Heeng (asafoetida) cultivation in India

On May 28, 2025, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) reported the first flowering and seed set of heeng (asafoetida) at Palampur, marking a major milestone. This development proved that heeng can be successfully cultivated in India, even outside its native cold desert habitat.

Palampur’s Altitude: A New Agro-Ecological Frontier

While heeng typically thrives in cold deserts, its cultivation at just 1,300 m above sea level in Palampur represents a breakthrough in plant adaptability. It suggests that many unexplored agro-ecological zones across India may be suitable for similar crops.

India’s Dependence on Imports

Despite being the world’s largest consumer of heeng, India had long depended on imports from Afghanistan, Iran, and Uzbekistan. Recognizing this gap, the government initiated a national mission to promote indigenous cultivation.

CSIR-IHBT Leads India’s Heeng Cultivation Drive

The mission was spearheaded by the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT) in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. The first heeng seedling in India was planted on October 15, 2020, at Kwaring village in Lahaul Valley, officially launching the country’s indigenous heeng cultivation.

Establishment of Heeng Germplasm Resource Centre

To institutionalize this progress, the Heeng Germplasm Resource Centre was set up at IHBT Palampur and formally inaugurated on March 5, 2022. The Centre now acts as the national hub for:

• Conservation
• Research
• Training
• Seed production
• Plant propagation

Heeng: A Staple in Indian Kitchens

Asafoetida (Ferula assa-foetida) is an integral spice in Indian cooking. A pinch is added to hot oil at the start of many dishes. It is deeply rooted in Indian culinary and medicinal traditions, with references in the Mahabharata and Ayurvedic texts.

Ideal Conditions for Heeng Cultivation

Heeng naturally grows in cold, arid regions like Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. The plant prefers:

• Sandy, well-drained soil
• Low moisture and annual rainfall of ≤200 mm (can tolerate up to 300 mm)
• Temperatures between 10–20°C, tolerating up to 40°C and lows of –4°C

In harsh winters, heeng enters dormancy to survive. This makes semi-arid, high-altitude areas such as Lahaul-Spiti and Uttarkashi suitable for its cultivation in India. Excess moisture or rainfall can negatively affect growth.

From Root to Spice: The Source of Asafoetida

The usable spice, asafoetida, is extracted from the plant’s oleo-gum resin, found in the thick taproot and rhizome, which constitute 40–64% of the dried resin. Heeng is a perennial plant that typically requires five years to mature and flower.

(Source: TH)