Harvesting & Yield

The vines start bearing spikes six months after planting. Spikes will be ready for harvest after two months since formation of spikes. Fully grown but unripe fruits are to be harvested. Harvesting at correct maturity is important as delay in harvest leads to loss of pungency. Once the spike is set, it can be harvested two or three times a week. The harvested spike can be dried in the shade for two weeks and then marketed. If five kilograms of green spike is dried, one kilogram of dried spike will be obtained. (5:1 ratio). The yield of dry spike during the first year is around 400 kg/ha., it increases up to 1000 kg/ha in the third year. After the third year, vines become less productive and should be replanted. Thicker parts of lower stems/roots are also cut and can be used for making Piplamool after drying properly.