**Nij Cultivation of Indigo**

Indigo cultivation, also known as "Nij" cultivation, refers to the process of growing indigofera tinctoria plants for the extraction of indigo dye. This traditional method of indigo production has been practiced for centuries, particularly in the Indian subcontinent. The term "Nij" is derived from the Hindi word for indigo.

**Indigofera Tinctoria Plant**
Indigofera tinctoria is a perennial shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Asia and is well-suited for tropical and subtropical climates. The plant can reach a height of up to 2 meters and has small, pink-purple flowers. The leaves of the indigo plant contain a chemical compound called indican, which is responsible for producing the blue dye.

**Cultivation Process**
The cultivation of indigo involves several stages, including seed selection, land preparation, sowing, irrigation, harvesting, and processing. Here is a detailed breakdown of each stage:

1. **Seed Selection**: High-quality seeds are selected to ensure a healthy crop. These seeds are usually obtained from mature indigo plants that have been carefully cultivated.

2. **Land Preparation**: The land is prepared by plowing and leveling the soil. It is important to remove any weeds or unwanted vegetation to provide a favorable environment for the indigo plants to grow.

3. **Sowing**: The selected seeds are sown in the prepared land during the appropriate season. The seeds are spaced out to allow sufficient room for the plants to grow and develop.

4. **Irrigation**: Indigo plants require regular watering, especially during the initial stages of growth. Proper irrigation ensures healthy plant development and the production of a good yield.

5. **Harvesting**: After a few months of growth, the indigo plants reach maturity. The leaves are carefully harvested, usually by hand, to avoid damaging the plant. The leaves are harvested before flowering to ensure maximum dye content.

6. **Processing**: The harvested leaves are then subjected to a process called "fermentation." The leaves are soaked in water and allowed to ferment in large containers. During this process, the indican compound is converted into indigo dye through a chemical reaction.

Once the fermentation process is complete, the indigo dye is extracted by draining the liquid and allowing it to dry. The resulting indigo cakes or powder are then ready for use or further processing.

**Conclusion**
Nij cultivation of indigo involves a series of steps, from seed selection to processing, to produce the valuable indigo dye. This traditional method has been passed down through generations and continues to be practiced in various parts of the world. The cultivation of indigo not only contributes to the production of natural dyes but also supports sustainable agriculture and preservation of cultural heritage.

In nij cultivation system, the planter produce indigo on those land which were under his direct control. The planter either bought the land or rented it from other zamindars. He directly employed labourers to produce indigo.