Chia Seed Cultivation in India

January 8, 2025 Shailesh Saxena

Chia Seed Cultivation in India

Table of Contents

Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) called mealy cup sedge, are native to Texas and Mexico. Chia was domesticated nearly 4,500 years ago in Mesoamerica and was used as both food and medicine. It is a shrubby, clump-forming, tender perennial that grows 1.5-3′ tall on erect, branching, square stems.

They are edible seeds belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). Chia seeds are oval in shape and gray in color with black and white spots on them. Chia seeds have a diameter of approx. 2 millimeters (0.08 inches). The seeds are hygroscopic, absorbing up to approx. 12 times their weight in liquid. When chia seeds are soaked, they develop a mucilaginous coating that provides chia-based foods and beverages with a distinctive gel texture.

It rarely requires fewer inputs or fertilizer for cultivation. Chia seeds can be used as toppings for a variety of foods. The successful cultivation of the chia crop on farm fields will benefit the farm economy. Its cultivation will also improve living standards and health as a medicine for the people.

The major growing states of this crop are MP, A.P., Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Haryana

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds:

Chia seeds are considered a superfood because it is a perfect combination of protein, Carbohydrates, fat, and fiber It is said that one tablespoon of chia seed consumption is enough to sustain a person for 24 hours.

With an increase in global health awareness, there is a greater demand for health-benefit foods because of the following reasons:

Chia seeds are one of the richest sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Chia seeds are abundant in dietary fiber for digestive wellness.
It Supports Weight Loss Efforts
It helps Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Its intake promotes Heart Health
Chia seeds are packed with Antioxidants
It supports Bone Health
It Boosts Energy and Metabolism
Supports Skin Health
Chia seeds are highly Versatile and Simple to add to our Diet

Nutritive Value of Chia Seeds:

Serving Size: 100 g		DV
Calories	490 kcal	24%
Total Carbohydrate	43.8 g	15%
Dietary Fiber	37.7 g	15.10%
Total Fat	30.8 g	47%
Saturated Fat	3.2 g	16%
Monosaturated Fat	2.1 g
Poly saturated Fat	23.3 g
Protein	15.6 g	31%
Calcium	631 mg	63%
Phosphorus	948 mg	95%
Potassium	160 mg	5%
Zinc	3.5 mg	23%
Copper	0,2 mg	9%
Magnese	2.2 mg	108%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
% Daily Value (DV) is based on a 2000-calorie diet.
DV may be higher or lower depending on Calorie needs

Required climatic conditions for chia seed cultivation:

Chia plants are sensitive to frost and cold temperatures. They grow best in temperatures between 16 and 26°C, with a minimum of 11 °C and a maximum of 36 °C. Chia plants are short-day plants, with a threshold of 12–13 hours. They require moist soil to germinate, but they can grow in dry and wet conditions with 300–1000 mm of rainfall per year. Chia plants grow best at elevations between 400 and 400–2500 m above sea level, and conditions below 200 m are inadequate.

Soil and Land preparation for Chia Seeds Cultivation;

Chia seed cultivation requires light to medium clay or sandy soils. Well-drained and moderately fertile soils are required for its cultivation. The chia crop can withstand mild drought and acidic soils. Chia crops require moisture for seedling germination, while the maturing chia plant does not tolerate wet soils during growth. Its cultivation needs soil preparation by disruption and loosening. Soil with good drainage is preferable, and the pH level should ideally be between 6 – 8.5 for optimal results.

Types of Chia Seeds:

Chia seeds come in two primary varieties, black and white, and both are edible.

Black chia seeds: These seeds are produced by chia plants with purple flowers and are a mottled mixture of different shades of brown.

White chia seeds: These seeds are produced by chia plants with white flowers and are a marbled mixture of white, gray, and yellowish.

Basil Vs Chia Seeds: Basil seeds are round and jet black, while chia seeds are oval and come in a mix of black, white, and gray colors. Basil can be purchased as a potted plant or grown indoors from seed. It grows best in warm, sunny areas with soil that is well-drained and moderately fertile. It can be grown in containers or on the ground. Chia seeds can be sown like other annual flowers in the fall, and they should self-sow each fall once established.

Time of Sowing:

Since chia is a short-day plant and cannot grow in the long-day season, the best seasons to plant and grow chia seeds are winter (late August to October) and early spring (mid-February to April) with temperatures between 9°C and 25°C. It cannot, however, withstand snow or frost.

Seed Rate of chia seeds:

In contemporary commercial production, chia seeds are typically sown at a rate of 2.5–3 kg per acre.

Propagation of Chia Crop ;

Chia plants can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings.

From seeds
In the fall, soak chia seeds in water until they look like frog eggs, then scatter them on the soil and cover lightly. Water daily until they sprout, which should happen in 5–7 days.

From stem cuttings
Select a healthy stem from a mature plant and cut it just below a leaf node with clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. To stop the cutting from rotting, remove the leaves from the lower portion.
Fertilizer Requirement for Chia Seed Cultivation:
Chia seeds can be grown with low or no fertilizer application. However, some fertilizers that can help with chia growth include: A 90:60:75 kg NPK/ha fertilizer level can result in a higher yield per plant. which can happen within 3–14 days, you can start feeding them with a ¼ strength dose of fertilizer.
Irrigation Required for Chia Seed Cultivation;
For higher yields, the chia crop should be irrigated often; the plan may require one to five irrigations per growing season, contingent on rainfall and the current climate.

Harvesting of Chia Seed Crop ;

The time from seed to harvest is roughly 120–140 days.
Harvesting can be done when the flowers lose their petals and begin drying out.
Avoid flowers entirely brown; otherwise, you risk losing all the seeds.
Use sterilized pruning snips or scissors to cut off the flower below the spike.
Place the flowers in a paper bag. Store the bag in a warm, dry place, giving the flowers time to dry out completely.
Shake the bag to release the seeds after one to two weeks.