Introduction
Hidden deep in the shadows of the Indian Himalayas lies a miraculous herb with centuries of medicinal legacy and growing global demand — Naag Chatri (Trillium govanianum).
Known for its powerful healing properties, Naag Chatri is transforming the lives of mountain farmers who are adopting its cultivation under sustainable herbal farming schemes. This rare herb is not only boosting health but also becoming a source of ₹5–10 lakh annual income per acre.
This ultimate guide will cover:
What is Naag Chatri?
Ancient History and Cultural Importance
Health Benefits and Uses
Side Effects & Precautions
Market Value
How to Cultivate it (Step-by-step Farming Guide)
Real Farmer Success Story
Profit Calculation & Government Support
What is Naag Chatri?
Attribute Details
Scientific Name Trillium govanianum
Common Names Naag Chatri, Trilli, Teen Patta, Satva
Family Melanthiaceae
Native Region Himalayas – Himachal, Uttarakhand, Kashmir
Altitude 2400 – 4000 meters
Used Part Root (Rhizome)
Growth Type Perennial, shade-loving
Identified by its three large leaves and single flower, the real value lies underground — in its thick, healing rhizome.
History & Cultural Significance
Used for centuries in Ayurveda and tribal medicine
Referred to in ancient texts as a tonic for vitality and healing
British botanist Donald Govan classified it in the 19th century
Revered as a “life herb” by Himalayan communities
Medicinal Benefits
1. Improves male fertility, stamina, libido
2. Regulates menstrual cycle, strengthens uterus
3. Boosts immunity, treats chronic fatigue
4. Speeds up fracture healing, reduces arthritis pain
5. Treats piles, wounds, fever, inflammation
⚠️ Side Effects
Toxic in high doses — can cause nausea, vomiting
Not safe during pregnancy
Should only be used under Ayurvedic doctor guidance
Avoid wild raw root consumption
Where It’s Used
Ayurvedic products (capsules, powders, tonics)
Pharma industry (immune boosters, joint care)
Herbal wellness products (massage oils, extracts)
International research (cancer, bone health, fertility)
Market Price
Form Price
Dried Root ₹25,000 – ₹60,000/kg
Raw Root ₹10,000 – ₹20,000/kg
Export Value Up to $1,200/kg
India, USA, Germany, Nepal, and China are top markets.
How to Cultivate Naag Chatri: Farming Guide
✅ Ideal Conditions:
Requirement Ideal Value
Climate Cool, temperate mountain zones
Altitude 2400 – 4000 meters
Soil Loamy, humus-rich, moist soil
Shade 50–60% shade (under trees or shade nets)
Watering Regular but not waterlogged
Step-by-Step Farming Plan
1. Permissions & Seeds
Naag Chatri is protected, so get cultivation permission from the Forest Department
Buy certified rhizome seed from govt. nursery or ICAR institute
2. Land Preparation
Make raised beds with organic manure, compost, leaf litter
Soil pH: 5.5–6.5
Maintain good drainage
3. Plantation
Ideal time: March–May
Plant rhizome pieces at 5–6 cm depth, 20 cm apart
Mulch with dry leaves
4. Maintenance
No chemical fertilizer
Use vermicompost, cow dung
Regular weeding, proper shade and moisture is key
5. Harvesting
Harvest after 3rd or 4th year when roots mature
Carefully dig out rhizomes
Wash, dry in shade, and sell or process
Profit Calculation (Per Acre)
Item Value
Planting Material ₹60,000 (2000 rhizomes)
Organic Inputs, Shade Net, Labor ₹40,000
Total Cost (Year 1) ₹1,00,000
Harvest After 3 Years ~600–800 kg dried root
Selling Price ₹30,000/kg (avg)
Total Revenue ₹18–24 lakh (one-time)
Annualized Profit ₹5–7 lakh/year
Note: You can intercrop with forest herbs like Kutki or Dhoop to boost income.
Real Farmer Story: From Debt to Herbal Success
Bheem Singh, a farmer from Chamba (HP), had just 1.2 bighas of dry land and rising debt from failed apple crops. After attending a govt. herbal farming workshop in 2012, he learned about Naag Chatri.
With a ₹60,000 loan, he started small — planting 150 rhizomes. After three years of patience and organic care, he sold 2.7 kg of dried roots for ₹1.25 lakh. He expanded his farm and now earns ₹8–10 lakh annually from medicinal herb cultivation.
His message:
People laughed at my three-leaf crop. Now they ask how to grow it. Naag Chatri changed my life.”
Government Support & Training
National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB) offers 30–75% subsidy
State AYUSH Mission supports training & market linkage
Contact: Your district Horticulture or Forest Officer
Conclusion
Naag Chatri isn’t just a rare Himalayan herb — it’s a bridge between traditional healing and modern farming prosperity. With proper permission, patience, and organic methods, you can turn a small piece of land into a medicinal gold mine.
Whether you’re a mountain farmer, health entrepreneur, or herbal trader — this is your time to grow green and earn clean.