Cultivation of Amaranth ( Chauli) In India; A Complete Information Guide

January 30, 2021 Agrovista

Cultivation of Amaranth (Chauli) In India: A Complete Information Guide

Table of Contents

Amaranth or Chauli ( Amaranthus sp.) belongs to the family Amaranthaceae. This highly nutritious crop is suitable for kitchen gardening and commercial cultivation. Amaranths are one of the cheapest crops in tropical and subtropical regions.

Amaranth is a tall, soft-woody annual extensively grown throughout India for its green leaves and succulent stem. They are rich in protein, minerals, and vitamins A & C. There are several species of this crop:

(i) Amaranthus tricolor (Lal sag)

(ii) Amaranthus bilitum (Shada nate)

(iii) Amaranthus lividus

iv) Amaranthus dobius

(v) Amaranthus candatus

(vi) Amaranthus mangostanus.

Local Names of Amaranths:

Math- Marathi
Chhoti Chulai- Hindi
Cheera- Malayalam

Nutritive Value of Amaranth or Chauli;

The nutritive value of 100 g of uncooked amaranth leaves is given below:

Nutrient	Value	Nutrient	Value
Moisture	91.6g	Protein	2.5 g
Fat	0.3 g	Sodium	20 mg
Fiber	7 g	Carbohydrate	4 g
Calories	23	Calcium	215 mg
phosphorus	50 mg	Iron	2.32 mg
Vitamin C	43.3 mg	Potassium	611 mg
Vitamin A	2917 IU	Magnesium	55 mg

Medicinal Importance of Amaranth or Chauli

1. Amaranth Is Gluten-Free
2. Amaranth has More Protein Than Other Grains
3. Amaranth Provides Essential Lysine
4. Helps With Hair Loss And Greying
5. Lowers Cholesterol And Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease
6. It’s High In Calcium
7. Amaranth Is Full Of Antioxidants And Minerals
8. Works As An Appetite Suppressant
9. Improves Eyesight
10. Amaranth Is Easy To Digest

Soil & its Preparation for Amaranth Cultivation ;

It can be grown on all types of soil. But loamy soil is most suitable for its cultivation. A fine seedbed is necessary for amaranth cultivation; this can be achieved by repeated ploughings.

Important Varieties of Amaranth:

The recommended varieties are Bad Chauli, Chhoti Chauli, Co.1, Konkan Durangi, Arka Arunima & Krishnashree

Sowing of the Seed of the Amaranth crop;

Cultivation of Amaranth — Amaranth seeds

a) Time of sowing. This crop is suitable for growing in the summer as well as in the rainy season. The seed is sown in December, January for the summer crop, and April-May for the rainy season crop.

b) Spacing. The seeds of this crop are small. The seed is sown in a row or flatbeds by broadcasting them after mixing them with fine soil for good distribution.

The seedlings of Badi Chauli are transplanted after raising them in the nursery during the rainy season at a spacing of 45 cm from row to row and 30 cm from plant to plant.

c) Seed Rate: About one kilogram of seed is required for sowing one acre.

Manuring in Amaranth Crop;

The plants are top-dressed with urea at 10 kg/acre after 15-20 days of sowing, and subsequent top dressings are done after each cutting.

Aftercare of Amaranth Crop:

Weeding is done during the early stages of growth. Irrigation is given as and when needed.

Harvesting of Amaranth Crop ;

The crops become ready for harvesting about three to four weeks after sowing, and subsequent cuttings can be done after 7 to 10 days. The plants are harvested by cutting them periodically. This crop rejuvenates quickly after each cutting.