Growing commercially-grown asparagus is a frequent and well-known industry across the globe. It’s used as an ingredient as well as a medicine and is widely grown as a crop all over the world.
Asparagus is known by many other local names like garden Asparagus, Sparrow Grass and so on. Its scientific name is Asparagus Officinalis.
Asparagus can be described as a perennially flowering plant species that belongs to the Genus Asparagus. The young shoots of the plant are mostly used for spring vegetables.
The sources differ on the range of native Asparagus Officinalis, however, they generally cover the majority of Europe and the western part of Asia. It is extensively cultivated as a vegetable plant.
As it is a common occurrence for asparagus to originate in marine environments It is a favourite in soils that are not salin for other weeds to thrive and flourish.
Asparagus is one of the very first plant species to greet us in the springtime. Asparagus is a perennial plant, meaning that once it is established its tender spears are likely to reappear every year.
Asparagus is cultivated in all regions of temperate climate however it develops more vigorously in cooler regions with long winters. The edible part that is edible of asparagus plants is its young stem shoot that grows as temperatures rise over 10 degrees Celsius.
The most crucial aspect to be aware of the moment you decide to plant asparagus is that you must not harvest it within the first two seasons. The asparagus plants must be allowed to establish before you can harvest them sustainably.
The effort is worth it because asparagus beds can be productive for 15-20 years or even for as long as 30 years.
However, asparagus is high priced on the market, and demand is extremely high. This means that you can start an asparagus farm business commercially to earn money.
Nutritional Value of Asparagus
Asparagus is extremely nutritious and healthful. It’s low in calories yet has a dazzling nutrition profile. As per Healthline, only half-cup (90 grams) of asparagus cooked contains;
- Calories: 20
- Protein: 2.2 grams
- Fiber:1.8 grams
- Diet: 0.2 grams
- Folate: 34% of the RDI
- Potassium: 6% of the RDI
- Phosphorous: 5% of the RDI
- Vitamin A: 18% of the RDI
- Vitamin C: 12% of the RDI
- Vitamin E: 7% of the RDI
- Vitamin K: 57% of the RDI
Asparagus is also a good source of micronutrients such as zinc, iron, and riboflavin. It is a great food item that can be consumed to get the essential minerals and vitamins, including folate as well as Vitamins A, C and K.
Health Benefits of Asparagus
Asparagus is a healthy and nutritious vegetable that comes with numerous health advantages. We are here to provide the best benefits of asparagus consumption.
- Asparagus is extremely healthy and nutritious. It is a low-calorie plant that is a great source of vital minerals and vitamins. It is particularly high in folate as well as Vitamins C, A-C as well as K.
- Asparagus is a great supply of antioxidants (including vitamins C and E as well as flavonoids and polyphenols). Asparagus’ antioxidants can help prevent the accumulation of harmful free radicals. They also could reduce the chance of developing chronic diseases.
- The vegetable in question is high in fibre, which helps to maintain regularity and digestion health. It could help lower the risk of developing heart disease as well as high blood pressure and diabetes.
- It is rich in Vitamin B9 that is a vital nutrient and reduces the chance of neural tube defect in pregnancy.
- Asparagus is a great potential source of potassium. Potassium helps in lowering blood pressure.
- This wonderful vegetable has many characteristics which make it a diet healthy food. It is low in calories, yet very water-based and full of fibre. All this can aid in losing weight.
- Asparagus is a delicious and adaptable vegetable that is versatile and delicious. It’s easy to cook and incorporate into your diet. It can be added to frittatas, salads, stir-fries and omelettes.
Advantages of Asparagus Farming Business
Commercial asparagus farming can be a profitable business. It is also extremely well-known and simple. Anyone can begin this type of business.
Producing commercial asparagus for asparagus farming will take some time however, it will provide you with the highest returns on the money you invest after the plant is established.
We attempt to explain the best advantages of starting a business in asparagus farming.
- Commercial or large-scale asparagus farming isn’t something new in the business. A lot of people have already started this kind of business.
- Beginning a commercial asparagus farming business is simple and easy. Anyone can start their own business.
- It’s easy to make great profits from this profitable business, and a lot of people are already in this type of business.
- It’s a reputable business, and you don’t need to worry about establishing and running this company.
- Asparagus plants are sturdy and tough and the process of growing them is a breeze. The plants typically require less care and require little other attention.
- The requirement for capital in the commercial farming of asparagus is lower. However, the yields are very extremely high. However, it may take time to get established.
- Both the demand and value of asparagus on the market are extremely high.
- Marketing asparagus is easy. You can market your product in the nearby market.
- It is a profitable business, it is likely to be a great source of employment for those who are employed, specifically for educated but unemployed individuals.
- Asparagus is an extremely nutritious and healthy vegetable. You can also take advantage of fresh asparagus when you establish your own asparagus farming company.
How to Start Asparagus Farming Business
The process of starting a commercial business in the field of agriculture is fairly simple to do if you follow the easy step-by-step guide to cultivating asparagus. It’s easy to do and newbies can also get started in this venture.
It is an annual flower and you don’t need to plant asparagus every year. You can harvest asparagus for many years after the plants have been established.
But, in this guide, we intend going to provide more information about the process of starting and running an asparagus farm business that is commercially viable beginning with the planting phase, through care, harvesting and selling.
Site Selection
The asparagus plants can be grown in diverse soil types and conditions. However, soil that is high in organic material is thought to be suitable for the commercial cultivation of asparagus.
A pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 is considered the ideal pH range to grow asparagus. Liming is recommended in the case of soils that are more acidic in the natural environment. Also, consider constructing raised beds in heavy soils.
Land Preparation
Do a deep ploughing of 20 to 25 centimetres deep. This is followed by 2-3 harrowings over the next few days. Get rid of all weeds that have grown up from the previous crop and carry out thorough cultivation on the ground.
Make about 45cm wide ridges for planting, leaving 20 cm of space to allow for irrigation and watering.
Climate Requirement
Asparagus is easily grown in sub-tropical and sub-temperate agricultural areas up to 1300m.
Varieties/Cultivars
The selection of the correct kind is crucial to have a good yield and to earn good money. There are hybrids and local non-hybrid varieties.
Visit the local nursery or department of horticulture to find the right cultivation. It is also possible to talk with certain farmers already operating within your local area to get helpful suggestions.
Propagation
Asparagus can be propagated via seeds or crowns. High-quality crowns can be sourced from a reputable nursery, and transplanted in the field.
But, asparagus can also be grown using seeds. Locally grown, high yielding, hybrid seeds that are all male should be chosen for sowing.
Purchase Seeds/Crowns
As we mentioned earlier asparagus is propagated via both seeds and crowns. You can buy either crowns or seeds from one of the suppliers near you.
Planting
The asparagus seeds must be planted in April, in raised beds, spaced 5 centimetres apart, to allow for decay of the hard seed coat before the monsoon begins.
The germination process usually begins 7-10 days following the monsoon’s first rain in June month.
The seedlings are then placed on ridges 60cm x 60cm apart. Bamboo stakes should be used to facilitate the training.
Vegetative propagation takes place through the division of the rhizomatous disk at the foot of the stem that is aerial. The rhizomatous disk grows several vegetative buds that surround branches of the aerial plant.
The disk is split so that each piece has at the very least 2 buds with two to three tuberous roots.
Then, the pieces are planted in conjunction with the buds by planting 1-inch of dirt, followed by a light watering. The sprouting will begin in between 8 and 10 days following the plantation.
Planting Season
The rainy season is considered to be the best for asparagus planting. June to July is a great time to plant.
Caring
Asparagus plants typically require less attention and control. However, extra attention to the plants can help them to flourish in the future and grow more.
Fertilizing
It is possible to add organic and chemical fertilizers to the growing asparagus. If you are growing the plants for medicinal reasons don’t supply them with chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
You can use garden compost or cow manure, green manure vermicompost or well-decomposed organic manure.
There are chemical fertilizers to commercialize asparagus cultivation. Get in touch with the local department of horticulture for more details.
Watering/Irrigation
The amount of water or irrigation required is contingent on the type of soil and climate as well as the time of year. It is not necessary to provide water during the monsoon season. It is recommended that irrigation be provided after the monsoon is completed.
Asparagus crops require 2-3 irrigation in winter and 2 irrigations per month during summer. Be sure to create a drainage channel during excessive rain.
Mulching
Mulching is a great way to hold the soil’s moisture. It also aids in the prevention of the growth of weeds. Utilize organic materials as mulch.
Weeding
Manual weeding can be very efficient. You can manage the weeds yourself in your yard.
Training
To prevent the top-growth from breaking during windy weather and damaging the crowns make use of stakes, garden twine and stakes to construct the fence on both sides of the row to support the crop.
Pests & Diseases
Aphids Cutworm, Armyworm, Rose Chafer Asparagus Miner Beetle, Root and Spear Rot, Phytophthora Crown, Root and Lower Stem Rot, Purple Spot, Rust and Fusarium Crown are some of the most prevalent pests and diseases that are found in the asparagus farming.
Get in touch with the local department of horticulture to find these pests, diseases and preventive strategies.
Harvesting
The harvest should not begin within the first two years following planting. Harvesting spears may begin at the end of the third year, around the middle of April for six weeks.
Harvesting may be carried out until mid-April during the following years.
To harvest, cut each spear using a sharp knife beneath the soil when they’re less than 18 cm tall.
The harvest should be done every 2-3 days during hot weather for the best quality spears. The plants’ roots must be dredged out and peeled off using a sharp knife right after harvesting.
Yield
It’s extremely difficult to estimate the exact quantity, as it’s contingent upon a myriad of variables like the type of soil, cultivar as well as the management of farms. A typical yield of 5-6 tonnes of dry roots may be derived.
Marketing
Marketing asparagus is simple. Demand and the value of asparagus are competitive in the marketplace. It is possible to sell your product on the market in your area.
These are the most common steps to follow and the best practices to start and run an effective asparagus farming business. Have fun and I pray that God is with you!
