The document discusses exotic vegetables, which are non-native species introduced to regions like India and play a crucial role in providing cash income for farmers. It outlines their economic significance, nutritional benefits, and cultivation practices, highlighting the growing market demand and potential for home gardening and commercial production. Additionally, it covers various types, growing conditions, and market opportunities for exotic vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, and red cabbage.

1. Exotic
vegetables
Romanesco
Redcabbage

2.  Anything of foreign origin, something not of
native growth, as a plant is called exotic.
 Exotic vegetable are the species introduced to a
country or location.
 Globally important source of cash income for
small holders in Asia.
 In HP cultivation of Exotic Vegetables like
asparagus, broccoli, lettuce, leek, chinese
cabbage, snow pea, and parsley start picking up
in Theog, Matyana, Saproon Valley, Sirmour,
Katrain, Manali, Narkanda & Sanj Valley.

3. 1. Exotic vegetables as economic source
 Exotic vegetables are important source of cash income for farmers.
 Public & private sector supplies seeds to farmers at reasonable prices
 In India only old varieties of exotic vegetables are locally available.
2. Exotic vegetables as Nutritional and medicinal value
 Essential for balanced diet & good health provide micronutrients & phytochemicals.
 Reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases & cancer.
 Correct cooking improve the nutritional value of exotic vegetables
3. Exotic Vegetable as home garden
 Growing organically at home makes exotic vegetables excellent choices.
4. Exotic Vegetable for commercial purpose
 Lend themselves well to small scale and part time farming operation.
 For plains serve as off – season vegetable.
 Commercial production and marketing requires knowledge.

4. Opportunities
 Exotic vegetables market demand has increased 5 fold in India
 Only 10% Polyhouse are doing cultivation of Exotic vegetables
 The open area for Exotic vegetable cultivation is negligible
 The vegetables considered under Super healthy food Category.
Uniqueness of exotic vegetables
 Eaten Raw / semi cooked
 High priced in Retail
 Mostly health conscious people eat
 Super healthy food proven scientifically
 Farming efforts are same as normal vegetables
 Location - In India Pune, Himachal, Uttarakhand & Banglore
 Market Udaipur, Jaipur, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata

5. • KALE
• KNOL-KHOL
• RED CABBAGE
• CHINESE CABBAGE
• LEEK
• BABY CORN
• PARSLEY
• CELERY
• GARDEN BEETS
• SWISS CHARD
• ASPARAGUS
• LETTUCE
• BRUSSELS SPROUT
• BROCCOLI
IMPORTANT EXOTIC VEGETABLES
Popular Not so popular
Lettuce – Iceberg Brussels sprouts
Zucchini Artichokes
Broccoli Garlic Chives
Capsicum Golden Cherry tomato
Red Cabbage Galangal
White Cucumber Pok Choy
Asparagus
Baby corn
Mushroom
Herbs - Basil
Herbs - Parsley
Herbs - Celery
Herbs - Oregano

6. Types of exotic Vegetables – open /protected
Open Farming
Temp- 16 – 380c
Shed Net Farming
Temp- 38 - 420c
Polyhouse Farming
Controlled Temp
Lettuce – Iceberg Lettuce – Iceberg Red Capsicum
Zucchini Red Cabbage Yellow Capsicum
Broccoli Cherry Tomatoes Purple Capsicum
Red Cabbage Herbs - Basil
Cherry Tomatoes Herbs - Parsley
Asparagus Herbs - Celery
Herbs - Basil Herbs - Oregano
Herbs - Parsley Zucchini flowers
Herbs - Celery
Herbs - Oregano
Sweet corn

7. Type of Exotic vegetables - on harvest type
One time harvest Multiple harvest
Lettuce – Iceberg Zucchini
Broccoli Kale salad
Red Cabbage Cherry Tomatoes
Herbs - Parsley Asparagus
Herbs - Celery Herbs – Basil
Leek Herbs - Oregano
Sweet corn and Baby corn

8. Fast Food The fast food cousin are part of the high end,
mid size and low cost restaurants in India e.g.
Mushroom, Red yellow capsicum, Baby corn,
Broccoli, Zucchini , cherry tomatoes based
food items such as.
Pizza
Pasta
Wraps
Sandwiches
Chinese / Thai
Barbeque
Bruschetta
Lasagna
Soups
Health
conscious
In recent past health conscious people have
increased due to lifestyle diseases. That has
caused change in eating habits. The new
items/ increased consumption for following
Raw salads
Diet salads
Naturopath
Smoothies
Barbeque

9. Myth Reality
Cultivation only in polyhouse Open, Shade net and Polyhouse all are used based on
crop choice and agronomic condition of the farmland
Pest attack - Never Pest attack happens on Exotic vegetables and need
same care as the other vegetables
For - 5 star hotels only Every Small restaurant, household and cafes also use
Cultivation required - High
knowledge & technology
Only basic understanding of the Agriculture required
for good cultivation. For professional cultivation may
need entrant or consultant.
Used in Chinese recipes Used in Indian, Continental, Thai, Chinese recipes.
Also there are fusion cooking with Indian Recipes.
Smoothies, soups and salads has increased
consumption.

10. • Food scientists recommended 300gm /day vegetables in diet.
• Less initial investment
• Early returns
• Can be grown throughout the year
• Exotic vegetables fit for - open field & in poly houses/shade net.

11. Business to Business Business to Customer
Hotels Own shop
Resellers E commerce with home delivery:
Whatsapp
Mobile
app
website
SMS
calls etc.
Malls Stalls in Weekly bazar
corporate,
societies
Counter sales
Market yard/subji mandi
Institutions
Exporters

12. B2B B2C
)
)
Salads, Iceberg 30 TO 50 Rs/Kg (SUMMER END 150 RS) 80 to 120 Rs/Kg
Zucchini 30 TO 50 Rs/Kg (SUMMER END 100 RS) 80 to 120 Rs/Kg
Broccoli 30 TO 50 Rs/Kg (SUMMER END 250 RS) 80 to 150 Rs/Kg
Red Yellow Capsicum 50 TO 60 Rs/Kg (Winter 150 RS) 80 to 150 Rs/Kg
Red Cabbage 10 TO 40 Rs/Kg (SUMMER END 80 RS) 80 to 120 Rs/Kg
Cherry Tomatoes 30 TO 50 Rs/Kg (SUMMER END 250 RS) 80 to 120 Rs/Kg
Asparagus 60 TO 90 Rs/Kg (SUMMER END 250 RS) 150 to 200 Rs/Kg
Herbs Basil Parsley Celery Oregano 30 to 200 Rs/Kg 10 to 30 Rs/pack
Sweet corn / Baby corn 5 to 80 Rs as per demand supply 60 to 100 Rs/Kg

13. Start your exotic vegetable farming with Market analysis
Study demand analysis for production
Then product planning for uninterrupted supply
Build Supply chain system at your own
Post harvest handling, equipment, storage & logistics

14. Steps Method of application
Select vegetables Selecting exotic vegetables is the first step.
Growing site Choosing an appropriate growing site
Soil condition Good soil condition - Fertile, well-drained and moist soil suits .
Ideal time The ideal time to prepare garden soil is spring time.
Nursery sowing Sowing seeds indoors in germination trays filled with potting mix.
Nursery care Provide heat & moisture uniformly for healthy seedlings.
Watering Continue to water and care for them, until frosting is over.
Transplanting Transplant at correct time and at proper distance.
Spacing Place 1-2 seedlings in each planting hole and slowly backfill soil.
Irrigation Water transplanted seedlings & protect them from harsh sunlight.
Growing condition Keep the soil well-drained and moist for proper growth.
Fertilization Augmenting fertilizers is not necessary for growing vegetables.

15. some vegetable plants are capable of growing without being
subjected to full sunlight. And hence, if you have a shaded area in
your garden or are planning to grow them in your balcony, you
can include them.

16. Vegetable Nursery days Crop life
Lettuce – Iceberg 21-25 45 days then end.
Zucchini 25 Fruiting 40 days – life 3 months
Broccoli 21-25 75 days then end
Red Yellow Capsicum 30 50-60 days – life 6-9 months
Red Cabbage 21-25 75 days then end
Cherry Tomatoes 21-25 45 days – continue 6 months
Asparagus 30-40 650 days – Life for 7 years
Sweet corn 60 3 corn/ plant life 3 months
Baby corn 60 5 corn/plant life 3 months
Mushroom
Herbs - Basil 21-25 45 days till 1 year
Herbs - Parsley 21-25 40 days then end
Herbs - Celery 45 days then end
Herbs - Oregano 45 days continue 3 years

17. Vegetables Row to Row Plant of plant
Lettuce – Iceberg 1feet 1feet
Zucchini 2feet 3feet
Broccoli 1feet 1feet
Red Yellow Capsicum 1feet 1feet
Red Cabbage 1feet 1feet
Cherry Tomatoes 2feet 2feet
Asparagus 2feet 3feet
Sweet corn 2feet 3feet
Baby corn 2feet 3feet
Mushroom
Herbs - Basil 2feet 3feet
Herbs - Parsley 2feet 3feet
Herbs - Celery 2feet 3feet
Herbs - Oregano 2feet 3feet

18. Vegetables Per plant Per acre
Lettuce – Iceberg 150-250 gm each salad 4-5 tons per acre
Zucchini 4 – 5 kg per plant 6 tons per acre
Broccoli 400 – 500 gm per plant 6 tons per acre
Red Yellow Capsicum 150 – 350 gm per fruit
Red Cabbage 200 – 500 gm per plant 5 – 6 tons per acre
Cherry Tomatoes 10-15 gm/fruit
Asparagus 10 -25 gm /Stick 1 – 5 tons per acre
Sweet corn 200- 300 gm
Baby corn 15 – 30 gm
Mushroom
Herbs - Basil 500 gm
Herbs - Parsley 2 -3 bunches
Herbs - Celery 200 – 300 gm
Herbs - Oregano 30 – 100 gm

19. Soil - Medium type fertile soil. Well drained soil. pH 5.8 to 6.5
Climate - Subtropical climatic condition required. Winter season is
ideal for cultivation of most of the exotic vegetables.
Land Preparation.
• Two time ploughing and harrowing,
• FYM – 20ton /ha S.S.P- 500 kg /ha
Raised Bed Preparation
• Width-60cm Height-30cm Path-40cm
Irrigation
• Drip irrigation is the most effective system used for the cultivation
of exotic vegetables
• Water soluble fertilizers are used for growing purpose
• Soil should be analyzed before application of fertilizers on daily
basis.

21. Variety Selection-841, Perfection, UC-72, DPA-1, Jersey Giant, Jersey Gem,
Jersey King, Merry Washington, Imperial-84.
Sowing January 220 to 26°C
Distance 100 x 50 cm
Seed 30 g / kanal 2.5 kg/ha
Fertilizer 12:25:3.5
Yield 1-2 q/ kanal 150 qt /ha every year
Sprout called spears rich in vit-A,C, thimine, potassium, used for soup and pickle purpose

22. Variety Palam Vichitra. Palam Kanchan, Palam Haritika, Palam Samridhi Royal
Green, Evergreen, Pusa Broccoli
Sowing October – November 25 to 26°C
Distance 30X30cm
Seed 20 g /kanal 2.5 kg/ha
Fertilizer 150: 100: 170 kg/ha
Yield 200q/hq
Used in salad, High demand in five star hotels. Rich in Vitamin A & B, calcium and iron .

23. Variety Hild’s Ideal. Z Cross, Pearls Crystal, Prince Marble
Sowing time October - November
Distance 60 x 45cm
Seed 20 g /kanal
Fertilizer 12:25:3.5
Yield 4-6 q/kanal

24. Variety Crimson Globe, Detroit Dark Red, Star 1105, Merlin, Globe Dark Red,
Osprey (spring and summer), and Early Wonder (winter).
Temprature & soil 15°C and 20°C, Soil pH 6.0 -7.0 is best
Sowing time Early crop - March/April, late crop from June to September
Distance 60 x 45cm
Seed 7 to 8 kg/ha. 250 g/Kanal
Fertilizer 12:25:3.5
Yield 4-6 q/kanal

27. Variety Beejo sheetal-capsicum kanak ( yellow), capsicum BSS55 ( red) –
determinate type
Sowing February Temp-D-18 to 22°C, N- 16 to18 °C
Distance Open field 45x45 cm poly house 50X50 cm
Seed 250-300gm/ha
Fertilizer 200: 125: 275 kg /ha
Yield 400 qt /ha,
Used for garnishing salad dishes , Use in salad
Taste is depend on percentage of capscicin-0.2-4 %

28. Variety Bejo Sheetal seeds - BSS-366, UK- Sweet 100, Italian-cherry wonder,
Sowing January 18 to 30°C,
Distance 100 x 50 cm
Seed 30 g / kanal 400-500gm /ha
Fertilizer 125: 65: 135 kg/ha
Yield 400 qt /ha,
Used for garnishing salad dishes

32. Variety Utah, Pascal, Golden-Deteroit, Golden-Self Blanch
Sowing time September - October
Distance 45 x 10 cm
Seed 5 g / kanal
Fertilizer 12:25:4
Yield 15-20 q/ kanal
A salad crop grown for long fleshy leaf stalks and petioles, rich in Vitamins and Minerals
eaten raw or used for preparation of sauces, juices, stews, soups, salad & ketchups. Seeds
used as spice. celery . Helps lower cholesterol levels in the body

33. Variety Green Sun, White Sun, Summer Bright, Palam Green
Sowing September – November 15 to 20°C
Distance 45X45cm
Seed 150gm /ha (1gm = 800 seeds)
Fertilizer 100: 60: 60 kg/ha
Yield 300 qt/ha
Use in salad High demand in five star hotels, Vitamins A and C,and minerals like iron,sulfur,
phos,potash are available

36. Variety Karam saag
Sowing time October – Novemeber
Distance 45 x 45 cm
Seed 15 g / kanal
Fertilizer 12:19:4
Yield 15-20 q/ kanal

37. Variety Palam Paustik, Prize Taker, Mussel burgh
Sowing time September - October
Distance 45 x 45 cm
Seed 60 g / kanal
Fertilizer 12:15:7
Yield 12-15 q/ kanal

38. Variety Alamo 1, Simpson Black Seeded, Eves
Wonder, Ruby Iceberg type – Summer
time, Kispino, Penlake
Sowing September – November 20 to 24°C
Distance 30 X 45cm
Seed 20 g /kanal
Fertilizer 100: 75: 100 kg/ha
Yield 250 qt/ha
Consumed as boiled and as salad rich in Vit A, C,
iron, sulfur, phos, potash are available.

41. Variety Curled leaf, Double curled, Champion, Deep Green, Green Forest, Flat Leaf-
Italian Dark green, Parsely petra
Sowing time It can be grown August to January 22 to 30 oC
Distance 45 x 10 cm
Seed 10 g /kanal 500gm /ha
Fertilizer 12:25:4
Yield 4-5 q/ kanal 250 qt /ha
Leaves rich in vitamin C used in soups, salad and other dishes for seasoning like coriander.

43. Variety Red Cabbage
Red rock, Red drum head
Sowing time Low hill October - November
Distance 45 x 45cm
Seed 18 g /kanal
Fertilizer 10:12:1.5
Yield 4-6 q/kanal

45. Variety Hangnag Seeds, Pinto Seeds, Clous Seeds, Tejiyar Seeds, Balam house
Sowing September – November 20 to 24°C
Distance 60 x 60 cm
Seed 3-kg /ha ( 10 gm- 60 to 65 seeds)
Fertilizer 125: 65: 135 kg/ha
Yield 400 qt /ha
Similar to cucumber but taste and colour are different

46. Purple potato has a amazing and light
color . It contains big quantities of
anthocyanins - a powerful antioxidant
also found in other fruits and
vegetables with this color. The color
don’t disappears in cooking, being in
this regard a downright exotic
vegetable. Despite the color, which is
surprising, the taste of the purple
patato is exactly like the taste of
classic potato.