Indigenous Cultivation of Heeng (Asafoetida)

Context

Scientists at CSIR-IHBT, Palampur reported the first flowering and seed setting of heeng (Ferula assa-foetida) in India, confirming successful acclimatisation and reproductive cycle completion, marking a historic milestone in the indigenous cultivation of heeng after decades of import dependence.

Heeng (Asafoetida)

1. Botanical and Ecological Details:

Botanical Name: Ferula assa-foetida
Family: Apiaceae
Type: Perennial herb, native to Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia.
Resin: Extracted from taproot and rhizome (oleo-gum resin).
Climate Suitability: Cold, arid climates; sandy, well-drained soils; rainfall ?300 mm; temp range: 10–20°C (can tolerate –4°C to 40°C).

2. India’s Import Dependence (Until 2020):

India was the world’s largest consumer but entirely dependent on imports from Afghanistan, Iran, and Uzbekistan.
Imported value: Estimated at over 900 crore annually.

3. Indigenous Cultivation Effort:

Launched by CSIR-IHBT, Palampur with support from ICAR-NBPGR and of Himachal Pradesh.
First heeng seedling planted on October 15, 2020, in Kwaring village, Lahaul Valley.
Breakthrough achieved in seed import, dormancy protocols, and ecological mapping.

4. Regions Identified for Cultivation:

High-altitude regions: Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu, Chamba.
Mid-hill areas: Mandi (e.g., Janjheli).
A Heeng Germplasm Resource Centre was inaugurated on March 5, 2022 at IHBT Palampur.

5. Technological Interventions:

Tissue culture propagation for mass-scale production.
Ecological niche modelling used for site selection.

6. Significance for India:

Reduces import burden, supports Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Opens agro-climatic frontiers and income opportunities for Himalayan farmers.
Promotes traditional and Ayurvedic uses as recommended in Charaka Samhita and other ancient texts.