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| Mulethi cultivation in Kashmir |
Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as Mulethi, Licorice, or Yashtimadhu, is one of the world's most valued medicinal herbs. Revered in Ayurveda, Unani, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and modern herbal medicine, its sweet-tasting roots have been used for centuries to support respiratory health, digestion, immunity, and skin care. As the global demand for herbal products continues to grow, Mulethi has emerged as a profitable medicinal crop for Indian farmers.
India offers favorable conditions for cultivating Glycyrrhiza glabra, particularly in sub-tropical and warm-temperate regions. The plant thrives in areas with long, sunny summers and relatively dry climatic conditions. States such as Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Uttarakhand possess suitable agro-climatic conditions for successful cultivation. In the Himalayan foothills and northwestern plains, Mulethi can produce excellent-quality roots rich in glycyrrhizin, the primary medicinal compound responsible for its characteristic sweetness.
In Kashmir has favorable conditions for its successful cultivation, particularly in the valley's well-drained agricultural lands. With increasing demand from the herbal, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries, Mulethi has the potential to become a profitable medicinal crop for farmers in Jammu and Kashmir.
Mulethi grows best in well-drained sandy loam or loamy soils with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be fertile, rich in organic matter, and free from waterlogging, as excessive moisture can lead to root diseases. Before planting, farmers should incorporate well-decomposed farmyard manure or compost to improve soil fertility and structure.
The crop is generally propagated through root cuttings or stolons, which establish faster than seeds. Planting is usually carried out during February to April or October to November, depending on regional climatic conditions. Regular irrigation is essential during the establishment stage, but mature plants tolerate moderate drought and require less frequent watering. Weed management during the first year is important because young plants compete poorly with aggressive weeds.
One of the most attractive features of Mulethi cultivation is its long-term economic potential. The crop generally requires two to three years to produce mature roots suitable for harvesting. At harvest, the thick roots and underground stems are carefully dug, cleaned, cut into pieces, and dried under shade to preserve their medicinal properties. Properly dried roots are then supplied to herbal medicine manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, spice traders, tea producers, and cosmetic industries.
The medicinal value of Glycyrrhiza glabra is attributed to bioactive compounds such as glycyrrhizin, liquiritin, flavonoids, saponins, and antioxidants. Traditionally, Mulethi has been used to soothe sore throats, relieve coughs, reduce gastric irritation, support liver function, and promote overall wellness. It is also widely used in herbal teas, cough syrups, digestive formulations, skincare products, and natural confectionery.
With the increasing popularity of herbal medicine and natural health products worldwide, the commercial cultivation of Mulethi presents a significant opportunity for Indian farmers. By adopting good agricultural practices, selecting quality planting material, and ensuring proper post-harvest processing, growers can produce high-quality licorice roots that meet domestic and international market standards.
As demand for medicinal plants continues to rise, Glycyrrhiza glabra stands out as a sustainable, high-value crop capable of supporting rural livelihoods while contributing to India's growing herbal and pharmaceutical industries.
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