Asafoetida (Heeng) Cultivation in India

Asafoetida (Heeng) Cultivation in India

Heeng (asafoetida) is cultivated in most parts of India. It requires less than 300 mm of rainfall, well-drained sandy soil, and can tolerate -4 to 40 degrees Celsius. Heeng is cultivated mostly in high altitude regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. India is the world's largest consumer of heeng; it helps with digestive problems, asthma, bronchitis, etc.

Heeng in English - Asafoetida

About the Plant

Family: Umbelliferae; Type: Perennial herbaceous plant.

Produces oleo-gum resin from roots after 5 years of plantation.

Climate: Cold, arid; annual rainfall ≤ 200 mm (tolerates up to 300 mm); sandy, well-drained soil; temperature 10–20°C (tolerates –4°C to 40°C).

Dormancy: In extreme cold & dry weather.

Suitability in India

High-altitude semi-arid regions like Lahaul-Spiti (HP) & Uttarkashi (UK).

Significance

Widely used spice in Indian cuisine.

Medicinal uses: Digestive relief, asthma, bronchitis, menstrual disorders, premature labor.

Current Scenario

India: World’s largest consumer, no domestic production; imports from Afghanistan, Iran, and Uzbekistan.

Govt Initiative

Launched by: CSIR–Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur.

Seed Source: Initially Iran, later Afghanistan (via ICAR–NBPGR import permits).

Trials in Palampur & Ribling (Lahaul-Spiti).

Heeng Germplasm Resource Centre was established (March 5, 2022) at IHBT Palampur — hub for conservation, research, training, and seed production.

Early Adopter Villages

HP: Lahaul-Spiti (Madgran, Salgran, Beeling, Keylong), Mandi (Janjehli, Majhakhal), Kinnaur, Kullu, and Chamba.