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Curry Tree
Conditions of Growth |
It needs sufficient sunlight and a place which is well-drained. |
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It is mainly cultivated on a plantation scale and in homesteads. |
Regions |
All parts of India and mainly in Tamil Nadu |
Production/ Trade |
Found mostly in the South part of India |
The curry tree belongs to the Rutaceae family and a tropical and sub-tropical plant native to Sri Lanka and India. The leaves of this tree are used directly in many Indian Dishes in all parts of the world. These leaves are used in the form of ‘sweet neem leaves’ in many cuisines.
It is a small tree growing at a height of 4-6 m with a 40 cm trunk in diameter. The leaves are very aromatic and the flowers of the tree are white and small but the seeds of the plant are very poisonous. The flowers of the curry leaves are developed into the black berries which are also eaten in some areas. The leaves are used to add flavor and aroma to the dishes and can be used for digestion and can be chewed directly in the form of leaves as they are very tasty.
They require proper sunlight and soil which is well-drained. In order to promote proper drainage, gardeners also add extra compost which allows drying of the tree between watering. Pruning helps the tree to produce more and more leaves. Harvesting of the leaves can be done any time to add good flavor and can be used later on also by storing dried form of the leaves.
Curry Leaves Production in India
Although the production of curry leaves is found in the form of wild but it is widely cultivated as aromatic leaves and for ornamental use. In every part of South, the plant is grown in India. On commercial basis, it is best grown in Tamil Nadu leaf farms and many other states as well.
The curry leaves are considered as a minor crop of spice. In between the years 2002 to 2003, 893 tonnes of curry leaves were exported from India. Before the arrival of monsoon in May, planting of curry leaves is done mostly in the Southern part of India. The seeds are propagated and germinated under the partial shade of the sun freely. For the period of 15 months, harvesting of the leaves is done after planting and a yield of 100 kg leaves can be obtained from a tree each year.
The most prominent farming areas of curry leaf in India are usually found in Tamil Nadu. Leaves are bought from the farmers by the middlemen to supply in Coimbatore to the traders in the vegetable markets. A shortage was caused in the year 2003 due to huge amount of rain which brought increase in the prices of the curry leaves. The plantation area was also increased by the farmers.
Methods of Growing Curry Tree
Fresh curry leaves can be taken till the root in the form of stem cuttings. The stems are cut cleanly and are used to dig into a few centimeters deep inside the ground with 3 leaves or more left above the ground surface. The cuttings are kept in a covered pot and in the presence of warm light, out of the reach of sunlight. The rooting of the plant will take about 2-3 weeks.
Alternatively, if there are ripe seeds present in fresh curry leaves, then it can also help in growing of trees. They, only requirement is a temperature of 20 degree Celsius to germinate and this will take a long time in germination.
The curry leaves can be cultivated in a sunny place and in any space. In order to maintain constant supply of fresh and young leaves, regular trimming of plants is required with proper water management during the seasons of growing.
During the season of winters, the pot is kept in a place which is warm and frost free with a minimum temperature of 12 degree Celsius. When the month of April starts, the pot is soaked and the plants are moves to a temperature of 18 – 20 degree Celsius in a warm and sunny place.
Curry Leaves Growing States in India and Best Season
Curry leaves are best grown in all parts of India but the major production of curry leaves and the exports of it are done in the Tamil Nadu state due to the presence of sufficient amount of climatic conditions required for the growth of curry leaves. Other states include Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Southern part of India.
The best season for the cultivation of the curry leaves is during the onset of summer season usually between the months of April to June.
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