Dept of Agriculture Development 
SFAC KeralaNili is a reputed drug for the promotion of hair growth. Due to antitoxic property it is also a good remedy for poisons. This plant, which is the original source of natural indigo, is an erect shrub with imparipinnate leaves. Leaves are important in medicine and form a major ingredient of preparations like 'Nilibhringadi'.
Prepare the soil to fine tilth by ploughing two or three times.
Seeds are very small and the seed rate is 3 kg/ha. Seeds require pretreatment for good germination, as the seed coat is hard. Seeds are mixed with sand and ground gently to break the seed coat. An alternate method for enhancing germination is dipping the seeds in boiling water for a second. After pre-treatment seeds are broadcasted. Broadcast the seeds preferably mixed with sand 2-3 times its volume to ensure uniform coverage. Seeds germinate within a week.
September-October is the best time for sowing.
Apply cattle manure at the rate of 10 t/ha as basal dressing and incorporate into soil along with last ploughing.
Plants start flowering 2-3 months after sowing. Harvesting is done by cutting the plants at this time, at a height of about 20 cm from ground level. Irrigate plants after harvest. Subsequent harvests can be made at 1.5-2 months interval. Four to five cuttings can be taken in a year depending on the growth.
