots can be produced in 1 acre
This crop lasts for years – once planted, yield is obtained for 10–15 years
- Sales and Market:
Price: ₹85,000 – ₹1,00,000 per kg (best quality)
Sales: Foreign markets, herbal companies, pharmaceutical industry, high-end hotels
Marketing tip: Do contract farming with the company before cultivation
- Cost & Profit:
Description Amount (₹)
Rhizome purchase ₹1,50,000
Field preparation, fertilizer ₹50,000
Irrigation, support system ₹70,000
Labor and maintenance ₹50,000
Total cost ₹3,20,000
Production (500 kg) ₹4–5 crore (in foreign market)
Net profit up to ₹3.5 crore (estimated)*
*This profit depends on foreign demand and quality.
7 health benefits of hop shoots:
- Helpful in preventing cancer
It contains elements like Lupulone and Humulone which can stop the growth of cancer cells.
Especially useful in breast and prostate cancer.
- Relief in sleep problems
Hop acts as a natural sedative.
Provides relief from insomnia and stress.
- Strengthens the digestive system
The bitter acids present in it activate digestive enzymes.
Prevents gas, acidity and indigestion.
- Reduces inflammation (Anti-inflammatory)
Beneficial in arthritis and muscle pain.
Reduces inflammation in bones and joints.
- Anti-bacterial properties
Prevents bacterial infection in the body.
Strengthens the immune system.
- Relief in menstrual problems
Useful for women, helps in balancing hormones.
Provides relief from period pain and mood swings.
- Beneficial for skin and hair
Being rich in antioxidants, it keeps the skin young.