Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) is rapidly gaining popularity as a lucrative agricultural crop due to its growing demand for natural, sustainable products. Known for its aromatic and medicinal properties, lemongrass is increasingly sought after in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food production. Its popularity among farmers is driven by its low cultivation costs and potential for high profitability.
Lemongrass thrives in diverse environments, making it an ideal crop for both small-scale and large-scale farming. It can be cultivated on marginal or arid land, offering a valuable opportunity for rural communities seeking livelihood security. With its broad range of applications, lemongrass not only contributes to economic development but also supports sustainable farming practices, benefiting both farmers and consumers alike.
Cultivation Practices
Organic inputs like cow dung boost the productivity of well-prepared fields on which lemon grass grows. It takes approximately Rs 20,000 in initial investment to prepare land, plant and set up irrigation per acre. Timely watering at 15-day intervals and application of manure help optimize growth.
The planting distance for an increased yield should be 7x30 or 7x45 cm. This crop can yield up to 4 or 5 times a year with minimal additional input costs associated with each cut. As an added value activity on the farm, oil extraction processing may be integrated into their farming practices.
Health Benefits of Lemon Grass
Lemon grass is more than just a cash crop; it has also several health benefits that raise demand for it both on the domestic and international platforms. Apart from being an ingredient in the production of cosmetics, soaps, teas, and essential oils, it also contains essential oils.
Among other examples of bioactive constituents of compounds exhibiting antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancerous properties are antioxidants, flavonoids, and essential oils. As prescribed under Ayurvedic practice, lemongrass has been widely used as the calming agent of digestive problems along with the stress-cleaning activity within an individual. It aids the body in the detoxification process. The fever and headaches fade out of their lives; it sometimes gives an individual immunity against fungal as well as bacterial diseases. The tea of lemon grass is also gaining popularity as a natural remedy for stress relief, improving digestion, and boosting immunity.
Economic Benefits of Lemon Grass Cultivation
Lemon grass farming is a good opportunity for farmers who want to generate more income with less input. It can be grown with an initial investment of Rs 20,000 per acre. Farmers can earn up to Rs 1,00,000 from one acre in a year. The crop requires minimal irrigation and can grow on barren or stony land, which makes it ideal for areas with limited water resources.
Its characteristic to get the harvest seasonally is different than all crops including paddy or wheat. Lemon grass can be harvested 4-5 times a year. Therefore, 40-50 quintals of husks are yielded per acre. The market value of lemon grass is between Rs 3-4/kg. The essential oil recovered from the plant can be sold in the market at Rs 1500-2000/Litre, thus enough value can be obtained. Apart from this fact, the shelf life of lemongrass is higher; therefore, the farmers can store and sell their products for a longer period.
While compared with traditional crops, it is very much evident that lemon grass yields much higher returns than that of the traditional crops, and its yields around Rs 10,000-15,000 per acre per year, whereas lemon grass can yield far greater.
Empowering Farmers and Rural Communities
The lemon grass farming is highly empowering to rural women. Women are involved in the cultivation, oil extraction, and packaging of lemongrass in the states of Odisha, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Women are also contributing their share to the income of their families and are also playing a crucial role in social empowerment. Several tribal women have established FPOs and small-scale units on their own and are sustaining their economies.
Empowering the knowledge and tools for successful lemon grass farming for women farmers is through the National Rural Livelihoods Mission. Adopting modern techniques, with varieties like Krishna Lemon Grass, is sure to bring substantial productivity and income gains.
Lemon grass farming is changing Indian agriculture. This economically viable and sustainable alternative can substitute traditional farming practices. It is perfect for small-scale farmers because of its low cost and great return, and its many applications in wellness and health goods guarantee a consistent demand in the market. Farmers that use lemongrass to diversify their crops not only increase their revenue but also support a more environmentally friendly and health-conscious farming sector. Continued support for improved cultivation practices and better market linkages would make the lemon grass farm a pivotal component in ensuring the security of livelihoods for all rural communities in India.
