Amaranthus or Amaranth or Amaranths is one of the oldest warm climate leafy vegetable crops grown since centuries. At present Amaranth is extensively grown as a green leafy vegetable in many temperate and tropical regions in the world.
Amaranth is a wonderfully versatile plant that’s a beautiful flower, a delicious vegetable, and a nutritious grain all in one. It even has medicinal qualities. Amaranth has a high nutrient value and is a popular super food worldwide. Because it can withstand harsh climatic conditions, it is also an attractive crop to farm.
World demand for amaranth has sky- rocketed since the 1970’s due to a growing awareness of its health properties, including that it is gluten free. The grain can be milled into flour and the leaves can be eaten like greens.
CLIMATE
Generally, the plant prefers warm weather. However, you can also grow amaranth in the temperate climate during summer. Actually, the plant has efficient photosynthetic abilities and responds best in full sunlight. Additionally, the crop is resistant to drought thus it does not require as much moisture as other crops.
SOIL
Generally, growing amaranth is possible on all types of soil. However, the loam soil is most suitable for its cultivation. Fine seedbed is necessary for this crop and you can prepare a suitable bed by repeated plowing.
PLANTATION
You can grow the crop both in the summer and rainy seasons and in the temperate zone, you can start the plantation before 6 to 8 weeks of the last frost. The seeds of this crop are very small and is sown in flatbeds after mixing those with fine soil for good distribution.
You can transplant the seedlings after raising them in the nursery during the rainy season at a spacing of 45cm from row to row and 30cm from plant to plant. You will need about one kilogram of seed for sowing one acre.
HARVESTING
You can start harvesting when the plants turn yellow or deep brown in color. Growing Amaranth is a very lucrative opportunity for farmers and entrepreneurs that have sufficient land. Within a short duration of time, you can expect a good return from this business.
