Introduction: Hello farmers, we are here with a great informaion of Bay leaf cultivation income, cost of bayleaf production, profits, economics and project report for 1 acre plantation. Bay Leaf/Tej Patta are dried leaves from the evergreen shrub with an aromatic fragrance and bitter taste. The scientific name of Bay Leaf is Laurusnobilis L. and belongs to the family Lauraceae. This is a spice used in soups, meat, fish, and sauces and confectionaries. The essential oil extracted from the leaves is also used as a spice and food flavoring agent. These leaves have many medicinal values and hence are used as antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-ulcerogenic, etc. The Bay Leaf appears elliptical and the size of Bay Leaf varies from 2.5-8 cm in length and the width 1.5-2.5 cm. Bay Leaf is a culinary herb and is used as a flavoring agent in many of the dishes. It has many health benefits which include- healing wounds, controlling blood sugar level, preventing kidney stones, appetite stimulant, and is used as an insect repellant. In India, Bay Leaf is produced in Bihar, Karnataka, Kerela, and Uttar Pradesh.
A Guide to Bay leaf cultivation income, yield, cost, project report
There are many varieties of Bay Leaf including California Bay. The main difference between Laurel and California Bay is – Laurel Bay is somewhat rounded and pointed towards the ends, it gives an herbal, floral, eucalyptus like flavor when dried whereas the California Bay leaves are more pointed and slender with a stronger flavor. These plants can also be grown indoors and in the garden also. Each plant can give on an average yield of 3-4 Kg of Bay Leaves per year.
Climatic conditions suitable for Bay leaf plantation
These trees grow well in moist climates. They need plenty of sunlight but the plants need to be protected from cold winds and frost when they are young. These plants are mostly grown in the Northeast Mountains and the Mediterranean regions as the climate in these regions ate more suitable for its growth. Hence, it is mostly grown in the Northern parts of India.
Soil conditions required for Bay leaf farming
The fertile well-drained soil with good organic matter is ideal for the production of Bay Leaf. The soil pH of 6.0-8.0 gives better yield in Bay Leaf farming.
Procedures involved in land preparation and propagation
The land should be ploughed thoroughly until it attains fine tilth and the weeds should be separated from the field. Add the farmyard manure which should be well rotten and the ploughing is done to mix up thoroughly with the soil. The manure helps in the better yield of Bay Leaf. The propagation of Bay Leaf is done through cuttings of side roots or by layering shoots. Summer is the best time for Bay Leaf planting as it requires good sunlight. Spacing should be 5-6 m between the plants.
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Manures and fertilizers as a supplement to the soil
Soil should be supplemented with well rotten farmyard manure to enhance soil richness. Inorganic fertilizers like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous are essential to improve soil nutrient deficiency.
The Bay leaf Pruning and Thinning methods to be followed
These methods should be followed to decrease the density of the plants for each plant will receive sufficient sunlight which is the most essential for a proper yield of Bay Leaf. Hence, pruning and thinning of bayleaf tree should be followed frequently.
Mulching – An essential method in Bay leaf farming
As these trees need constant moisture in the soil mulching is a very important operation that needs to be carried out. It can be accomplished by dry grass or dry leaves.
Irrigation required for Bay leaf cultivation in 1 acre
Constant soil moisture is recommended for better growth, avoid over-irrigating the plants. Drip irrigation can be adopted for efficient water use.
How to control weeds in Bay leaf plantation
Weedicides are used to control the weeds in the Bay Leaf plantation.
Pests and diseases of Bay leaf
These trees are affected mostly by aphids and mites. These can be controlled by using neem oil. Spraying wet sulfur shows an effective control over the fungal infection which appears as black spots on the leaves. This has to be controlled as it may affect the yield.
When and how to harvest Bay leaves
Harvesting is done when the Bay leaves have oil production at its peak level and when the sun is hottest. The hand-pick method of older leaves is done in May or June. The harvested leaves are left to dry in a well-ventilated shaded area away from the sun to prevent the leaves from wilting.
The yield of Bay leaves per acre
1 acre can accommodate 300 plants at a spacing of 5-6 meter. One acre can yield 12-15 quintals of Bay Leaf.
As Bay Leaf has much demand by the herbal and other research institutes and also has demand in the market.
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Economics of Bay Leaf cultivation per 1 acre
Land preparation = Rs. 20,000
Planting material= Rs. 2,000
Manures = Rs. 2,000
Fertilizers= Rs. 3,000
Plant protection= Rs. 2,000
Irrigation = Rs. 10,000
Labour Charges = Rs. 10,000
Miscellaneous cost = Rs. 5,000
10% of total cost = Rs. 5,400
Total cost = Rs. 59,400
Bay leaf cultivation income returns
Farm gate price of 1 Kg of Bay Leaf = Rs. 80 per Kg.
For 1 quintal the Farm gate price = 80 x 100 = Rs. 8,000 per quintal. So the income for the average yield of 12 quintals = 12 x 8,000 = Rs. 96,000
Profit = Income – costs involved = Rs. 96,000 – Rs.59,400 = Rs. 36,600. Hence the profit is Rs. 36,600 per 1 acre.
Conclusion of bay leaf production
Bay Leaf has demand in both National and International markets. It is a popular spice used in cooking meat, especially in pulaos, biryanis, as it imparts a nice aromatic flavor to these delicious dishes and is also used in confectionaries, stews, soups, etc. It also has many medicinal benefits including cancer prevention, reduction of heart diseases, menstrual problem alleviation and many others like increasing appetite, etc. Hence, the growth of Bay Leaf is profitable for the farmer as it involves minimum cost. Bay leaves are also used as insect repellants and hence they are used in houses for storing flours. Bay leaves are rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, Folic acid, and various minerals which makes it a nutrient-dense herb.
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