In Jainism, ahimsa (non-violence) extends to all living beings, including plants. Harvesting a root vegetable is typically considered hinsa because the root life is harmed or killed in the process, and the whole plant is often destroyed to harvest it. For this reason, many Jains avoid root vegetables (like potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, beets, etc.) and prefer to eat fruits, seeds, leaves, or other vegetables whose roots aren’t killed in harvesting, or to consume foods that are already harvested.

There are some variances between Digambar and Shwetambar interpretations:

• Both traditions emphasize non-violence to living beings, but they may differ in practical dietary rules and what is considered acceptable in difficult situations.
• In general, strict adherence among many Jains means avoiding root vegetables, while some communities or individuals might make allowances based on context or practical need, though this is less common in orthodox practice.

Bottom line: yes, harvesting and killing the root of a plant is ordinarily treated as hinsa in Jainism, and many Jains choose to avoid root vegetables to minimize harm.