Agricultural circles in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, are witnessing a unique farming trend as local grower Charu Mandal successfully cultivates a specialized crop known as Aru. Growers in the region have started looking at this particular harvest as a secure fixed deposit of their hard work, primarily because it delivers reliable returns of up to 1.5 lakh rupees in a single year while demanding virtually no regular supervision after the initial sowing phase.
Land Preparation and Sowing Methods
According to Charu Mandal, the labor involved in raising Aru is concentrated entirely at the very beginning during the planting stage. The process starts by digging pits that are four feet deep into the ground. Organic cattle manure, vermicompost, and appropriate pesticides are thoroughly mixed into the excavated soil. Exactly fifteen days prior to actual sowing, a blend of manure and a small amount of lime is incorporated into the earth to significantly boost its fertility before the seeds are finally placed inside the pits.
Water Management and Low Maintenance
One of the most remarkable aspects of this cultivation is the complete absence of frequent irrigation requirements. Water is applied only once at the exact time of sowing. Following that initial watering, the plants require no further irrigation, as they naturally absorb moisture and subterranean water directly from the earth. This eliminates the regular hassles of watering and monitoring that come with traditional crops.
Yield Expectations and Market Value
An individual Aru tuber can grow to weigh between 15 and 20 kilograms. Cultivating a single acre of land yields approximately 30 quintals of harvest. In the commercial market, this total production generates an estimated value of about 1.5 lakh rupees. Since expenses related to irrigation and upkeep are practically nonexistent, the crop offers high financial returns from minimal investment.
Utility of Leaves and Harvest Indicators
The benefits of the plant extend beyond its roots, as its large leaves serve a practical culinary purpose by being used to prepare savory dishes. Furthermore, farmers monitor the physical size of these leaves to gauge the growth of the underground tuber. Once the foliage reaches substantial proportions, the crop is ready to be dug out of the soil for final collection.
