Dehradun: Farmers can earn bumper income by cultivating aromatic plants. Essential oil comes out from these plants. The use of essential oils in cosmetics and naturopathy is increasing day by day. This oil is not only full of aromatic and medicinal properties. Due to which it is worth lakhs in the markets. Nripendra Chauhan, director of the Aromatic Plant Center located in Selaqui, explains that essential oil is a special type of oil produced by plants to protect themselves in adverse conditions. This oil is stored in the oil glands present in the flowers, leaves, stems, roots and fruits of plants. To extract it, techniques like Steam Distillation, Cold Pressing and Chemical Extraction are used.
The fate of farmers will change
Cultivation of plants like lemongrass, damask rose, chamomile and geranium is increasing rapidly in Uttarakhand. Essential oil of Damask rose is in the headlines due to its high price, whose market price is around ₹ 12 lakh per liter. Farmers will become rich by cultivating it. Apart from this, lavender oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil are in huge demand in the market. This is not just farming, but a complete business model. Director of Aromatic Plant Center, Nripendra Chauhan, says that cultivation of aromatic plants gives much more profit to the farmers as compared to traditional farming. The climate and soil of Uttarakhand is suitable for these plants, due to which the farmers here are now increasing their income manifold.
Government grants up to 75% for this farming
The medicinal properties of essential oils are considered a panacea for stress, pain and skin related problems. At the same time, their use in cosmetics makes them more attractive. Uttarakhand government is running many schemes to promote the cultivation of aromatic plants. Farmers are given 50 percent subsidy for the cultivation of these plants. In hilly areas this grant increases to 75 percent. Apart from this, the government is also providing assistance in free training and setting up processing units. If you also want to be a part of this aromatic business, then now is the time to step into the cultivation of aromatic plants and make your luck shine.
FIRST PUBLISHED : December 11, 2024, 1:24 PM IST
