Sustainability
C. asiatica can be propagated in small plots and transplanted within 1-2 weeks, which allows more land to be accessible for other crops (Brinkhaus et al., 2000). Since this plant is a creeping plant it can be intercropped with other crops such as maize. This intercropping method would act as a weed control and would generate more income for farmers since they would be able to more efficiently use plots to grow more crops. This crop also does not require additional fertilizers, which reduces the costs associated with cultivation (Brinkhaus et al., 2000). But as mentioned in growing conditions C. asiatica is very intolerant to drought, so maintaining soil moisture content above 30% is very important (Devkota & Jha, 2011). If access to water is limited in a particular region this crop will not be sustainable. As a perennial plant, C. asiatica could be harvested numerous tines throughout the year generating a steady income for farmers. Harvesting can begin six months after the initial planting and can take place at any time during the year (Brinkhaus et al., 2000). This gives farmers more flexibility in when they will harvest and allows them to focus on the more specific harvesting requirements of their other crops. The costs associated with the harvesting of this crop are relatively low since only the leaves are being sold. But picking leaves is more labour intensive than most crops and would have to be done numerous times throughout the year. Production costs would also be fairly low since the areal portion of the plant can be dried outside in the sun after being collected (Brinkhaus et al., 2000). Due to the low moisture content of the product storage would be easy since the dried leaves are not prone to moulding
MAIN POINTS
Can be propagated in small plots |
Can be planted as an intercrop |
Can be harvested multiple times throughout the year |