Black Carrot Farming: Farmers are earning a lot of money by cultivating black carrots, know how
Black Carrot Farming: In India, red and orange carrots are typically grown, but a new, advantageous kind is quickly gaining popularity among farmers. In addition to being high in nutrients, black carrots are becoming more and more popular in the food processing, pharmaceutical, and health sectors. For this reason, growing black carrots has become a very profitable venture for farmers.
Black Carrot: What Is It?
Black carrots are either black or deep purple in hue. It is unique because it contains anthocyanin, a particular kind of antioxidant. In addition, it has a wealth of therapeutic qualities and is thought to be beneficial in the treatment of several severe illnesses.
Black carrots have Certain Nutrients
Black carrots are a great source of the following nutrients:
- Iron
- Copper
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- A, B, C, and E vitamins
These nutrients provide this carrot with its many health benefits.
It is grown in which states?
Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and some regions of Bihar are the primary growing regions for black carrots in India. Its cultivation is now expanding from the Ganges plains to various regions of South India.
The ideal moment to cultivate
From the end of October to the first week of November, black carrots are sown. Because of its preference for cold climates, winter is said to be the best time of year to cultivate it.
What kind of soil should it be?
Black carrots grow best in loamy soil that is deep, fertile, and rich in humus. In order to prevent waterlogging, the soil must have enough drainage.
Number of seeds and planting technique
- Seed quantity: To grow black carrots on one hectare of land, 4–6 kg of seeds are needed.
- Sowing technique: Seeds are planted 30 cm apart in rows. Plant the seeds 1.5 to 2 cm deep.
Harvesting and manufacturing
- Seventy to ninety days after seeding, the black carrot harvest is ready. Timely harvesting maintains quality and improves flavor.
- Yield: One hectare of land may provide 8 to 10 tons of yield, which is sold in the market for a decent price.
Where is the strong demand?
The following regions have a high demand for black carrots:
- Pharmaceutical companies: It contains anthocyanin, which is utilized in medications.
- Black carrots are used to make kanji, vinegar, juice, and other health drinks.
- Food industry: Food coloring, jam, jelly, and other food products utilize it.
- Cosmetic industry: It is also used in cosmetic products because of its antioxidant qualities.
Profit and market price
In the market, black carrots are twice as expensive as red carrots. At a cost of 20 to 25 rupees per kilogram, you may make up to 1.6 to 2 lakh rupees if you grow it on 1 acre and get 8 tons of output. This is also quite inexpensive.