Amaranth (Rajgira) Farming — Grain and Leaf Crop

Amaranth (rajgira) is experiencing rapid growth in premium organic markets — driven by its identity as a fasting food (Navratri, Ekadashi), its exceptional protein content (14–17%), and its gluten-free status that appeals to health-conscious urban consumers. The same plant offers two income streams: the grain (rajgira) for the superfood market, and the tender leaves (chaulai) as a fresh vegetable. Both products are in increasing demand in Bengaluru and Mysuru organic channels, making amaranth one of the most exciting new crops for organic farmers.

Varieties for Grain vs. Leaf Production

CO1 (grain amaranth): The primary Tamil Nadu-released variety for grain production. Large, compact seed heads producing white to cream-coloured seeds — the preferred colour for rajgira laddoos, chikki, and flour. Plants grow to 1.5–2 m; harvest at 80–90 days. Best suited to Kharif sowing in Karnataka’s red soil districts.

Pusa Kiran (leaf amaranth): Bred specifically for tender leaf production (chaulai). Branching plant type with multiple harvest points; first leaf harvest at 25–30 days; multiple cuts possible over 60 days before allowing to seed. Leaves are deep green, slightly tender — preferred at vegetable markets.

Gujarat Amaranth-1 (Rajgira-1): A dual-purpose variety suitable for both leaf and grain harvest. Can be harvested for leaves in early growth stages and then left to mature a grain crop. Well-adapted to Gujarat and Karnataka conditions with moderate drought tolerance.

Arka Suguna: IIHR Bengaluru release with high leaf yield and good regrowth after cutting. Specific interest for organic leaf amaranth markets in urban Karnataka. Red-stemmed, attracting premium from restaurants and health food menus.

Why Amaranth Excels in Organic Systems

Amaranth is a C4 plant — the same photosynthetic pathway as maize and sugarcane — which means it uses water very efficiently. This translates to:

• Drought tolerance: Survives 3–4 week dry spells without serious yield loss; ideal for rainfed Kharif on red soils
• Low input needs: Fixes no nitrogen (unlike legumes) but responds well to organic matter; moderate nitrogen requirement met by 2 tonnes vermicompost/acre alone
• No major pests: The crop has negligible pest problems in Karnataka — no regular insecticide application needed, which is essential for organic certification
• Weed competition: Once established (after day 20), amaranth’s rapid growth rate suppresses most weeds — reducing weeding labour significantly after the first weeding

Sowing and Field Preparation

• Sowing time: June–July for Kharif (main crop); February–March for summer crop with irrigation
• Spacing: 45×20 cm for grain varieties; 30×15 cm for leaf varieties
• Seed rate: 0.5–0.8 kg/acre (seeds are very tiny — mix with sand 1:10 for even broadcast sowing)
• Depth: Surface sow or maximum 0.5 cm depth; amaranth seeds need light for germination and will fail if buried more than 1 cm

Basal inputs per acre:

• Vermicompost: 2 tonnes
• Neem cake: 100 kg
• Wood ash: 150 kg (potassium for grain filling)

Prepare a fine, firm seedbed — small seeds need excellent seed-soil contact. Roll or firm the bed after sowing for good germination.

Grain Amaranth — The Superfood Market

Grain amaranth is primarily sold in four market formats — each with different pricing:

Harvest: At 80–90 days when seed heads turn golden-brown and seeds are hard. Cut heads individually into a container (seeds shatter easily); do not combine harvest in wind. Sun dry heads for 3–4 days then thresh gently by beating or rolling. Clean seeds with a fine sieve (1 mm mesh).

Leaf Amaranth — Continuous Vegetable Income

For leaf amaranth production, harvesting begins much earlier:

• First harvest of tender shoot tips and young leaves at day 25–30
• Cut growing tips and side shoots; leave at least 30% of foliage on each plant
• Repeat harvest every 10–12 days for 60–75 days
• Fresh leaves sell at ₹20–35/kg at vegetable markets; organic premium at ₹40–60/kg
• Yield per harvest: 300–500 kg/acre; 5–6 harvests possible = 1.5–2.5 tonnes leaf yield total

Income calculation (grain crop):

• Grain yield: 6 qtl/acre × ₹100/kg = ₹60,000 gross
• Input + labour: ₹10,000–12,000
• Net: ₹48,000–50,000/acre in 85–90 days

Income (leaf crop, organic market):

• Leaf yield: 2,000 kg × ₹40/kg = ₹80,000 gross
• Input + labour: ₹15,000
• Net: ₹60,000–65,000/acre over 3 months

Last updated: March 2026