Basil (Tulsi) Farming Procedure - English

Introduction:

The botanical name of Tulsi is Ocimum sanctum. Tulsi is a domestic plant and is grown widely in India. It is also known by its different names at different places like Holy Basil in English, Thulasi in Tamil, Tulasi in Punjabi, Imli in Urdu etc. Tulsi is worshipped by people.

Tulsi is known for its medicinal values, antimicrobial and antiviral properties which helps in purifying the air. Drugs obtained from Tulsi are used to cure stress, fever, decreases inflammation and increases stamina.
It is an annual shrub with average height of 2 to 4 feet. Flowers are small and purple in color. It is found throughout in India but in MP it is found commonly.

Medical Health Benefits of Basil (Tulsi)
  • Can cure fever, cold, cough & sore throat.
  • Stress reliever.
  • Dissolve kidney stones.
  • Can be used in cancer treatment
  • Helps in quitting smoking
  • Beduce blood sugar levels
  • Better alternate to keep hair and skin healthy.
  • Treats headache.
  • Can help in cleaning your respiratory system.

Popular Varieties

Tukmaria Tulsi - Found in almost all regions of India. And we cultivate Tukmaria basil, harvest and supply on demand.

Few more Basil (Tulsi) varieties are listed below for your reference: 
  • Krishna Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
  • Drudriha Tulsi
  • Ram/Kali Tulsi (Ocimum canum)
  • Babi Tulsi    
  • Tukashmiya Tulsi        
  • Amrita Tulsi
  • Vana Tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum)
  • Kapoor Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

Temperature


Soil Requirement

It is grown in vast array of soil. Avoid cultivation in highly saline, alkaline or water logged conditions are not good for its yield. It gives best result when grown under well drained soil with good organic matter. Soil ranging from pH 5.5-7 suits best for its growth.

Land Preparation

  • For Tulsi plantation, it requires well drained soil. 
  • To bring soil to fine tilth, plough and harrow land several times, then FYM is mixed well in soil. 
  • Transplantation of Tulsi is done on fine seed bed.
Important note: At the time of land preparation, apply FYM i.e. farmyard manure and mix well with soil.

Sowing

Time of sowing - Prepare nursery beds in the third week of February.
Spacing - Depending upon its growth habit, prepare seed beds of 4.5 x 1.0 x 0.2m size. Seeds should be sown at a distance of  60 cm by 60 cm.
Sowing Depth - Seeds are sown at depth of 2cm.
Method of Sowing - Crop is transplanted in field, 6-7 week after sowing.

Nursery Management and Transporting

Before sowing add 15 tonnes of FYM in soil for good yield. Sow Basil (Tulsi) seeds on prepared beds with convenient space. Seeds are sown on beds 8 weeks in advance of monsoon. The seeds are sown at the depth of 2cm. After sowing, thin layer of farm yard manure (FYM) and soil is spread over seeds. Irrigation is done with sprinkler hose.

Transplanting is done in the middle of April when seedlings are 6 weeks old and having 4-5 leaves on seedlings. Water seedling beds 24 hours before transplanting so that seedlings can be easily uprooted and remain turgid at transplanting time.

Weed Control

Do weeding and hoeing to keep the field free from weed. If weed left uncontrolled then it will reduce the growth of crop. In the beginning weeding is done after one month after planting along with the second four weeks after the first. Just one hoeing after two months of planting is ideal.

Irrigation

In summer, apply 3 irrigation per month and in rainy season, no irrigation is required. 12-15 irrigation should be given in one year. First irrigation should be given after transplanting and then second irrigation is given during seedling establishment. These two irrigation must be given and then depending upon season rest of irrigation is done.

Harvesting

Plants start yielding by 3 months after transplantation. Harvesting is done when there is full blooming period. For further regeneration of branches cutting should be done when plant is at least 15cm above the ground.  Leaves are used fresh or it is sun dried for future use.

Post Harvesting

After harvesting, drying of leaves is done. Then steam distillation is done to obtain Basil oil. For transportation it is packed in airtight bags. Leaves should be stored in dry places. From herb several products like Panch Tulsi oil, Tulsi Ginger, Tulsi Powder, Tulsi Tea and Tulsi Capsules are made after processing.

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