🌱 Dill Seeds (Suva / Shepu) Farming Guide: Cultivation, Profit, Market & Health Benefits
Learn Dill Seeds (Suva / Shepu) farming with complete details on soil, climate, pest control, cost-profit in USD, processing, health benefits, FAQs, and global export potential.
- Introduction 🌿
Dill (Anethum graveolens), known in India as Suva or Shepu, is an ancient aromatic spice and medicinal plant. The seeds, leaves, and essential oils derived from dill are widely used in culinary, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries.
Historically, dill was used by the Egyptians for embalming, by the Greeks for medicinal teas, and in Roman kitchens for flavoring bread and sauces. In Ayurveda, dill is considered a remedy for digestion, respiratory issues, and women’s health.
Today, dill farming is expanding worldwide because it is:
A short-duration crop (100–120 days).
Requires low investment compared to other spices.
Has a global market in food, pharma, and health products.
- Scientific Name + Origin + Major Producers
Scientific Name: Anethum graveolens
Family: Apiaceae (Carrot/Parsley family)
Origin: Mediterranean region & Central Asia
Major Producers:
India (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh)
Russia
Egypt
Poland
Turkey
USA
👉 India is one of the largest producers and consumers of dill seeds, used in pickles, masala blends, and Ayurveda.
- Farming Guide 🌱
Soil & Climate Requirements
Climate: Cool & dry weather is ideal.
Temperature: 15–25°C.
Rainfall: 500–700 mm annually.
Soil: Sandy loam or loamy soils with good drainage.
pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).
Irrigation & Fertilization
Irrigation: 3–4 irrigations are enough.
First irrigation after sowing.
Next irrigations at flowering & seed formation.
Fertilization:
FYM: 5–6 tons per acre before sowing.
NPK: 25:20:20 kg per acre.
Apply nitrogen in two split doses.
Plantation Techniques
Sowing Season: October–November (Rabi crop).
Seed Rate: 2–2.5 kg per acre.
Spacing: 30 × 20 cm rows.
Method: Line sowing ensures better growth & yield.
Germination: 8–10 days.
Pest & Disease Management
Aphids: Controlled by neem oil sprays or mild pesticides.
Powdery Mildew: Use sulfur-based sprays.
Root Rot: Avoid waterlogging.
IPM Tip: Spray fermented cow urine or neem decoction for organic farming.
Harvesting
Crop Duration: 100–120 days.
Signs: Seeds turn brownish, aromatic smell intensifies.
Method: Plants are cut, dried, and seeds threshed.
Average Yield: 300–400 kg seeds per acre.
- Cost & Profit Analysis (USD) 💰
Dill is considered one of the most cost-effective spice crops because it requires low investment but gives high returns in just 3–4 months. Let’s break it down:
Investment per Acre (Approx. in USD)
Land Preparation (ploughing & leveling): $60 – $80
Seeds (2–2.5 kg): $20 – $25
Organic Manure (5–6 tons FYM): $40 – $50
Fertilizers (NPK dose): $30 – $40
Irrigation (3–4 times): $25 – $40
Labor (sowing, weeding, harvesting, threshing): $80 – $100
Pest & Disease Management: $20 – $30
Miscellaneous (transport, packaging, tools): $20
👉 Total Investment per Acre: $300 – $350
Yield & Income
Average Yield: 300–400 kg per acre
Domestic Market Price: $2 – $3 per kg
Export Price (Organic/High-Grade): $4 – $5 per kg
👉 Gross Income per Acre: $700 – $1,200
👉 Net Profit per Acre: $400 – $900
👉 ROI: 150% – 250% in just 100–120 days
⚡ Bonus: Farmers can also sell fresh dill leaves (Suva bhaji) in local markets, which fetches an additional $50–100 per acre.
- Processing & Storage ⚙️
Post-Harvest Handling
- Harvesting: Plants are cut when seeds mature (brownish).
- Drying: Plants sun-dried in shade for 3–4 days.
- Threshing: Seeds separated using sticks or mechanical threshers.
- Cleaning: Seeds cleaned and graded.
Value-Added Products
Dill Seed Oil: Extracted via steam distillation; used in medicines, perfumes, and food industries.
Dill Seed Powder: Used in spice blends and Ayurvedic products.
Herbal Teas & Nutraceuticals: Growing demand in Europe & USA.
Storage
Store seeds in moisture-proof containers.
Ideal storage temperature: 10–15°C.
Shelf Life: 9–12 months for seeds, 1–2 years for oil.
- Global Market & Export Potential 🌍
Dill seeds have a steady global market, especially in culinary and pharmaceutical industries.
Current Market Value
Global Dill Market Size (2024): ~$1.2 billion
Projected CAGR (2025–2030): 5–6%
Major Exporters
India 🇮🇳 (largest exporter)
Egypt 🇪🇬
Turkey 🇹🇷
Poland 🇵🇱
Russia 🇷🇺
Major Importers
USA 🇺🇸
Germany 🇩🇪
UK 🇬🇧
UAE 🇦🇪
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Export Price Trends
Raw dill seeds: $4,000 – $5,000 per ton
Dill seed oil: $30 – $50 per liter
👉 Demand is rising due to natural remedies, herbal supplements, and organic food trends.
👉 Organic dill farming fetches 30–40% higher returns.
🌟 Future Outlook:
With increasing awareness about digestive health and herbal medicine, dill seeds are projected to remain in high demand globally. Countries like India and Egypt will play a dominant role in supply, while USA & Europe will remain key buyers.
- Health Benefits 🌿
Dill seeds and leaves have been used for centuries in Ayurveda, Greek medicine, and modern herbal practices. They are rich in essential oils, flavonoids, calcium, iron, and vitamin C.
Medicinal Benefits
- Digestive Aid – Relieves indigestion, bloating, and gas.
- Respiratory Relief – Used in Ayurvedic remedies for cough, asthma, and bronchitis.
- Antimicrobial Properties – Dill oil fights bacteria and fungi.
- Women’s Health – Helps regulate menstruation and improves lactation.
- Stress Reduction – Dill tea calms the nerves and reduces anxiety.
- Bone Strength – Rich in calcium, supports bone density.
- Cholesterol & Blood Sugar Control – Helps manage diabetes and heart health.
Culinary Benefits
Popular in pickles, soups, curries, breads, and salad dressings.
Used to flavor dairy products, sauces, and dips.
Fresh dill leaves sold as “Suva bhaji” in Indian markets.
Nutritional Value (per 100g Dill Seeds)
Energy: 305 kcal
Protein: 15 g
Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fiber: 20 g
Calcium: 1500 mg
Iron: 16 mg
Vitamin C: 21 mg
- Cons (Challenges in Farming) ⚠️
- Pests & Diseases: Aphids, powdery mildew, and root rot can reduce yield.
- Climate Risks: Sensitive to heavy rains and frost.
- Market Volatility: Prices fluctuate based on export demand.
- Short Shelf Life of Fresh Leaves: Needs quick sale after harvest.
- Low Yield Compared to Other Oilseeds: 300–400 kg per acre only.
👉 Precaution Tip: Adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and use organic sprays to reduce losses.
- FAQ Section ❓
Q1. How many days does Dill take to mature?
👉 100–120 days.
Q2. What is the average yield of Dill seeds per acre?
👉 300–400 kg seeds per acre.
Q3. How much profit can farmers earn from Dill farming?
👉 $400–900 net profit per acre in 3–4 months.
Q4. Can Dill be grown organically?
👉 Yes ✅, organic Dill seeds fetch 30–40% higher price in export markets.
Q5. Which countries import the most Dill seeds?
👉 USA, Germany, UK, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
Q6. What are the main uses of Dill oil?
👉 In medicines, perfumes, flavoring, and nutraceuticals.
Q7. Is Dill farming suitable for small farmers?
👉 Yes, because of low investment, quick returns, and growing market demand.
- Conclusion (Summary + Farming Tip) 🌾
Dill seeds farming is a profitable short-duration crop that requires low investment and gives quick returns. With rising demand in food, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceutical industries, it offers huge opportunities for farmers.
Investment: $300/acre
Yield: 300–400 kg/acre
Profit: $400–900/acre
Duration: 3–4 months
👉 Farming Tip: Use certified seeds, irrigate 3–4 times, and adopt organic farming methods to target export markets where buyers pay premium prices.
- All Financial Data in USD 💵
Investment per Acre: $300 – $350
Average Yield: 300–400 kg seeds/acre
Domestic Price: $2–3 per kg
Export Price: $4–5 per kg
Gross Income: $700–1,200 per acre
Net Profit: $400–900 per acre
ROI: 150–250% in 100–120 days
Dill seed farming, Suva cultivation, Shepu farming, Dill seed profit per acre, Dill seeds global market, Dill spice health benefits
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