Costus Root

COSTUS ROOT  

Kuth is a robust erect, perennial plant with large leaves. Roots stout up to 60 cm long. Root is used medicinally. Flowering & fruits period - August-September, seeds collected during September-October.

COMMON NAMES: Kur, Kusthah and Costus

PART USED : Tuberous Root

CULTIVATION : 

SOIL AND CLIMATE

Sandy textured loam soil, rich in moisture and organic carbon is best for germination as well as better survival of seedlings and productivity. The plant grows in temperate and sub-alpine region.

PLANTING

Cultivation and nursery of Kuth Bio-edaphic conditions at an altitude of 1200-1800 m is suitable. The seeds are sown in April or May in the nursery. When the seedling are + _ 15 cm long, it is transplanted in the field.

IRRIGATION

The crop requires 5-6 irrigations between May-September. The land is irrigated when seeds are sprouting.

MANURES, FERTILISERS AND PESTICIDES

The medicinal plants have to be grown without chemical fertilizers and use of pesticides. Organic manures like, Farm Yard Manure (FYM), Vermi-Compost, Green Manure etc. may be used as per requirement of the species. To prevent diseases, bio-pesticides could be prepared (either single or mixture) from Neem (kernel, seeds & leaves), Chitrakmool, Datura, Cow's urine etc.

HARVESTING/POST-HARVESTING

Usually in 2-3 years well grown mature root tubers are developed. However, yield is obtained from 3 years old crop. Root is harvested in early September or October or early spring. The roots are cleaned with water and dried for processing.