HEENA

Henna, also known as Mehndi mainly use for coloring of palms, feet, finger nails and also used for dying of hairs etc. It is native of North Africa. Oil extracted from flower of henna is used in perfume industry. Henna leaves, seed also possess medicinal property. Leaves are used to control bleeding and seeds in powder form mixed with ghee used to cure dysentery. In India, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh are major henna producing states. Rajasthan contribute about 90% of total henna production. In Rajasthan, Pali district is major henna growing district and produce best quality "sojat brand" of henna.

It can grow on variety of soils but gives best results when grown on well drained, fine sandy, deep, medium textured soils. It can also cultivate on slightly saline soils. Ideal pH range for henna cultivation is about 4.3-8.

Hina and Hajni are two popular varieties of Heena.

To bring soil to fine tilth, carryout deep ploughing operation in summer month. After ploughing, complete cross cultivation using disc harrowing.

Time of sowing
Optimum time for nursery sowing is first fortnight of March and transplantation is carried out in month of July-August.
 
Spacing
Transplant seedling in furrows. Use row to row spacing of 30cm and plant to plant spacing of 30cm. According to research finding, spacing of 45cm x 30cm or 60cm x 30cm increases dry leaf yield.

Method of Sowing
Seedlings are transplanted in main field.

Transplantation: Seeds are sown on levelled nursery bed. In nursery, to meet the nutrient requirement, use well decomposed cowdung@4ton along with Nitrogen@12kg and Phosphorus@16kg per acre in form of Urea@26kg and SSP@100kg/acre. Irrigate bed regularly for 35-40 days and maintain moisture in bed. Seedlings are ready for transplantation in three-four months i.e seedlings attained height of 30-40cm. 

Seed Rate
Seed rate of 2 to 4 kg is sufficient for sowing in one acre land.

Seed Treatment
To increased germination percentage, before sowing, soak seeds in 3% salt solution. 

Fertilizer Requirement (kg/acre)

Nutrient Requirement (kg/acre)

To obtain optimum yield, overall henna crop required Ntrogen@32kg in form of Urea@76kg/acre and Phosphorus@16kg in form of SSP@100kg/acre. Apply half of Nitrogen and full amount of Phosphorus at time of transplanting of seedling. Apply remaining amount of nitrogen after one month.

Depending upon climate, soil type, in summer season provide irrigation with interval of 7-10 days. In rainy season provide irrigation depending upon rainfall frequency.

Depending upon weed intensity, carry out one hand or hoe weeding operation one month after transplantation. To control broad leaf weeds and annual grass, take pre-emergence application of Atrazine@600 gm/acre. 

• Pest and their control:
  

Termite: Major pest of henna. To keep check on termites, at time of field preparation, do soil application of Chlorpyriphos@10kg/acre. If termite incidence is observed in field, do dusting of Chlorpyriphos in standing crop.

Semi Looper: Its infestation is observed in cloudy weather. If infestation is observed in field, take spray of Quinalphos 30EC@300ml/acre.

For proper establishment of henna, near about three years are required. Economic production starts there after. Harvesting is carried out for two times in a year. First harvesting in month of October-November and Second harvesting in month of April-June. Harvest when leaves get fully mature and having dark green color. Branches are cut at distance of 8-10cm from ground level with help of sickle.

After harvesting, branches are collected and left for drying in shed. After proper drying, leaves are collected and stored in gunny bags.