Tulsi Farming Profit Per Acre (Holy Basil)

Tulsi Farming

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), revered as Holy Basil, is a widely cultivated aromatic shrub (2-4 feet tall) valued for its religious significance, medicinal properties, and ability to purify air. Its extracts treat stress, fever, inflammation and enhance stamina due to antimicrobial and antiviral qualities. Tulsi Farming Profit Per Acre demonstrates exceptional financial viability, evidenced by an investment of NRs. 34,500 per acre generating NRs. 350,000 revenue from the sale of 5,000 kg of fresh leaves at NRs. 70/kg. This results in a net profit of NRs. 315,500, translating to a robust 90.14% profit margin and a remarkable 914.49% Return on Investment (ROI), showcasing its high-income potential per acre.

Land Preparation

Land preparation requires starting with a clean, weed-free field. This process begins with deep ploughing (20-25 cm) to break up hard soil layers, followed by 2-3 cross harrowings or discings to pulverize the soil into a fine tilth. Well-decomposed Farmyard Manure (FYM) or compost (8-10 tonnes/acre) should be incorporated during the last ploughing. The field must then be properly leveled to ensure uniform irrigation and prevent waterlogging; additionally, if drainage is a concern, raised beds or ridges and furrows should be prepared.

Soil Type

Tulsi (Holy Basil) flourishes in fertile, well-drained soils, with sandy loam to loamy textures being optimal for root development and moisture management. While adaptable to a range of pH levels, it achieves its most vigorous growth and essential oil production in slightly acidic to neutral soils, specifically within a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Heavy clay soils that retain excess water and cause waterlogging, as well as highly saline or alkaline soils, are unsuitable and should be strictly avoided, as they hinder root function and overall plant health.

Climatic Requirements

Major Cultivars

Seed Rate per Acre

For Tulsi cultivation using nursery-raised seedlings, approximately 200 grams of seeds are required per acre. While direct sowing may use slightly more seed, transplanting is the preferred method. To prevent soil-borne diseases and pests, seeds should be treated before sowing with Mancozeb at a rate of 5 grams per kilogram of seed.

Nursery Management

For optimal Tulsi cultivation, establish a nursery by sowing seeds on well-prepared raised beds about 4–6 weeks before the planned transplanting date, or ideally two months prior to the monsoon. Sow the seeds at a depth of 2 cm with appropriate spacing, then lightly cover them with farmyard manure (FYM) or soil and irrigate using a sprinkler to maintain adequate moisture.

To encourage healthy and vigorous seedling growth, apply a 1–2% urea solution 15–20 days before transplanting. Seedlings are considered ready for transplant when they are six weeks old, approximately 8–10 cm tall and have developed 4–6 true leaves. Transplanting is typically done in mid-April, and to facilitate easy uprooting and preserve seedling turgidity, water the nursery beds thoroughly 24 hours in advance.

Planting

a) Planting Season

Planting is typically done from February to March in most regions; however, in frost-free tropical areas, planting can be carried out year-round with the support of irrigation.

b) Spacing

The recommended spacing for planting is 45 cm between rows and 45 cm between plants.

c) Pit Preparation

Small pits of size 15 cm × 15 cm × 15 cm are dug at the marked spacing points and filled with a mixture of topsoil and 1–2 kg of well-decomposed FYM or compost before transplanting.

d) Planting Method

Transplanting seedlings is the most common and reliable planting method, where seedlings are carefully uprooted from the nursery—preferably in the evening—their roots dipped in a 0.1% Bavistin solution for disease prevention, and then planted into the prepared pits, followed by light irrigation; direct sowing is less common due to the small seed size and uneven crop establishment.

e) Number of Plants per Acre

With a spacing of 45 cm × 45 cm, approximately 19,985 plants can be accommodated per acre.

Intercropping

Tulsi can be successfully intercropped during the initial 2–3 months with short-duration crops such as chillies, tomatoes, onions, garlic, radish, coriander, green gram, and black gram; however, tall or dense-canopy crops should be avoided to prevent shading, as intercropping helps maximize land use efficiency and offers additional early income.

Irrigation

Irrigation requires light, frequent applications, especially during establishment (first 4-6 weeks) and dry summers (3 per month). No irrigation is needed in the rainy season, totaling 12-15 irrigations yearly. Essential initial irrigations occur immediately after transplanting and during seedling establishment; subsequent timing depends on the season.

Maintain moderate moisture, avoiding both water stagnation (causes root rot) and severe drought. Drip irrigation is highly recommended for water efficiency and disease prevention (keeps foliage dry).

Fertilizer and Manure

Fertilizer application should ideally be based on the soil test report; however, as a general recommendation, the following doses can be applied per acre.

Weed Control

Weed control is crucial during the first 45–60 days after transplanting, when Tulsi plants are still establishing. During this period, 2–3 shallow hoeings and hand weedings help manage weeds and improve soil aeration.

Additionally, a pre-emergence application of herbicides like Pendimethalin at 500 g a.i. per acre immediately after transplanting can effectively suppress early weed growth but should be used cautiously and by label instructions. Once the plants are well established, the Tulsi canopy itself helps suppress most weeds.

Flowering and Fruit Management

Weed control is crucial during the first 45–60 days after transplanting, when Tulsi plants are still establishing. During this period, 2–3 shallow hoeings and hand weedings help manage weeds and improve soil aeration.

Additionally, a pre-emergence application of herbicides like Pendimethalin at 500 g a.i. per acre immediately after transplanting can effectively suppress early weed growth but should be used cautiously and following label instructions. Once the plants are well established, the Tulsi canopy itself helps suppress most weeds.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests

a) Leaf Rollers/Caterpillars

Leaf rollers and caterpillars are significant pests of Tulsi (Holy Basil), actively chewing foliage and causing substantial damage. Effective management includes: 1) Hand-picking visible larvae during early infestation, 2) Spraying organic 0.5% neem oil solution to deter feeding, or 3) Applying targeted insecticides like Spinosad or Chlorantraniliprole at 4 kg/acre if infestations persist, using chemicals as a last resort.

b) Aphids & Mealybugs

Aphids and mealybugs damage Tulsi by sucking sap, leading to leaf curling, stunting, and honeydew secretion that promotes sooty mold. Control methods include dislodging pests with a strong water jet, applying organic neem oil spray (2-3 mL/L), or using chemical insecticide Acetamiprid (1 mL per litre of water) for severe infestations. Regular monitoring is essential.

c) Whiteflies

Whiteflies threaten Tulsi crops by sucking sap and vectoring harmful plant viruses, causing yellowing, wilting, and sooty mold from honeydew. Control integrates: 1) Installing yellow sticky traps near plants for adult monitoring/capture, 2) Spraying 0.5% neem oil to disrupt nymphs, and 3) Applying insect growth regulator Buprofezin (follow label rates) to target immature stages. Early intervention prevents outbreaks.

d) Tulsi lace wing

Green lacewing nymphs damage Tulsi by feeding on leaf tissue and depositing harmful excreta, causing initial leaf curling and potentially leading to complete plant desiccation if unchecked. For effective control, spray infested plants early with Azadirachtin (10,000 ppm concentration) diluted at 5 ml per litre of water. This organic, plant-derived insecticide specifically targets the destructive nymphal stage.

Common Diseases

a). Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew, a widespread fungal disease, manifests as white powdery growth on Tulsi leaves, severely affecting photosynthesis and plant vigor. For control, first apply sulfur-based treatments (dust or wettable sulfur), neem oil, or Dinocap. In persistent cases, spray Mancozeb at 4 g per liter of water. Crucially, improve air circulation around plants to prevent outbreaks and reduce humidity-related spread.

b). Fusarium Wilt

A destructive fungal disease that is spread through the soil, fusarium wilt first causes lower leaves to turn yellow before developing into irreversible wilting, vascular browning, and finally plant death. Prevention is the key to effective management: applying Trichoderma viride biocontrol agents (5g/L water), solarizing the soil before planting, adopting resistant cultivars, and implementing rigorous 3-year crop rotations. Since the illness is incurable once established, it is imperative to prevent waterlogging and to remove or destroy afflicted plants very away.

c) Root Rot

Root rot, a destructive fungal disease primarily caused by waterlogging and poor drainage, leads to decayed roots, wilting, and plant death. Control requires immediate improvement of soil drainage and drenching the root zone with copper oxychloride or Carbendazim fungicides. Prevention includes strict phytosanitary practices and drenching nursery beds with Bavistin (Carbendazim) at 1% concentration to protect seedlings from blight and rot.

d) Leaf Spot

Fungal/bacterial spots. Control: Mancozeb, Copper fungicides, Streptocycline (for bacteria).

Harvesting

Harvesting Tulsi begins 90-100 days after transplanting (DAT) when plants are well-branched and just before flowering (or after pinching). Cut plants 15-20 cm above ground level using sharp sickles or harvesters, preferably on a sunny morning after dew has dried to maximize oil content and drying efficiency. Subsequent harvests can occur every 60-75 days after the first cut, depending on regrowth and plant vigor.

Yield

Yield largely depends on factors such as the cultivar used, climate conditions, soil fertility, availability of irrigation, and overall management practices.

Cost of Investment per Acre for Tulsi Farming

 Income from per Acre Tulsi Farming

Analysis of Tulsi Farming Profit Per Acre

The profit analysis per acre for Tulsi farming shows a total investment cost of NRs. 34,500 against total revenue of NRs. 350,000, generated from the sale of 5,000 kg of fresh leaves at NRs. 70/kg. This results in a net profit of NRs. 315,500 (Total Revenue – Total Cost). Further profitability analysis reveals a profit margin of approximately 90.14%, calculated as (Net Profit / Total Revenue) × 100 [(315,500 / 350,000) × 100], and an exceptional Return on Investment (ROI) of approximately 914.49%, derived from (Net Profit / Total Cost) × 100 [(315,500 / 34,500) × 100].

Crop Calendar for Tulsi (Holy Basil) Farming

Sources

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC).

Handbook of Herbs and Spices (Woodhead Publishing).

National Horticulture Board, India.

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University- Agritech portal.

Punjab Agricultural University.