The root system consists of a prominent tuberous soft tap root upto 6 cm in diameter when fresh and having a corky outer bark with longitudinal fissures. Generally roots and sometimes leaves are harvested. Roots are harvested during winter months for maximal alkaloidal content. The root is to be harvested 15–36 months after planting to obtain the optimum yield of alkaloid. The plant can be propagated from seeds, stem cuttings or root cuttings. Most of the produce is collected from the wild, however in view of the wild populations of the species being threatened efforts to cultivate it are underway in India and Nepal. It is cultivated on a small scale by the forest departments of Bihar, Assam and Meghalaya. Private growers have small areas under plantation in Uttaranchal, Karnataka and Kerala. Given the concerns regarding the status of the species, urgent attention is required to document the source and quantity of specimens in trade, both in the domestic and international markets and to develop mechanism to ensure that wild harvests and trade are maintained within sustainable levels.