The plant commonly known as Surjana, Sejan, or Munaga is a perennial vegetable-bearing tree. It is enriched with vitamins A, C, B2 riboflavin, protein, and medicinal properties. Surjana also contains essential minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, among others. The fruits of Surjana are elongated in shape. It thrives in various soil types and can even withstand low rainfall areas. In African countries, the Surjana plant is revered as a mother's best friend. In India, Surjana is cultivated in regions such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. It is a fast-growing plant that remains unaffected by drought.
Sejan or Surjana boasts abundant medicinal properties, often used to prevent various diseases. It encompasses over 50 types of multivitamins, exhibits antioxidant properties, and contains 20 types of amino acids. Its leaves are utilized as fodder for animals like cows, buffaloes, and goats to enhance milk production. Surjana finds extensive usage in countries like Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Malaysia, Mexico, among others. It is a perennial fruit-bearing plant primarily used in dishes like sambhar. Both its fruits and stems are valued as nutritious food.
Surjana seeds can be easily sown in diverse soil types. For optimal germination, fresh seeds should be utilized, and pre-soaking them in water for two days prior to sowing is recommended. Prepare a small nursery for the Surjana plant by filling a polythene bag with soil mixed with organic manure. Plant the seeds at a depth of 2 to 3 inches in the bag and allow them to settle for ten days. Proper irrigation should be provided to these bags periodically, and once the seeds germinate, water should be supplied to the polythene bags for at least 30 days. In the field, dig a pit 2 feet deep and 2-3 feet wide, and transplant the small seedlings from the bag for plantation. Fruits start to appear on the plant after six months, which can then be harvested and sold in the vegetable market or used for home consumption.
For cultivating Surjana, suitable climate and soil are essential. Surjana, also known as Sejan, thrives in warm, subtropical climates and is well-suited to dry conditions. The optimal temperature for its cultivation is around 28-30 degrees Celsius. Excessive cold or heat can adversely affect Surjana yield. Flowering in Surjana plants starts to decline when temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius. Surjana can be cultivated in all types of soil, but loamy red soil is considered most suitable. The pH level of the soil should ideally be between 6.5 to 7.5.
Surjana seedlings are prepared through the cutting method in nurseries. A trench about 40-45 centimeters long is prepared, filled with well-rotted cow dung, and watered. After that, Surjana seedlings are planted in these trenches and covered with soil. The distance between each plant should be 3 to 4 meters, and light irrigation should be done daily. Surjana planting is usually done between July and September.
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Varieties of Surjana: Prominent varieties include Coimbatore-1, Coimbatore-2, and PKM-1. These trees, which grow to be 5-6 meters tall, start flowering within 100 to 110 days. Fruits can be harvested from these trees for 4 to 5 years.
Importance of Surjana: This plant is highly beneficial for health, and its leaves are used in the treatment of various diseases. Surjana can be grown in various types of soils and thrives in regions with ample sunlight. Its fruits can be used to extract various types of oil, which are then used in the preparation of many Ayurvedic medicines. Even in areas with low water availability, Surjana cultivation is possible. Additionally, it is used as a natural fertilizer and nutritious food. A Surjana plant can treat over 300 diseases. The leaves and stems of the plant are rich in vitamins, calcium, iron, potassium, and protein, thus fulfilling the body's mineral requirements. Moreover, the roots of this plant are being used to make blood purifiers. Ayurvedic medicines are prepared for patients suffering from heart diseases using this plant.
The Utility of Surjana:
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