Hop Shoots Farming in India: Cultivation Process, Benefits, and Market Value

Many people in this country are unaware of many different types of crops and plants that are cultivated in their states, and regions. Hop shoots are one of them which was the most understated crop that gained popularity at the time in the global market and it became the most expensive crop in the world. 

Hop shoots have the highest global market value approximately $8.1 billion in 2022 and are projected to reach $15.1 billion by 2030, with an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% between 2023 and 2030. If we talk about the Indian market then the op shoots price per kg will range between ₹85,000 to ₹1 lakh. Let's understand deeply about the hop shoot crop:

What is hop shoot?

Hop shoots are the young part of the hop plant Humulus lupulus that are characterized by their green cone-shaped flowers. Also, it is a vigorous, climbing perennial native to North America and Europe.

This looks like a sprout flower which mainly emerges in early springs. And if we talk about the appearance of this crop then it is ivory in color and looks similar to asparagus spears with an average height of 5-8 cm. Each pale stem ends in a pointed tip with tiny bract-like leaves.

It has a different sweet taste with the flavor of nuts with a hint of bitterness. In European countries, the use of hop shoots for maintaining youthful, natural, and radiant skin is widely popular.

This is due to the high antioxidant content found in hop shoots, which helps cleanse and enhance the skin's appearance. These antioxidants contribute to keeping the skin gleaming and healthy. 

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How to grow hop shoots in India?

The cultivation of hop shoots in India, while still in its early stages, is gaining traction due to its potential profitability and rising demand in international markets, from sowing to harvesting it requires a lot of steps for the proper cultivation of hop shoots. Here is a brief overview:

1. Ideal climate

This crop mostly thrives in moist sufficient regions of India such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh although requires 12 frost-free days to survive and requires an average amount of rainfall for the wearing or on the basis of irrigation. Hop plants germinate in March, and cultivation typically occurs north of 35°N or south of 35°S latitude. These plants have a dormant phase of 5-6 weeks in sub-zero temperatures. However, hop crowns can withstand temperatures up to -25°C when covered in snow.

2. Site selection and soil preparation

Hop Shoots thrive in well-drained loamy soil with a balanced pH of 6.0 to 7.0, Before planting, enrich the soil with organic manure and compost to boost fertility and provide essential nutrients. A soil test is recommended before planting to ensure the pH and fertility levels are suitable for hop plants.

3. Planting

• These plants require approx 6 to 8 hours of sunlight exposure. East and west-facing sites are preferable for producing high-quality yields. You can use hops rhizomes from cutting the roots of mature plants, and let them cool until the planning process starts.
• These plants need vertical support and require spacing in roots about 10-20 feet apart vertically. Rhizomes are sensitive to early spring frosts and should be planted when the soil is ready, there must be spacing of 3-4 meters apart in rows between each rhizome.

4. Trellising and Training

• As we know hop shoots are vigorous climber plants then it can reach the highest peak of up to 15-20 feet, trellises are the support holes that are installed to support the plants growing upwards, making efficient use of space while ensuring they receive plenty of sunlight and air.
• Once the shoots begin to grow, carefully wind them around the trellises or poles. This vertical training allows the plants to receive optimal sunlight and air circulation. Space rhizomes 3-4 meters apart in rows to allow the plants to grow and spread.

5. Watering and maintenance

• During the early stage of cultivation, hop shoots require adequate amounts of irrigation for the healthy growth of the plant, avoiding water logging the soil to prevent root rot.
• It is important to monitor the crops to prevent pests and diseases with the help of advanced technology called ETl Economic trash level. Nutrient shortages can be detected early through browning or yellowing plant leaves then use pesticides and weed removal machines to maintain the crop.

6. Pruning

It is an important part of cultivation as it helps the plant grow better, stay healthy, and look good. The best time to prune depends on the hop shoot plant, but it's often done in late winter or early spring. Trim lateral shoots to promote strong vertical growth of the bines you've chosen for harvest. This encourages full exposure to sunlight, which is crucial for development.

7. Harvesting

• Hop shoots can be harvested at an early young age as per the demand of domestic and global markets even if it is tender to ensure maximum flavor and quality. Manual harvesting has become the first choice as it helps to prevent damage to crops that are more fragile.
• Hop shoots have to be cut from the hop plant and then air-dried for a few days. The dried hop shoots are then taken to the field where they have to be cut into pieces and then air-dried for another few days.

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Health and nutritional benefits of hops shooting

Hops shoots contain a lot of nutritional value which helps to provide all the potential health benefits to the body, here are some of them.

1. Antimicrobial Properties: Hops shoots are significantly known for their antimicrobial properties that help the body fight against various pathogens. 
2. Digestive health: they are rich in high fire content which is good for the digestive and gut health of an individual. Hops are also known for their ability to regulate and boost digestion and accelerate metabolism, with a calming effect on acid reflux.
3. Skin Care: Hops are a good source of antioxidants that may help the skin get a radiant and youthful glow and protect against early aging signs like wrinkles, acne, crow's feet, blemishes, skin patches, etc.
4. May protect against heart disease: Hops contain the compound xanthohumol, which is believed to have anti-restenotic effects and may help in preventing heart attacks or strokes. It may also help to relax blood vessels and improve blood circulation.