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| Hyssopus officinalis in Kashmir |
Gul-e-Zoofa
(Hyssopus officinalis) Cultivation Guide: Climate, Yield, Cost & Profit
Gul-e-Zoofa Kashmir, botanically known as Hyssopus officinalis and
commonly called Hyssop, is a high-value medicinal and aromatic plant
widely used in Unani, herbal, and pharmaceutical industries. With low
input costs and multi-year productivity, Gul-e-Zoofa cultivation is emerging as
a profitable option for hill farmers and medicinal plant entrepreneurs.
This guide explains climate
requirements, farming methods, yield, market price, and profit potential of
Gul-e-Zoofa cultivation in India.
Ideal
Climate for Gul-e-Zoofa Farming
Gul-e-Zoofa thrives in cool to
temperate climates and performs best at temperatures between 15°C and
25°C. The plant tolerates mild frost but avoids areas with excessive
humidity.
Best regions in India:
- Himachal Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Upper Himalayan and temperate zones
Soil
Requirement
- Well-drained sandy loam or loamy soil
- Soil pH: 6.0–7.5
- Avoid waterlogged and heavy clay soils
Propagation
& Sowing
Gul-e-Zoofa is mainly propagated
through seeds, though cuttings ensure uniform quality.
- Seed rate:
2–3 kg per hectare
- Sowing time:
March–April or September
- Spacing:
45 × 45 cm
- Transplanting:
After 4–6 weeks
Irrigation
& Crop Management
- Light irrigation after transplanting
- Thereafter every 10–15 days
- Drought tolerant once established
- Organic manure enhances oil quality
Harvesting
& Yield
Harvest Gul-e-Zoofa at the full
flowering stage for maximum medicinal value.
Yield per hectare:
- Fresh herb: 8–10 tons
- Dried herb: 2–2.5 tons
- Essential oil: 10–20 kg
The crop allows 2–3 harvests per
year and remains productive for 4–5 years.
Cost
of Cultivation (Per Hectare)
- Total investment: ₹60,000–₹70,000
- Low maintenance after establishment
Market
Price & Profit
Current market rates (approx.):
- Dried Gul-e-Zoofa: ₹250–600/kg
- Essential oil: ₹8,000–15,000/kg
Expected profit:
- Net income from dried herb: ₹5–6.5
lakh per hectare annually
- Higher returns for organic and contract farming
Why
Gul-e-Zoofa is a Profitable Medicinal Crop
- Low water requirement
- Long crop life (up to 5 years)
- High demand in Unani medicine
- Ideal for Himalayan and hill agriculture
- Suitable for export markets
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