Raipur, 07 October 2023
Farmers in various districts of Chhattisgarh have learned the method of lemongrass cultivation. They have received free medicinal plants and guidance from the Medicinal Plants Board. As a result, at present lemongrass is being cultivated in more than 800 acres of area in Chhattisgarh.
It is noteworthy that as per the intention of Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel, under the guidance of Forest Minister Mr. Mohammad Akbar, farmers are being encouraged for its cultivation by the initiative of Chhattisgarh Tribal Local Health Traditions and Medicinal Plants Board. Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Chief of Forest Force Shri V. Srinivas Rao said that now lemongrass is being adopted positively by the farmers in Chhattisgarh. Lemongrass cultivation has the potential to yield more profits than paddy cultivation.
In this coordination, Chief Executive Officer, Chhattisgarh Tribal, Local Health Traditions and Medicinal Plants Board Shri J. A. C.S. Rao informed that lemongrass is a medicinal and aromatic plant, lemongrass oil is used in many types of cosmetics and other products. India is the top exporter of lemongrass oil across the world. Lemongrass is a perennial crop.
In Chhattisgarh, paddy cultivation and in Isan Bali cultivation of pulses and other crops is done in traditional way, due to which farmers are not able to earn adequate income. The climate of Chhattisgarh is very suitable for the cultivation of lemongrass. It is cultivated on vacant land. Lemongrass can be cultivated on many types of land, in which water is required for irrigation. After planting it once, there is no need for repeated planting. Since it is harvested every one to three months, it remains a source of income for the farmers.
Lemongrass production in the state has the potential to increase the income of farmers many fold as compared to paddy. For the cultivation of lemongrass in Chhattisgarh, due to the efforts of Medicinal Plants Board (Chhattisgarh Tribal Local Health Traditions and Medicinal Plants Board), about 800 acres of lemongrass were grown by 653 farmers of 66 villages of Mahasamund Pendra, Korea Korba, Bilaspur and Balrampur districts of Chhattisgarh state. Farming is being done, due to which farmers will get income of Rs 80,000 to one lakh per acre.
Lemongrass Cultivation Techniques
Lemongrass is sown throughout the year (except extreme cold and heat). 16 to 20 thousand plants are required for planting in one acre. The crop is harvested every two and a half months. Its production can be done 04 to 05 times in a year. The current market price of lemongrass oil ranges from Rs 800 to Rs 950 per kg. According to this, farmers get more than Rs 80 thousand income from one acre.
method of processing
The first harvesting of lemongrass is done after 6 months, every two and a half months. After harvesting the crop, its oil is extracted with the help of distillation unit. After that the oil becomes ready for sale in the market. The board also provides facilities for marketing, due to which farmers get the money for their produce within 15 days.
Availability of planting material
Lemongrass plants will be easily available for lemongrass cultivation. The saplings to be planted in the first year are supplied free of cost through the board under the scheme of the state government. The plants from the planted lemongrass can be used for planting at other places as per requirement. Similarly, the availability of plants to be planted remains maintained. Uses of Lemongrass Lemongrass tea is used for sore throat, fever, muscle spasms and in cosmetics related products. Due to its use in many diseases, its market demand is high.
