The world’s most expensive vegetable: Cultivation of hop shoots and the secret of earning”

1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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)

4. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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:

1. 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.

2. Relief in sleep problems

Hop acts as a natural sedative.

Provides relief from insomnia and stress.

3. Strengthens the digestive system

The bitter acids present in it activate digestive enzymes.

Prevents gas, acidity and indigestion.

4. Reduces inflammation (Anti-inflammatory)

Beneficial in arthritis and muscle pain.

Reduces inflammation in bones and joints.

5. Anti-bacterial properties

Prevents bacterial infection in the body.

Strengthens the immune system.

6. Relief in menstrual problems

Useful for women, helps in balancing hormones.

Provides relief from period pain and mood swings.

7. Beneficial for skin and hair

Being rich in antioxidants, it keeps the skin young.