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of aromatic plants,Global importance,General uses and Uses in pharmacy.

Medicinal plants in traditional systems of medicine and emerging

plants of drug and pharmaceutical industries

Introduction

 The use of plants as medicine is as old an human civilization.

 The earliest record of use of medicinal plants for prevention of
diseased and cure of ailments can be traced in "Rigveda"
perhaps the oldest repository o fhumna knowledge having
been written between 4,500 and 1600 BC.
 In the 'Atherveda", which is a later production , the use of
plants as drug is more varied and it is the "Ayurveda" which is
considered as "Upveda" that the definite properties of drugs
and their uses have been given in more details.
 To the early part of this century, there was a perceptible
change from herbal medicines to synthetic and coal-tar
products and one time it was thought that the chemical
systesis would completely replace the drugs of plant origin.
 There is no doubt that, with the development of many
wonderful drugs of plant origin and phenomenal growth of
modern pharmaceutical industry, the pace of growth and
popularity of herbal medicine have been considerable affected
in recent past, but the indigenous (traditional ) or folk
medicines still remain alive as precious cultural heritage in
different civilization of the world and herbal medicines
continued to cater the medicinal needs of the third world
countries which are inhabitated by approximately 80% of the
world's population.
 Moreover, there has been renewed interest in the herbal
medicines and apex body like WHO has recognized the
potentialities of traditional or folk medicines in the
management and self reliance of medicinal care system, and
currently encourages, recommends and promotes the inclusion
 of herbal drugs in "National Health Care Pragrammes"
because such drugs are easily available at a price within the
reach of a common man and as such are time tested and thus
considered to be much safer than the modern synthetic drugs.
 India, in this regard has unique position in the world, where a
number of traditional systems of midicine Ayurveda, Siddha,
Unani, Homeopathy are practiced and utilized in the total
health care system of the country and all the these systems are
predominantly dependent upon medicinal plants.

Medicinal plants used in Traditional or Indigenous systems of

medicine

 Traditional medicine is wide spread through out of the world

and it comprises those practices based on beliefs that were
inexistence, often for hundreds of years, before the
development and spread of modern scientific medicines and
which are strill in use to day.
 As its name implies, "It is the part of tradition of each country
of employees practices that have been handed down from
generation to generation. Its acceptance by a population is
largely conditioned by cultural factors and much of traditional
medicine, therefore may not be easily transferable from once
culture to another".
 An important feature of traditional therapy is the preference of
practitioner for compound prescriptions over single
substance/drugs as it is being held that some constituents are
effective only in the presence of others.
 This renders assessment of efficacy and eventually
identification of active principles as required in international
standards much more difficult than for simple preparation.
 In India earlier, the medicines used in indigenous systems of
medicines were generally prepared by the practicing by
themselves, but now this practice has been largely replaced by
the establishment of organized indigenous drug's industry.
 It is estimated that at present there are more than 46,000
licensed pharmacies in Indian systems of medicine and nearly
400,000 registered practitioners of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani
medicine or Homeopathy. As far as the Ayurveda systems of
medicine is concerned, it does not rule out any substances
being used as potential source of medicine.
 Presently about 1,000 single drugs and 8000 compound
formulations of recognized merit are in vogue.
 In fact reliable data on availability in different regions of
country as well as supply and demand of medicinal plants
used in production has been estimated around 2,000 crores
 and is expected to reach up to 4,000 crores by the year 2,000.

Herbal Crude Drugs

 In India most of the medicinal and aromatic plant or crude

drugs (roots,Stems,leaves, flowers,seeds,fruit,whole plants
etc.) are handled by the traditional herbal crude drugs dealers
commonly known as "Pansaris" in the North and
"Pachamarunna Kado" in the south, who sell crude drugs
under Ayurvedic, Unani or local names.
 They have go their own traditional suppliers who have been
supplying the crude drugs to them since ages.
 In the market, we do not often get genuine or standardized
crude drugs due to one or another reason. In large number of
cases botanically different plants are being sold and used for
the same Ayurvedic drug in different places.
 Some times different species of the same genus which are
more easily and cheaply available are used in the place of one
that has been prescribed in the literature. Further, there are
certain well known drugs about which confusion still prevails
with regards to their correct identity dur to the fact that
descriptions of the plants in Ayurvedic literature are meager
and vague.
 As a result of this confusion, different drugs are being sold in
different states under exactly the same name and even the
learned physicians (Vaidyas, Kaviraj, and Hakims can not say
with certainity which is the authentic specimen meant in the
old texts.
 Some examples may prove this point of view. "Brahmi" a very
important drugs in the Ayurvedic Material Medica of India,
has been employed as a nervine tonic, useful in insanity and
epilepsy from ancient times.
 The correct identity of this drug is not certain on account of
the fact that different plants are sold under the name
"Brahmi". In UP, most of the Ayurvedic physicians regard
Centella asiatica (Syn. Hydrocotyle asiatica) to be "Brahmi"
while physicians of Bengal consider Bacopa monnieri (Syn.
Herpestis monniera) as the real Brahmi of Ayurveda. In North
Gujarat and Saurastra, the entire species of Hydrocatyle viz.
H.Java
 nica and h.rotundifolia are also used in some part or the other
as "Brahmi" or Mandukparni". However, Most of the
Physician consider Bacopa monnieri as Brahmi and centella
asiatica as "Mandukuparni" being two separate indentity of
the drug in Ayurvedic texts.
  Similarly Chaerophyllum villosum sold in place of Aconitum
heterophyllum as "Atis"; Polyalthia Longifolia and Shorea
robusta inplace of Saraca asoca as "Ashoka", and different
crude drugs are available in the market under one vermacular
names of "Nag Keshar"-e.g Flowe buds of Mesua ferrea,
Ochrocarpus, logifolius, Callophyllums inophyllem,
Cinnamomum tamala and Dellenia Pentugyna etc.

Global Importance

 If we are to discuss the global importance of medicinal plants,

it is necessary to defince the term medicinal plant.
 In the broadest definition of medicinal plants-It includes all
higher plants that have been alleged to have medicineal
properties i.e effects that relate to health or which have been
proven to be useful as drugs by western standards of that
which contain constituents that are used as drugs.

1. Complicating the matter of identifying all such plants is that,

there are no readily available souces of information, i.e, the
information is found scattered through out the world- in
classical old leteratures, books om medical botany, in ethnbo-
medico-botanical survey reports for specific geographic
regions and or for different in various herbiaria. In variety of
reviews articles and in other sources.
2. Secrets locked in minds of indigenous peoples, traditional
healers etc. are less likely to discovered.

Importance of medicinal plants

 Finally how does one measures "Importance" of medicinal

plants. It may be possible in two ways

1. It is possible to document in many ways, that medicinal plants

and their active principles are able to alleviate or cure human
suffering and illness.
2. Another, way is to measure the monetary value of the cost of
the plants entering into global commerce, but data are
available only for plants that are entering into commerce on a
major scale i.e. hundereds or thousands of tons per year.
3. On global basis, it appears that only consolidated source of
information in the monetary values of medicinal plant entering
into global commerce is that provided by the International
Trade Centre (UNCTAD/GATT). The most recent
compilation of data from this agency involving medicinal
placts and their derivatives was published in 1982. However
 this information must be considered as grossly incomplete.
Major data on export/import of medicinal plants involve West
Germany, Singapore and Hong Kong. However, these
countries produce little, medicinal plants.
4. Other producing countries often do not report details of
specific plants but only report figures for "Seeds", "Roots",
"Medicinal Plnats" etc. However, a publication. Export
potential of selected Medicinal plants and their derivatives has
been brought out in India by CHEMEXCIL India.

Prospects of cultivation

 Most of the medicinal plants extensively used in traditional

systems of medicines are obtained from wild sources leading
to dwindling of populations of numerous plants. Some of the
important medicinal plants have become threatened or
endangered in their natural habitats.
 Rauvolfia serpentina (Sarpgandha) a very important medicinal
plants of widespread distribution is today no where in
abundance because of heavy exploitation of the wild strain
during the last 60 years.
 Aconitum heterophyllum (Atish), A.deinorrhizum, Cochicum
lutium (Chlchicine plant) Gentiana Kurroa widely distributed
in western Himalayan have become endangered species.
Commiphora wightii (Guggul) distributed in Gujarat and
Rajasthan has been much exploited for gum resin.
 Podophyllum hexandrum (Babd kakari) and Nardostachys
grandiflora (Jatasmansi) now rarely occur in Himalay.
 Populations of Coptis teeta of Mismee hills (Arunachal
Pradesh) have seriously dwindled due to excessive trade from
natural population. The increasing demands of the
pharmaceutical industry have created problem of supply and
one of the major difficulties being experienced by the Indian
systems of medicine is that of obtaining sufficient qualtities of
medicinal plants for the manufacture of genuine medicines.
 In the absence of standards for crude drugs adulteration and
substitution have become rampant.
 To correct this situation, measures are needed to promote the
cultivation of medicinal plants, to improve method of
collection, to ensure effective quality control and to regulate
commerce so as to protect the producer and the consumer.
 In our country, there are only few herbal drugs under large
scale cultivation that are used in indigenous systems of
medicines as well as in modern systems of medicines. Theres
are Isabgol (Psyllium), Ahiphen (Poppy) and Svarnpatri
(Senna).
  There are other that are cultivated on a very small scale
exclusively used in indigenous systems of medicine: Kali
mirchi (Pepper Nigrum), Haldi (Curcuma longa), Adraja
(Zingiber officinalis), Dhaniya (Coriandrrum); Sanuf
(Foeniculum), Ajawayn (Trachyspernum) etc. Cultivation of
medicinal plants permits production of uniform quality raw
material whose properties are standardized and from which
the crude drugs can be obtained unadulterated.

Collection from wild Versus cultivation of medicinal plants

Collection Cultivation

Availablity Decreasing Increasing

More controlled and
Fluctuation of supply Unstable
quality
Quality control Poor High
Sometimes not
Botanical indentification Not questionable
reliable
Genetic improvemt No Yes
Agronomic manipulationNo Yes
Post harvest handling Poor Usually good
Adulteration Likely Relatively safe
 One of the major difficulties for undertaking medicinal plants
in large scale is the lack of scientific and appropriate agro
technology for different climatic zones.
 Experimental cultivation has been carried out in several
places, but the recommended commercial practices had been
neither worked out nor tested on an industrial scale.
Moreover, even if the cultivation is likely to yield economic
returns, the dominant sector or cultivators in the country are
conservative and are reluctant to abandon their time tested
crops and turn to medicinal crops.

 In the view of the present status of medicinal plants used in

medicines, there is a need to pay special attention on the
cultivation of medicinal plants which are extensively used by
industry; which have become endangered/threatened; on
which significant research lands have been obtained and are
emerging in world pharmaceutical industry; which are being
imported and have exported potential.

Products from Aromatic crops & their uses

Aromatic Crops

Distillation Water

1. Recycle for Distillation

2. Irritation

3. Spraying on Crops

4. Extraction of dissolved Oil components by Cohobation, Poroplast

technique etc.

Suggested Uses:

4. In Naturopathy

5. Aromatheraphy etc.

6. For bathing

7. Herbal Teas etc.

8. Making of perfumed Waters

Essential Oil (Steam Distillation)

Fractional Distillation

Terpeneless Essential Oils, Aroma chemicals, Residual Essential Oils

1. Fragrance Industry

2. Flavour Industry

3. Pharmaceutial Industry

4. Other specialised used

Distilled Waste

1. Manure after composting

2. Mulching in crops
3. Fuel for Distillation Unit

4. Fodder for Domestic Animals

5. Manufacture of paper

6. Packing materials Manufacturing

Suggested Uses:

7. In Biogas Plant

8. Vermiculture

9. Mushroom culture

10. Agarbatti Industry

11. Extraction of specialized products of pectin from citru--rinds

12. Extraction of remaining oil components by Acid Hydrolysis

13. Blending with Fertilizers

14. In Insect repellin products

Emerging medicinal plants for drugs and pharmaceutical industries

 The role of plants as a raw materials for isolation and

characterization of new drugs molecules for cure or
prevention of most dreaded diseases like cancer and AIDS,
ahs created-resugence of interest in them, all over the world.
 A recent study carried out indicates that about 60% of the
anti-tumour or anti-infective agents that are commercially
available or at the advanced stages of clinical trials are of
natural origin.
 At present, there are about 125-130 clinically useful
prescription drugs derived from about 100 species of higher
plants. It has also been estimated that about 5000 species of
higher plants worldwide have been studied in some details as
possible source of new drugs.
 A programme for the screening of plant extracts for a wide
range of biological activities is in progress at Central Drug
Research Institute. Lucknow (India) since last 25 years. So far
more that 3,300 plant materials have been screened for various
 biological activities.
 Realizing, the importance of the plants in the druf discovery,
the bioprespection of the plant species is in progress in many
laboratories throughout the world, for the discovery of new
pharmaceuticals for the health problems such as drug resistant
infectious diseases, diabetes, asthma, arthristis and
neurological and psychiatric disordes.
 The satisfactory cure or means of management for many of
such diseases are not yet available in medical sciences.

Medicinal plants and phytopharmaceuticals

 The World Pharmaceuticals Industry is unique, extremely

competitive and highly research based. It is characterized by
some very special and striking features like high rate of
obsolescence of drug and technologies; requirements of high
quality of products;
 Good manufacturing practices(GMP), Good Labaratory praces
(GLP), environmental and regulatory requirements etc. The
pharmaceutical research on a established parameters is a
complex, multidisciplinary and time consuming activity. The
current estimate indicates that more that 12 years of research
efforts from discovery to marketing with average cost of about
250 US$ are required for a drug molecule to be used as
therapeutic agent.
 During the past decades, bulk production of placnt based has
become an important segment of India Pharmaceutical
industry.
 Some of the phytopharmaceuticals whichare produced in India
at present include: morphine, codeine, papaverine (Papaver
somniferum), Quinine, Quinidine, Cinchonine and
Cinchonidine (Chichona spp. Viz: C.calisaya,
C.ledgeriana,C.officinalis and C.succirubra): Hyoscine and
Hyoscyamine ((Hyoscyamus niger and H.muticus); Colchine
(Gloriso superba, Colchicum luteum and Iphigenia stellata):
Cephaeline and emetin (Cephalis ipecacuanha): Sennoside
A&B (Cassia angustifolia and C. acutifolia): Rescephine,
Rescinnamine, Ajmaline and Ajamalicine (Rauvolfia
serpentina): Vinblastine and vincristine, ajalmalcine,
raubacine (Catharanthus roseus):Guggal-lipid (Commiphora
wightii), Taxol (Taxus baccata); Artemisinin(Artemisia
annua) etc.
 In the present time, Pharmaceutical and chemical sciences
have greatly contributed in the enhancement of the utility of
medicinal plants.
 Selected medicinal plants have been subjected to rigorous
 chemical analysis and the bioactive compounds have been
isolated and variously evaluated.
 As a result, new drugs have been discovered and new
applications have been found for the compounds/medicines
that were already in use.
 Over the years, there have been four principal routes bywhich
have led to new therpeutic agents.

1. Chemical constituents isolated from the plants are directly

used as therapeutic agents Such as digitaxin, strophanhin,
morphine and atropine etc. which still unsurpassed in theie
respective filed.
2. Plant constituents which are used as starting material for the
synthesis of useful drugs. For example adrenal cortex and
other steroid harmones are generally synthesized from plant
steroidal sapagenins.
3. Natural products which serve as models for pharmacologically
active compounds in the field of drug synthesis.Frequently,
the side effects of a natural product often prevent its use in
medicine and resolved only by preparation of synthetic
derivative for example cocain which led to the development of
modern local anaesthetics; modification of colchicines and of
podophyllotoxin to obtain anti tumour preparation.
4. The plant constituents which demostrate a mode of action
which is then copied as in muscle relaxants from curare

 In recent years, there has been use of plant constituents as

research chemical particularly in the areas of molecular
biology. More that 50 anti-cancer drugs are not marketed
because of the side effects but they are widely used in
research.
 One of the major criterion for selection of the plant for
discovery of new lead molecules is the utilization of available
knowledge in coded or un coded from in traditional or
indigenous systems or medicines, including folk or tribal
medicines. The past experiences in the areas of drug discovery
have proved that the success rates are very high with such
plants and they provide a fertile hunting ground for search of
new therapeutic agents.
 In this context, the development of new drugs, viz Reserpine
and related alkaloids for treatment of essential hypertension
and in certain neuro-psychiatric disorders from Rauvolfia
serpentina (Serpengandha); Guggulipid - for lowering of
cholesterol from Commiphora wightii Guggul); Forskolin
(Coleonol) as anlihypertensive agents from Coleus forskohlii;
Bacosides - for memory enhancer from Bacopa monnieri
 (Brohmi); are some of interesting example of how obervation
is recorded in ancient medical text of Ayurveda or fold
medicine, when investigated by modern scientific method led
to the successful development of new drugs and also provided
a lead compound for further modifications.

Some traditional Medicinal Plants on whcih Significant Research

Leads have been obtained and have yielded clinically useful drugs

Common Action / Clinical

Species Drugs
names Use
1. Acorus
Vacha Asarone Tranquilizer
calamus
2. Adhatoda
Vasa Vasicine (Pegarine) Oxytocic
vasica
3.
Andrographolide; Bacillary
Andrographis Kalmegh
Neo-andrographolide dysentery
paniculata
Anti-oxytocic,
4. Asparagus Sapogenin anti-ulcerogenic,
Satawar
racemosus glycosides burns and wound
healing
Insecticide,
5. Azadirachto
Neem Azadirachtin oil antifertility
indica
Antidiabetic
Antianxiety
6. Bacopa agent, Improve
Brahmi Azadirachtin oil
monnieri intellect,
Adaptogenc
7. Carica Proteolytic,
Papaya Chymopapain
papaya mucolytic
8. Centella Vulenerary
Brahmi Asiaticoside
asiatica Wound healing
9. Cissampelos Skeletal muscle
Patha Cissmpeline
pareira relaxant
10. Coscinium Cholera and
Daruhaldi Alkalods (Berberine)
fenestratum gastroentiritis
11. Curcuma
Haldi Curceemin Choleretic
longa
12. Gloriosa
Kalihari Colchicine, Thio- Odema
superba
13. Gossypium Gossypol Male
Kapa, cotton
spp. colchicoside contraceptive
14. Mappia
Chaneru Camptothecein Anticancer
foetida
15. Mucuna
Kewanchh L-dopa Antiparkinsonism
pruriens
16. Picrorhiza
Kutki Glycosides Antihepatotoxic
Kurroa
Antihepatotoxic
17. Phyllanthus
Bhumyamlki Lingnans (Hepatitis B-
amarus
virus)
18. Silybum
  Silmarin Antihepatotoxic
marianum
19. Taxus
Talishpatra Taxol Anticancer
bacccata
20. Tephrasia
Sarpunkha Flavonoids, alkaloids Viral hepatitis
purpurea
21. Urginia
Indian squill Scillarin A & B Cardiotonic
indica
22. valeriana
Tagar Valeopotrates Sedative
wallichii
 Besides this the plant species viz: Canarium euphyllum,
C.manii (Collected from Andman forests): Paeonia obovato
(Collected from western ghats); are found to be very active
against rhematoid arthritis and inflammation.

Annatto And Other Natural Dyes

Annatto

 Annatto, a colouring matter of vegetable origin, is derived

from the pericarp of seed of Bixa orellana L. Annatto plant is
an evergreen shrub / small tree, 2 - 5 m height native no
tropical America, is now grown in most of the tropical
countries.
 The fruits are burr-like pod that may contain 10 - 20 seeds.
The seeds are coated with a thin pulpy, bright orange resinous
coating or mark, the colouring matter.
 It is mostly grown in Bolivia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, The
Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana, India, Jamaica,
Mexico, Peru and Durinam. The crop is also produced on
lesser scale in Africa, e.g., Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and in
the pacific e.g., Phillippines and Hawaii.
 Annatto is grown in Indian in forests regions viz.
Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Thiruvananthpuram, Malabar
 and Coromandal coasts and in certain districts of west Bengal,
Maharashtra, Assam, Karnataka, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh,
Madhya Pradesh.
 Annatto seeds have a bright prospects of marketing in India
and abroad. Within India, the markets in Orissa, Andhra
Pradesh, Mahdya Pradesh are worth mentioning. According to
rough estimates, the quantum of seed handled annually in the
market of these States comes to about 180 - 250 tonnes.Out of
these major quantity is exported.
 The main commercial producers and suppliers of Annatto
seeds to the International Market have been Peru, The
Dominican Republic, Brazil, Jamaica, Ecuador and India.

Components of Annato

 The major components of Annatto is the apo-carotenoid 9-cis-

bixin, the methyl ester of the dicarboxylic acid 9'-cis-norbixin
(C15H30O4) and is orange in colour.
 The total pigment content of Annatto seeds varies from 0.73 -
1.5% comprising of various carotenoids. Annatto colour is
prepared by leaching the pericarp of the Annatto seeds with an
extract prepared from one or more food grade materials like
various organic solvents, edible vegetable oils, and fats, and
alkaline aquous alkaline solutions.
 The selection of an extract is done depending upon the
intended end use.

Uses of annato

 Annatto colour is mainly used as a food colour. Its chief

application is colouring butter and cheese.
 It is also used for coloruing the dry mixes, bakery products
and the like. CFTRI, Mysore has developed a process for
production of Annatto dyes and is released to entrepreneurs on
payment.

Other colours obtained from the Natural Colourants :

Carotenoids

 There are two classes of carotenoids, the hydrocarbons or

carotenes (B - carotene, lycopene) and the oxygenated or
xanthophylls (capanthene from capsicum). Generally, the
carotenoid pigments are soluble in oil.
Flavonoids

 There are two types of flavonoids, the anthocyanins and the

anthoxanthins. Anthocyanins are water soluble and, being
highly reactive are readily oxidised or reduced, the glycoside
linkages undergoing hydrolysis.
 These pigments are responsible for many of the wide range of
red, blue and purple hues of ruits and vegetables as well as
flowers. The most common forms of anthocyanidin are
pelargonidanin, cyanidin, delphinidin, peoniodin, malvidin
and petunidin.
 There are many anthoxanthins (flavones). Members of this
class flavonoids are colourless in acid but pale yello in an
alkaline medium. Possibly the most common anthoxanthin is
quercetin, which has been found to occur with myricetin.

Betalaines

 There are two types of water soluble betalaines. These are the
strong coloured, purple-red betacyanins and the yellow
betaxanthins or vulgaxanthins.
 Their natural food product source is the beetroot and the most
studied variety is the red beet.

Curcumins

 The yellow colouring matter, curcumene, is obtained from the

roots of the dried, ground rhizomes of the turmeric plants.
 The pigment is not soluble in water and is often used in
colloidal dispersions.

Colours from Different Flowers

 Many flowers are heavily pigmented and may be suitable

sources of food colours. The possible sources are marigold,
poppy and sunflower seed husks. Red and yello carthamin
pigments can be extracted and manufactured rom safflower
petals.

 CFTRI, Mysore has also developed a process for manufacture

of natural food colours from beetroot, safflower petals,
kokum, grapes (blue) for commercial exploitation.

Growing Annatto in AP
 Annatto is a wonder tree commonly called as lipstick tree. Its botanical name is
Bixa orellana and it grows in tropical regions.
 The seeds of this plant are covered with a bright orange t
 o red pulpy layer, from which a commercial colour material is extracted. The fruit
has the appearance of pods, and contain seeds from whcih the colour material is
extracted.
 Annatto is a natural colouring material used in food and dairy industries. It is a
safe, economical and easy to use proudct.
 The exclusion of many artificial colours in the western market from the list of
permitted additives has further increased its value.
 The plant is an ever green shrub / small tree and indigenous to Central and
tropical South America. The tree has been introduced in Andhra Pradesh by some
entrepreneurs and thriving well as a plantation crop.
 It thrives best at a temperatures between 20 and 26 degrees celsius and can with
stand up to 40 degrees and an annual rainfall of 1250 - 2000 m.m.
 It requires dry seasons for seed ripening and so Andhra Pradesh is well duited.
The plantations at Hyderabd, Visakhapatnam, Nellore and chittoor are 1 -3 years
old and they are thriving well with drip irrigation or continuous irrigation
facilities.
 It can be grown in a variety of soils provided the drainage is good. The nutritional
requirements are not high for this crop. The plant can be propagated by cutting if
elite material possessing, a good combination of high seed yeilds and seed
pigment contents is available.
 Initial propagation is more commonly under taken with seed, either sown directly
in the field or raised in a nursery but this can result in high variability.
 In Andhra Pradesh most of the plantations are raised by seeds only and so. There
is a greater varieation in the plants.
 The experience of some of the farmers in Visakhapatnam is that other than weed
control, husbandry requirements are not needed and artificial fertilizer application
is not necessary.
 The most important operation is pruning to produce canopy which is easy to
harvest. Under favourable conditions, the first harvest is obtained 18-24 months
after planting. Seed capsules appeared 30 days after planting in the Herbal
Folklore Research Centre (HFRC) demonstration plantation.
 For ripening and harvesting it took three months. The best sowing period is June -
July. The harvesting period is February - March.
 The colour of the pods varies from green to deep red or brown. Seed yield reaches
the peak when the trees are 4 - 5 years of age and the productivity continues upto
20 years. The HFRC estimates that the plantation raised by spacing of 10 x 10 ft.
yielded 500 kg to 2000 kg of dry seeds / ha /year.
 The yield increased two fold when the plantations are well established. For
individual trees the dried seed yield may vary between 0.5 to 3 kg/per year. The
plantations at Hyderabad and in the boarder areas of A.P has good growth.
 The farmers reported an yield of 2 - 3 kg/tree. At present more than 600 acres are
under annatto cultivation. The predominant use of annatto in the developed
market is in the form of extracts by food industry.
  The traditional major colouring application have been in hard cheese, butter, other
dairy products and in margarine, fish products, salad dressings, confectionary ,
bakery products, ice creams, beverages, and snacks.
 There are many folklore medicinal uses besides the commercial aspect.
 The seed is the source of bixin and nor-bixin pigments which impart grey or
orange hue and considered as non - carcinogenic.
 The farmers should select the best quality seedlings / cutting for plantation having
2 - 3 per cent bixin in the seeds.

Japanese / Menthol / Corn Mint (Mentha arvensis)

Introduction

 Menthol mint is an erect, herbaceous, perennial, medicinal

and aromatic plant growing to a height of 60 - 100 cm
introduced into India from Japan in 1954.
 Menthol ios extracted from the essential oil of menthol mint is
widely used in perfumery, flavouring and pharmaceutical
industries.
 It is commercially cultivated in Uttar Pradesh, Haryan Punjab
and in Andhra Pradesh. It can be cultivated under irrigated
conditons of Andhra Pradesh in well drained, fertile sandy
loam soils having PH 6.0 - 7.0. Both red and black soils are
suitable for cultivation.

Varieties

 Kosi, Himalaya, Kalks, Shivalik etc., are high yielding

varieties.

Propagation

 It can be prepared by rhizomes, runners and growing tips. In

January - February planting rhizomes are used.
 In other seasons runner / growing can be used as planting
material.

Cultivation
  The land is prepared to fine tilth by harrowing and planking.
 During winter season, furrows are made 60 cm spacing and
are planted 7 - 10 cm deep, end to end @ 300 - 400 kg per
hectare and watered with soil.
 The field is irrigated immendiately after planting.

Interculture - Fertilizers

 The field is to be jkept moist by frequent irrigations till

suckers sprout, subsequently the crop is irrigated at 7 - 10 day
intervals.
 Weeding is very important for the first 75 days in this crop
and the field is to be kept weed free by repeated hand
weedings.
 Pendimethalin or Oxyflourofen as pre-emergence herbicides
effectively control weeds. This can be profitably intercropped
in sugarcane.
 10 toinnes of well-rotten FYM, 150 kg DAP and 100 kg MOP
per hectare are applied at the time of planting. Subsequently,
150 kg N in the form of urea is applied in 3 split doses at 35,
50 and 70 days after planting.

Pests and Diseases

 They are no major pests or disease in this crop.

Harvesting - Profits

 First harvest of the herb is taken 110 - 130 days after planting.
Entire above ground herb is cut close to the ground.
 Second harvest is taken 60 - 75 days after first harvest. The
herb is distilled after a day of drying in the field.
 The herb yield ranges from 24 - 30 tonnes and oil yidl from
120 - 150 kg per hectare in the first harvest and, subsequent
harvests give about 80 - 100 oil per hectare.
 In Andhra Pradesh, the crop may give three harvests and
higher herb and oil yeilds. The price of the oil ranges from Rs.
180 - 350 per kg.
 The net profit ranges from Rs. 20000 - 25000 per hectare per
year at a price of Rs. 200 per kg of oil.
 The cost of cultivation works out to approximately Rs. 15000
per hectare.

Distillation

 The oil is distilled from the herb by using a distillation process

 as described in palmarosa. The recovery of oil from the herb is
0.5 - 0.8 per cent.
 The duration of distillation is 4 - 6 hours for complete
recovery of the oil.

There are other mint species which can also be profitably cultivated.
The details are given briefly in the ensuing page.

Peppermint Bergamot Scotch

Spearmint M.
Mentha mint M. spearmint M.
spicata
piperta citrata gracilis
MSS-5, Arka,
Varieties   Kiran MCAS-2
Neer Kalka
Runners
Runners and and Runners and Runners and
Propagation
growing tips growing growing tips growing tips
tips
Planting 400 - 500 400 - 500 400 - 500 400 - 500
material rate kg/ha kg/ha kg/ha kg/ha
Planting
Dec - Feb Dec - Feb Dec - Feb Dec - Feb
time
60 cm 60 cm 60 cm
60 cm between
Spacing between the between the between the
the rows
rows rows rows
200 kg N 200 kg N 150 - 200 kg 150 - 200 kg N
Fertilizers 60kg P2O5 60kg P2O5 N 60kg P2O5 60kg P2O5
60kg K2O 60kg K2O 60kg K2O 60kg K2O
Same as Same as
Same as Same as
Irrigation Menthol Menthol
Menthol mint Menthol mint
mint mint
Number of
2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3
harvests
Herb yield
30 - 35 30 - 40 35 - 40 35 - 40
(t/ha)
Oil recovery
0.3 - 0.4 0.3 - 0.4 0.5 - 0.6 0.5 - 0.6
(%)
Oil yield
90 - 140 90 - 160 175 - 240 175 - 240
(kg/ha)
Gross Profit 36000 - 27000 -
52500 - 72000 52500 - 72000
(kg / ha) 56000 48000
Cost of
cultivation 20000 20000 20000 20000
(Rs / ha)
Net / Profit 16000 - 7000 -
32500 - 52000 32500 - 52000
(Rs / ha) 36000 28000

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Introduction

 Basil, an erect glabrous herb 45 - 90 cm high, native of North

- West India and Persia, is an annual of the Lamiaceae family.
 In India, there is a wide spread belief that if planted around
homes and temples, it ensures happiness.
 It is indigenous to the lower hills of Punjab and Himachal
Pradesh and is cultivated throughout India.
 It is now cultivated in Southern France and other
Mediterranean countries and also U.S.A.
 The plant is very variable and its botanical nomenclature is
complicated; several designations have often been assigned to
one or the same type. Polymorphism and cross-pollination
under cultivation have given rise to a number of sub-species,
varieties and races.
 Thus, some forms and types have been confused with other
species.

Varieties

 The main varieties of basil are -

1. O.basilicum
2. O. gratissimum
3. O. americanum
4. O. kilimandscharicum
5. O. sanctum

 Of the above species O. basilicum alone is cultivated in India

on commercial scale.

Types

European type

 Distilled from O. basilicum grown in Europe and America and

commonly known as oil of Sweet Basil. Its major cinstituent
is methyl chavicol and linalool, but no camphor. It is highly
prized for its fine odour.
Reunion type

 Distilled originally in Reunion Islands. The oil contains

methyl chavicol and camphor but no linalool.
 It possesses a camphorraceous by-note and is considered
inferior to the European oil.

Methyl cinnamate type

 Distilled in Bulgaria, Sicily, Egypt, India and Haiti. It contains

methyl chavicol, linolool and substantial amount of methyl
cinnamate but no camphor.

Eugenol type

 Distilled in Java, Seychelles, Samoa and the Commonwealth

of Independent States (esrtwhile USSR). It contains eugenol
as the main constituent.

Nursery

 Crop is propagated through seeds by raising nursery. About

125 g viable seeds are required for one hectare (1000 seed
weigh a little over 1 g).
 The seed germination starts 3 days after sowing and is
practically over in about 10 days. The seedlings are ready for
planting after 4 - 6 weeks of sowing.

Cultivation

 The land is prepared to good tilth by ploughing, harrowing

and levelling. 10 tonnes of well rotten FYM, 100 kg DAP and
100 kg muriate of potash per hectare are applied in the of
basal dose.
 The seedlings are planted at a spacing of 60 cm between the
rows and 40 cm between the plants in April - May or August -
September.
 The field is irrigated on alternate days until plants establish,
thereafter the crop is irrigated at 5 - 7 day intervals during
non-rainy periods.

Interculture - Fertilizers

 The field is kept free of weeds during the initial stages of crop
growth and after first harvest by manual weedings.
  The crop is fertilized thrice with 50 kg urea per hecater each
time. First time of transplanting, then one and two months
after transplating. 25 - 50 kg zinc sulphate per hectare is
applied in zinc deficient soils.
 Micronutrients and growth regulators are sprayed for every
harvest.

Plant protection

 Blight of basil caused by Alternaria sp. affects the aerial part

of the plant when the leaves turn purple and finally black.
 Spraying of rop with 0.05 % Dithane Z-78 or Dithane M-45
once or two times controls the blight effectively. The crop[ is
also affected by leaf rollers casuing severe damage to the crop
which can be controlled by spraying with Malathion or
Thiodan diluted with water as required.

Harvesting - Profits

 Flowering herb is harvested 75 - 90 days after transplating and

two months thereafter. Considering two harvests, a yield of 35
- 40 kg oil and a net profit of Rs. 10000 - 12000 per hectare
may be obtained with an oil price of Rs. 500 per kg.

Distillation

 The oil is distilled from the flowering herb by a distillation

process as described in palmarosa. Fresh herb is used for the
distillation.

 The recovery of oil from the fresh herb is 0.2 - 0.25 % per
cent. It takes about 3 - 4 hours oof distillation for complete
recovery of oil.

Davana (Artemisia pallens)

Introduction

 The essential oil of davana is widely used in food flavouring and perfumery
industries.
 Davana twigs are used to add an element of freshness and sweet fragrance to
garlands, bouquets, etc., The crop is cultivated in South Indian states only. Dvana
is an annual, winter season aromatic herb growing to a height of 30 60 cm.
 Davana can be cultivated as an irrigated crop throughout Andhra Pradesh in well-
drained light to medium textured soils of neutral PH.
 India is the only producer and exporter of Davana oil.
Nursery

 Davana is propagated through seeds by raising nursery. About 1.5 kg freshly

collected, viable seeds are required for one hectare.
 The seeds are mixed with Captan or Thiram at 3 g/kg and stand in 1:10
proportion, moistened, bundled and kept in a cloth or gunny bag for 2 - 3 days
with periodical moistening with water.
 The pre-germinated seeds are sown in nursery beds in the month of October and
watered regularly. 0.2 per cent urea solution is sprayed on the seedlings four
weeks after seedling for vigorous growth of seedlings.
 The seedlings are ready for planting in 6 - 8 weeks after sowing.

Cultivation

 The land is prepared to good tilth by ploughing, harrowing and levelling.

 15 tonnes of well rotten FYM, 300 kg single superphosphate and 65 kg muriate of
potash per hectare are applied basally.
 The seedlings taken old from the nursery are planted in the ain field with a
spacing of 15 or 30 cm between thje rows and 15 cm or 7.5 cm between the plants
(444444 plants/hectare) in December.
 The field is irrigated on alternate days until plants establish, thereafter the crop is
irrigated at 5 - 7 day intervals during non-rainy periods.

Interculture - Fertilizers

 The field is kept free of weds during the initial stages of crop establishement and
frowth and after first harvest by manual weeding.
 Davana crop is fertilized thrice with 80 kg urea per hectare each time. First at the
time of transplanting, then one and two months after transplanting.
 80 kg urea is applied after the first harvest, for the ratoon crop, 25 - 50 kg zinc
sulphate per hectare is applied in zinc deficient soils. Micronutrtients and growth
regulators are sprayed for every harvest.

Plant protection

 Davana crop is not affected by any pest or disease in Andhra Pradesh, therefore,
no plant protection practices need be practised.

Harvesting - Profits

 Flowring herb is harvested 8 - 10 cm above ground level 90 - 100 days after

transplanting and the crop is left for ratooning. Ratoon
 crop harvest is obtained 60 - 80 days after first harvest. The two harvests yield 10
- 12 kg oil and Rs. 50000 - 70000 net profit per hectare with an oil price of Rs.
10000 per kg.
Distillation

 The oil si distilled from the flowring herb by a distillation process as described in
palmarosa. Two to three days shade dried herb is used for the distillation. The
recovery of oil from the shade dried herb is 0.2 per cent.
 It takes about 8 - 10 hours of distillation for complete recovery of oil.

Geranium (Pelargonium sp.)

Introduction

 The essential oil of geranium is extensively used in expensive

soaps, perfumes and for extraction of / aromatic chemicals
like geraniol and rhodinol. The crop is cultivated in Pulney
and Nilgri hills of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra
Pradesh.
 Geranium is a perennail aromatic crop growing to a height of
60 - 90 cm. Wee drained. light. deep red soils are ideal for this
crop.
 Geranium can be cultivated as a annual or perennial irrigated
crop in parts of Telangana, Araku Valley (Vizag district) and
some parts of Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh.

Nursery

 Geranium is propagated thrpough tooted stem cuttings. During

the mnth of November, terminal stem cuttings, 10 - 15 cm
long are taken from well grown, healthy plants.
 After removing all the big leaves, the cuttings with axillary
leaves and 3 - 4 terminal leaves are given a slant cut at the
bottom, dipped in 0.1 % Carbendazim, then in 200 ppm IBA
solution and are then planted in such a way that atleast two
nodes are inside the soil. The nursery beds are watered lightly
daily. The cuttings root in 40 - 60 days a
 nd rare ready for planting. The nursery is maintained under
partial shade.
Cultivation

 The land is prepared to good tilth by ploughing, harrowing

and planking.
 10 tonnes of farm yard manure, 250 kg single superphosphate
and 155 kg muriate of potash per hectare are applied basally.
 The rooted cuttings taken out from the nursery are dipped in
0.1 per cent Carbendazim and are planted in planting holes
made at a spacing of 60 cm between the rwos and 45 cm
between the plants (37000 cuttings / hectare) during
December - Janurary months.
 The field is irrigated on alternate days for one month,
thereafter the crop is irrigated at 5 - 7 day intervals.

Interculture - Fertilizers

 The field is kept free of weeds for the first 2 - 3 months after
planting and up to one month after every harvest. During the
initial phases of crop growth, short duration legumes can be
intercropped profitably.
 The geranium crop is fertilized with 30 and 45 kg urea per
hectare, 30 and 90 days after planting, respectively and 75 kg
urea per hectare within 45 days of each harvest.
 In Zinc deficient soils 25 - 50 kg zinc sulphate per hectare is
applied. Micronutrients and growth regulators may be sprayed
for each harvest.

Plant protection

 Wilt of geranium caused by a fungus Rhizoctonia solani or

Fusarium redolens damage to the crop and yeilds.
 The leaves of affected plants turn yellow, then black and the
entire plant wilts. The roots turn black.
 The affected plants are uprooted and destroyed. The rest of the
plants are sprayed, and the soil is drenched with 0.1 per cent
Benomyl solution. Waterlogging is to be avoided even for
short periods. Leaf blight caused by Colletotrichum
gleosporioides is controlled by Captafol 0.3 % spray.

Harvesting - Profits

 First harvest is obtained 4 - 5 months afte planting.

Subsequent harvests are taken at 3 - 4 month intervals for 3 - 4
years.
 The tender twigs and terminal portion of the plant are
 harvested. The crop is sprayed with 0.1 oer cent Benomyl
solution and irrigated immediately after each harvest.
 The geranium crop gives 20 - 40 kg oil and a net profit of Rs.
60,000 - 1,20,000 per hectare per year.

Distillation

 The oil is extracted from the entire plant using a distillation

unit consisting of a distillation tank, a condenser and a
separator.
 Freshly harvested grass as such or after cutting into small
pieces is loaded into the distillation tank. After closing the lid
tightly, steam is passed into the tank. Steam and the oil vapour
condense into liquid in condenser and are collected in
separator.

 The oil is taken out, cleaned and stored either in aluminium

containers or amber coloured bottles. The recovery of oil from
grass ranges from 0.3 - 0.6 per cent. It takes about 4 hours for
complete recovery of the oil.

LEMON SCENTED GUM (Eucalyptus citriodora)

Introduction

 The oil of lemon-scented or citron-scented or spotted-gum is extensively used in

soap, perfumery and cosmetic industries for improving the odour of germicides
and disinfectants and for extraction of aroma chemical citronellal. It grows as a
tree in forests, the trunks can be used for general construction, carriage building,
tool handles, railway sleepers, etc.,
 It is a graceful tree of Australian origin naturalized in India. The crop can be
cultivated thoughout Andhra Pradesh either as a rainfed or irrigated crop in all
kinds of soils except heavy clay and highly alkaline soils.
Nursery

 Spotted gum is propagated through seeds (about 240 seeds weigh on gram) by
raising nursery.
 22 cm x 16 cm size polythene bags are filled with garden soils and 2 seeds are
sown in each bag at 1 - 2 cm depth, kept under partial shade and regularly
watered. The seeds germinate in 4 - 15 days.
 Seedlings from seeds sown in February - March are ready for transplanting in July
- August.

Cultivation

 The land is cleared of other plants, ploughed and harrowed to good tilth. Pits of
60 cm are dug at a spacing of 2 m or 3 m between rows and 2 m between plants
for rainfed crops and 1 m between rows and 1 m between plants for irrigated crop.
 The dug soil is mixed with 100 g single superphosphate, 25 g each or urea and
muriate of potash and is allowed to weather.
 Planting is done in July - August by placing the seedlings in the pits after
removing of polythene bags and by pressing the soil around the plants.
 Stalking of plants is done to prevent wind damage. The plants are irrigated
regularly until the sedlings establish. Irrigations are also given during non-rainy
periods until the plants are obe year old, thereafter, irrigations may not be
required. However, in areas with irrigations facilities, watering the plants
improves oil yields.

Interculture - Fertilizers

 The field is to be kept weed free during the first year with occasional weedings or
hoeings, with bullock or tractor-drawn implements.
 In widely spaced crop, non smothering crops can be grown as intercrops to
increase profits.
 The plants are pruned at a height of 1m above ground level to promote vigorous
growth of side branches and to facilitate easy harvesting of leaves and twigs.
Irrigated crop can be coppiced at 15 cm height from ground level for the same
purpose.
 The crop is fertilised with 150 - 200 kg urea per hectare per year in 3 or 4 equal
splits. 125 kg single superphosphate and 30 kg muriate of potash per hectare per
year are also applied from second year onwards.
 25 - 50 kg zinc sulphate per hectare is applied in zinc deficient soils.
Micronutients and growth regulators are sprayed for every harvest.

Plant protection

 Lemon-scented gum is not affected by any major pest or disease, therefore, no

plant protection measure is required.
Harvesting - Profits

 Two and three to four harvests are obtained from second year onwards under
rainfed and irrigated contions, respectively.
 Leaves with tender branches are harvested. The crop yields 60 - 100 kg oil and net
profit of Rs. 12000 - 20000 per hectre under rainfed conditons and 100 - 150 kg
oil and net profit of Rs. 20000 - 30000 per hectare under irrigation contions.
 Under ideal contions, 200 - 250 kg oil/ha can also be obtained.

Distillation

 The oil is distilled from freshly harvested herb by usual process as described
earlier in palmarosa. The recovery of oil from the herb is 0.5 - 1.0 percent, it takes
about 3 - 4 hours of distillation fpr complete recovery of oil.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus)

Introduction

 Lemongrass grows abundantly in the state of Kerala.

 The essential oil of lemongrass is widely used in soaps,
perfumes and for extraction of an aroma chemical, citral.
Vitamin A is synthesized from citral. Lemongrass is a drought
tolerant, perennial, aromatic grass growing to a height of 1.2 -
3.0 meters.
 The crop can be cultivated throughout Andhra Pradesh either
as a rainfed or irrigated crop in poor and marginal soils, waste
lands and alkaline soils (PH 9.6).

Varieties

 Krishna, Pragati and Cauvery are improved varieties of

lemongrass suitable for cultivation in Andhra Pradesh. OD-19
is an old and established variety.

Cultivation

 Lemongrass is propagated either through seeds or rooted slips.

 The crop is grown through slips in Andhra Pradesh. The land
is prepared to good tilth by ploughing, harrowing and
planking.
 The crop can be planted on flat beds or in furrows or on
ridges. 10 tonnes of farm yard manure, 250 kg single
superphosphate and 65 kg muriate of potash per hectare are
applied basally.
 The slips are planted during rainy season at a spacing of 60
 cm between rows and 45 cm between plants (37000 slips /
hectre), and the soil around the slips is pressed to avoid
lodging of slips during irrigation.
 If rains are erratic, the field is irrigated at 3 day intervals
during the first month and 7 - 10 day intervals subsequently.
 After the establishment of plants, irrigation schedule is
adjusted depending on water holding capacity of tie soil
weather conditions.

Interculture - Fertilizers

 The field is kept weed free for the first 3 - 4 months after
plating. Similarly,weeding is done up to 1 month, after every
harvest.
 During the initial phases of crop growth, short duration
legumes can be grown as intercrops, thereby profits can be
increased.
 The crop is fertilized with 30 and 45 kg urea / hectare, 40 and
90 days after panting, respectively.
 For each harvest, 75 kg urea per hectare is applied in two
equal splits.,
 In Zinc deficient soils, 25 - 60 kg Zinc sulphate per heactare is
applied lemongrass crop is free from any pests or disease in
Andhra Pradesh. Micronutrients and growth regulators may be
sprayed for each harvest.

Harvesting - Profits

 First harvest is taken 4 - 5 months after planting. Subsequent

harvests are obtained at 3 - 4 month intervals for 3 - 4 years.
 Lemongrass flowers in winter season. The flowering stalks are
to be harvested and discarded from time to time. Otherwise
the crop yield gets adversely affected. MThe dead and dried
leaves and tillers are also to be removed atleast once in a year
to encourage growth of fresh tillers.
 Lemongrass gives 250 - 300 kg oil and a net profit of Rs.
75,000 - 90,000 per hectare per year under irrigated conditions
and 60 - 80 kg oil and a net profit of Rs. 18,000 - 24,000 per
hectare per year under rainfed contions.

Distillation

 The osil is extracted fro the leaves by usual process of

distillation so mentiuoned in palmarosa.
 Freshly harvested grass as such or after cutting into small
 pices are used for the extraction of the oil.

 The recovery of oil from the grass ranges from 0.3 - 0.8 per
cent. It takes about 4 hours for complete recovery of the oil.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

Introduction

 The oil of patchouli is extensively used in perfumery industry.

There is no synthetic substitute for oil of patchouli which
increased its value and demand in the perfumery market.
 The crop is not commercially cultivated in India and the entire
demand is met through imports.
 Patchouli, a native of Philippines, is a perennial, aromatic herb
growing to a height 60 - 90 cm. Patchouli flourishes in
partially shaded areas hence can be grown as an intercrop in
coconut gardens of coastal Andhra Pradesh, it can be grown in
other parts of Andhra Pradesh as an irrigated crop in well
drained fertile soils.

Varieties

 Singapore, Indonesia, Johori, Malaysian and Java types are

available in India.

Nursery

 Patchouli is propagated through rooted stem cuttings.

 Terminal and middle cuttings, having 4 - 5 nodes and 2 - 3
leaves are dipped in 4 per cent formalin and rooting harmone,
planted in polythene bags filled wiht garden soils kept under
partial shade and watered regularly.
 The cuttings root and are ready for planting in 40 - 60 days.

Cultivation

 The land is prepared to good tilth by ploughing, harrowing

and planting.
 15 tonnes of well decomposed FYM, 2.5kg neem cake, 250 kg
single superphosphate and 155 kg muriate of potash per
hectare are applied basally. Rooted cuttings are transplanted in
the field during rainy season with a spacing of 60 cm between
rows and 45 cm between plants (37000 cuttings / hectare).
 The field is irrigated frequently until the plants establish,
 thereafter the irrigation schedule is modified depending on
water holding capacity of the soil and weather conditions.

Interculture - Fertilizers

 The crop is kept free of weeds by two weedings before first

harvest and one hoeing after each harvest.
 The crop is fertilized with 225 kg urea per hectare in six equal
splits at two splits per harvest. In zinc deficient soil.
 25 - 50 kg zinc silphate per hectare is applied. Micronutrients
and growth regulators are sprayed for every harvest.

Plant protection

 Patchouli is attacked by root knot nematode Meloidogyne

incognita causing heavy damage.
 Heavily infected plants are stunted in growth and wilt.
Application of Furadon at 25 kg hectare checks the infection.
 Intecropping with periwinkle or Tagetes is also suggested.

Harvesting - Profits

 The first harvest is taken 5 months after transplanting.

 Subsequent harvests are obtained at 3 - 4 months intervals.
The crop yields 1750 - 2500 kg dried leaves, 45 - 65 kg oil
and net profit of Rs. 40000 - 60000 per hectare per year.
 Dried leaves can be sold at Rs. 40 per kg.

Distillation

 The oil is distilled from the air-dried (in shades) herb by using
a distillation process as described in plamarosa. The recovery
of oil from the shade dried herb is 2.5 - 3.5 per cent. The
duration of distillation is 6 - 8 hours for complete recovery of
the oil.

Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini var. motia)

Introduction
  Palmarosa, also known as East Indian Geranium, is a native of Indian and grows
wild in the forsts of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and
Karnataka states. Locally this grass is known as Rusha or Rosa grass.
 The essential oil of palmarosa is used in soaps, perfumes, in scenting of tobacco
and for extraction of an important aroma chemical, geraniol, palmarosa, a drought
resistant, perennial, aromatic grass, grows to a height of 1.5 - 3.0 meters.
 This crop can be grown throughout Andhra Pradesh as a rainfed crop or irrigated
crop in poor and marginal soils, waste lands, black and alkaline soils (PH 9.5).

Nursery - Varieties

 Palmarosa is propagated through seeds. The nursery is raised during May - June
months.
 2 - 3 kg seeds kept immersed in water overnight mixed with sand are sown in
nursery beds in furrows 2 - 3 cm deep and rows 20 cm apart.
 The nursery beds are irrigated daily. The seedlings (15 - 20 cm height) will be
ready for plating in 30 - 40 days, in 1 hectare area.
 Tripta, Trishna and PRC-1 are improved varieties of palmarosa suitable for
cultivation in Andhra Pradesh.

Cultivation

 The land is prepared well by ploughing, tilling and leveling. 10 tonnes of FYM,
375 kg single superphosphate and 100 kg Muriate of Potash per hectare are
applied basally.
 The seedlings are transplanted during rainy season at a spacing of 45 cm between
the rows and 30 cm between the plants.
 The seedlings are irrigated every 3 - 4 days depending on rains during the first
month of planting, thereafter, the crop is irrigated at 7 - 10 days intervals.
 When the crop is fully grown, irrigations at 15 - 20 days intervals are given.

Interculture - Fertilizers

 The field is kept free of weeds for the first 2 - 3 months after planting and up to
one month after each harvest.
 Urea @ 40 and 45 kg per hectare is applied 30 and 90 days after planting. For
each harvest 85 kg urea per hectare is to be given in two equal splits.
  In fields deficient in Zinc, 25 - 5- kg zinc sulphate per hectare is to be applied.
Micronutrients and growth regulators may be sprayed for each harvest. There are
no pests or disease on palmarosa crop in Andhra Pradesh.

Harvesting - Profits

 First harvest is taken 4 - 5 months after planting.

 The crop is harvested 15 - 20 cm above growund at the time of flowering to early
seed formation stage. Sunsequent harvests are obtained at 2 ½ to 3 months
intervals for 3 - 4 years. Irrigated palmarosa yields 175 - 250 kg oil and a profit of
Rs. 43,000 - 62,000 per hectare per year.
 Rainfed palmarosa gives 40 - 80 kg oil and a profit of Rs. 10,000 - 20,000 per
hectare per year.

Distillation

 The oil is extracted from the entire plant using a distillation unit consisting of a
distillation tank, a condenser and a separator.
 Freshly harvested grass as such or after cutting into small pieces is loaded into the
distillation tank. After closing the lid tightly, steam is passed into the tank. Steam
and the oil vapour condense into liquid in condenser and are collected in
separator.
 The oil is taken out, cleaned and stored either in aluminium containers or amber
coloured bottles. The recovery of oil from grass ranges from 0.3 - 0.6 per cent. It
takes about 4 hours for complete recovery of the oil.

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides)

Introduction
  The essential oil obtained from the roots of vetiver is widely used in soft drinks,
chewing tobacco, pan masala, soaps, perfume and cosmetic preparations.
 The roots are woven into mats, hand fans and are also used in air coolers. Vetiver
is planted in sloppy areas to prevent soil erosion.
 Vetiver grows to a height of 2 meters and can be cultivated throughout Andhra
Pradesh either as a reinfed or irrigated crop in a woide varieties of soils including
light, poor and marginal soils alkaline (PH 9 - 10) soils, wastelands and
temporarily waterlogged soils.

Varieties

 There are two varieties namely, North Indian and South Indian.
 The oil obtained from North Indian Variety commands higher price, while the
South Indian variety gives higher yiel;d of oil.
 Dharini, Gulabi, Keshari and Sugandha ar eimproved varieties of North Indian
type.

Cultivation

 Vetiver is generally multiplied by rooted slips obtained from the old plants.
Though the crop produces seeds in North India, propagation through seeds is nor
practiced.
 The land is cleared and deep tilling is given soon after rains. 5 tonnes of farm yard
manure, 200 kg of single siuperphosphate and 50 kg of muriate of potash are
applied basally for one hectare.
 15 - 20 cm long rooted slips and planted during rainy season in planting holes
made at a distance of 45 cm between rows and 30 cm within the rows (74000
slips/ha).
 In areas with irrigation facilities, the crop is irrigated 2 - 3 times in a month
during non - rainy periods.

Interculture - Fertilizers

 The field is kept weed free intil the plants cover interspaces.
 Once the plants develop full canopy they smother other plants and effectively
check weed growth. For obtaining high yields, the field is fertilized with 130 kg
urea per hectare in 3 - 4 equal splits.
  Zinc sulphate, micronutrients and growth regulators may be apoplied for
increasing yields. In South India, vetiver is not affected by pests or disease.

Harvesting - Profits

 In North India, where no systematic cultivation of vetiver is practiced, only the

wild plants are harvested.
 In South India, vetiver are harvested 15 - 18 months after plznting to get a high
yield of good quality oil. The above ground herb is first cut and the cield is
copiously irrigated.
 The field is then ploughed as deep as possible and all the roots including the small
rootlets are collected. In heavy soils, the roots are dug out.
 Depending on climate, management and age of the crop, vetiver gives 20 - 30 kg
of oil and Rs. 20,000 - 30,000 profit per hectare.

Distillation

 The oil is extracted from the roots of vetiver by steam distillation. Freshly
harvested or dried roots (even after 1 - 2 months are cut into small pieces, soaked
in water for 12 - 20 hours, as described in plamarosa. The roots are distilled for
16-24 hours and the oil is separated from water. The recovery of oil ranges from
0.3 - 0.6 per cent in North Indian to 0.6 - 1.0 per cent in South Indian Varieties.

Distillation

 Distillation is the process by which essential oils are extracted

from aromatic crops. This can be done in two ways

Steam Distillation

 In this Process, steam generated in a boiler is passed through

steam pipes into distillation tank which is filled with harvested
aromatic crop.
 Pressure, temperature and amount of, the steam can be
regulated as per requirement, thereby time of distillation can
also be varied.
 The steam converts the essential oil in the aromatic plants into
oil vapour and both these pass through delivery pipe into
condensor where due to the effect of circulating cold water,
steam and oil vapours condense and the resulting mixture of
water and essential oil is collected in the receiver or separator.
Since the density of most of the essential oil is relatively
lesser than water, theoil floats on water and can easily be
taken out from the separator through the outlet provided
specially for taking out oil.
 This process is used in large scale production of essential oils
 from aromatic crops. The equipment (boiler, distillation tank,
condenser and separator) needed for this process is expensive
and needs technical personnel to run the boiler.

Field Distillation

 In this process, the distillation tank is divided into two parts

by fixing a mesh as a false bottom, below which water and
above which harvested palnt material are filled.
 The tank, closed with the lid and kept over a furnace
constructed for the purpose, is fired using firewood or
exhausted (distilled) plant material or weeds. The steam
generated in the distillation tank carries with it the volatile
essential oil in vapour form into the condenser through the
delivery pipe.
 The condensed liquid mixture of water and oil is collected in
the separator. This process is used for small scale production
of essentail oils and the equipment needed is relatively less
expensive.
 Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP)
has developed an improved field distillation unit which is easy
in fabrication, cheaper in cost, easy ti instal, either in the farm
or in a remote locality, fuel efficient and easy to use by
unskilled or inexperienced persons. This distillation unit
consists of the following parts:

Furnace and Chimney

The furnace is constructed with bricks and mud and is used for
heating the distillation tank kept over it. This can be fired using
firewood or exhausted plant material left after distillation or weeds.
The chimney is made of mild steel and is useful for carrying the
smoke coming out from furnace.

Distillation Tank or Retort

 This is made of mild steel and is either cylindrical or

rectangular in shape. The capscity of the tank is fixed based
on the requirment.
 A special mesh fixed in it divides it into two parts and
facilitates filling of water below and plant material above the
mean.
 A fised, number of G.I pipes are welded at the bottom for
increasing fuel efficiency.
Condenser

 The outer shell and legs are made of mild steel and the tubes
inside the shell are made of aluminium. This is connected to
the distillation tank with the help of a delivery pipe.
 During distillation, cold water circulates in the condenser. The
main purpose of the condenser is to condense the mixture of
steam and oil vapour into water and essential all.

Receiver or Separator

 This is made of aluminium and is used to collect the mixture

of water and oil coming out from the condenser.
 Separate outlets are provided for overflow of excess water and
for taking out essential oil.

Storage and Packing of Essential Oil

 Care is taken to ensure that the essential oil does not contain
any water before storage. Amber coloured bottles are
convenient for small quantities. For large quantities, steel or
aluminium drums are widely used.
 Ths oils are left to stand for sometimes so that water can settle
down. If the oil is still turbid, a small amount of common salt
is added and the oil filtered. The containers are filled up to the
brim, tightly capped and stored in a cool, dry, dark place.
 Exposure to air, light and water causes deterioration of the
quality of essential oil.

Quality analysis

 Identification and estimation of various constituents of

essential oils is carried out by Gas chromatography.
 Quality analysis of some of the important essential oils
produced in Hyderabad is given below.

Oil of Citronella (Java)

Citronellol 6.1%
Citronellal 50.9%
Geraniol 16.5%

Oil of Palmarosa
Linalool 3.7%
Geranyl acetate 11.2%
Geraniol 79.0%

Oil of Lemon Scented Gum

Citronellal 76.0%
Linalool 1.9%
Isopulegol 16.8%
Citronellol 5.5%

Oil of Lemongrass

Citral a 47.2%
Citral b 38.4%

Oil of Geranium

Isomenthone 5.3%
Linalool 7.9%
Rose oxides 0.9%
Citronelly formate 8.7%
Geranyl formate 6.3%
Citronellol 24.4%
Geraniol 20.5%
10-epi-y-eudesmol 3.8%

Oil of Davana

Davanone 42.2%

Uses, of Essential Oils and their Isolates

 Essential oil is a complex mixture of odorous and steam

volatile compounds of vegetable origin. The essential oils and
their isolates are widely used in the following industries.

1. Soap and Cosmetics 2. Agarbatti

3. Tobacco 4. Soft drinks
5. Pharmaceuticals 6. Perfumery and Toiletery
7. Paint 8. Food flavouring
9. Chewing Gum 10. Confectionary etc.

Processing of Medicinal Plants

 Plant kingdom is a rich source of therapeutic agents for the
prevention and cure of various aliments of human beings and
animals since the ancient times. These plants contain
secondary metabolites like alkaloids, steoids, plant phenolics,
saponins and volatile oils which are the potential sources of
drugs.
 In this modern age, these crude drugs and their products find
an important place in our day to day life. Aromatic substances
affect human behavoiur. Several of these make food,
environment an human interactions more attractive.
 Aromatic chemicals and oils are widely used in food, flavour,
perfumery and cosmetic industries. Biologically active
secondary metabolites and their derivatives are widely used in
the treatment of variety of human aliments.
 In the past few years, there has been a tremendous increase in
the number of drugs derived from various sources mainly
because of the due recognition of medicinal and aromatic
plants the world over coupled with the basic realisation that
drugs and essential oils derived from plants are much safer to
use and are easily available at a price within the reach of a
common man, with least side effects as compared to
synthetics.
 Though the usage of herbal and naturally based medicines
have traditionally been used in Indian system of medicines
since ancient times like Ayurveda, Sidha and Unani, the
utilization of the whole plant or other crude preparation for
therapeutic or experimental reasons can have several
drawbacks like :

1. Variation in the amount of the active constituents with

geographic areas, from one season to another, with different
plant parts and with different climatic and ecological,
conditions.
2. Concurrence of undesirable compounds which can cause
synergistic, antagonistic or other undesirable and possibly
unpredictable, modulations of the bio-activity.
3. Bio-activity losses due to variability in the collection, storage
and preparation of the raw material.
4. Adulteration of the plant material.
5. The difficulty in drug standardisation.

 Thus, the isolation of pure natural product with bioactivity

 other than the crude drug has become necessary and also has
several advantages, which include :

1. Administration of the pure bioactive compound in

reproducible, accurate doses with obvious benefits from an
experimental or therapeutic point of view.
2. Development of analytical methods for particular compound
or for the group of compounds. This is more useful in the
screening of plants for potential toxicity and quality control of
food for human and animal consumption.
3. Structure determination of bioactive compounds. This will
enable the production of synthetic material, incorporation of
structural modification and rationalization of mechanism of
action. This will in turn lead to reduced dependency on plants
as source of bio-active compounds where by saving ecological
system and will enable investigations of structure / activity
relationship there by development of new compounds with
similar or increased activity and less toxicity. Further this will
help in saving the rare plant species before they become
endangered.

 Before 1947, the production of the plant based modern drug in

India was confined to quinine from Cinchoma. The very first
phytopharmaceutical industry for quinine was established by
then the British Government at Mungpoo in Darjeeling.
During the last five decades bulk production of plant based
modern drugs has become an important segment of Indian
pharmaceutical industry.
 National Cancer Institute (USA) beginning in 1959screened
more than 1,84,000 plant extracts covering 3500plant genera
during a period of 20-25years, but this did not result even a
single drug for the market but several very interesting leads
were obtained.
 CDRI, Lucknow investigated more than 2500 plant extracts
for a wide range of pharmacological activity. Similarly,
CIBAGEIGY and others also spent considerable time and
money in screening medicinal plants for bioactive compounds.
 Some of the most important plant based chemotherapeutic
agents currently in use are Reserpine, an antihypertensive
drug from Rauvolfa serpentina.
 Vinblastine and Vincristine from Catharanthus roseus for the
treatment of Hodgkin's disease, lymphocarcoma and
leukaemia in children.
 Teniposide and Etoposide developed from the antineoplastic
agent Podophyllotoxin a constituent Podophyllum spp.
Currently being used against testicular cancer, small cell lung
 cancer and lymphomas
 Paclitaxal generally known as Taxol, a diterpenoid constituent
Taxus spp. Is effective in the treatment of metastatic ovarian
cancer and has potential use in the treatment of lung cancer,
metastatic breast cancer and malignant melanoma
 Irenotecan, an analogue of quinoline alkaloid Camptothecine
first isolated from Camptotheca acuminata is being used for
the treatment of lung, ovarian and cervial cancers. The herb
Artemisia annual L. has been traditionally used in China or
treatment of fevers.
 CIMAP has developed a number of process technologies for
the isolation of these bioactive compounds. The process
technologies developed at CIMAP, Bangalore field station
includes the processing of Catharanthus reseus roots for the
preparation of the anithypertension alkaloid Ajmalicine and
Glorisosa Superba for the preparation of Colchicine, a
neoplastic agent used in the treatment of gout are discussed
briefly.
 The purity of the products can be determined by their physico-
chemical constants like melting point, boiling point, optical
rotation etc. as well as the study of their spectroscopic
properties. The usual spectorscopy technique used are UV, IR,
NMR and Mass. This layer Chromatography and HPLC are
usually employed for determining their purity and quantiative
estimations.
 Bio-active compounds of current interest :
 Taxol from Taxus baccatta and T.brevifolia
 Podophyllotoxin and its semisynthetic derivatives from
Podophyllum emodi
 Camptothecin from Mappia foetida or Nathapdytes foetida
(Wright) Soleumer
 Artemisinin and its arteether from Artemisia annua
 VLB and VCR from Catharanthus roseus

 In conclusion, Indian sub-continent is a highly potential area

for the phytopharmaceuticals, because of its particular
advantages compared to other regions such as the availability
of well documented knowledge from Vedic times as well as
abundant availability of the flora of this region.

Technology For Jasmine and Tuberose concretes

 Jasmine and tuberose concretes and their absolutes are
invaluable items in perfumery.
 They are used in highly expensive perfumes and there is
considerable quantities of both Jasmine and Tuberose
concretes for the last 20 years.
  Jasmine concrete is the product obntained by solvent
extraction of the fresh harvested jasmine flowers.
 It has a semisolid consistency and contains the volatile
perfumery principles of the flowers, waxes and colouring
matters. Jasmine absolute is the product obtained by removing
the waxes from the concrete.
 It is reddish-brown free flowing liquid and represents the
concentrated from of jasmine perfume. Although there are
several methods of preparation of jasmine perfumes, solvent
extraction method is generally employed.
 The solvent used for extraction is hexane. Two varieties of the
flowers of scented jasmine are preferred for the production of
the concretes. They are Jasminum grandiflorum (Chameli) and
Jasminum sambac (Gundumalle).
 The yeild of concrete from the grandiflorum flowers is about
0.25 - 0.3 % and that from sambac flowers is about 0.15 - 0.18
%.
 The absolute content in the concretes varies from 45 - 55 %
depending the extraction technique and also on the place of
cultivation of the plants.

Chemical composition of the Absolutes of Jasmine

 The main constituent of grandiflorum absolute are benzyl

benzoate, phytol and isophytol.
 The monir constituents eugenol, cis-jasmone, n-acetyl methyl
anthranilate jasmine lactone and cis- and trans-methyl
jasmonates are responsible for the characteristic fragrance of
grandiflorum absolute.
 The main constituents of sambac absolute are benzyl alcohol,
linalool, cis-3-hexenyl benzoate, indole, (E)- -farnesene and
methyl anthranilate. The minor odorous principles of the
grandiflorum absolute are also present in the sambac absolute.
 The odour characteristics of the two absolutes are distinctly
different because of the differences in their chemical
composition.

Tuberose concrete and absolute

 Like Jasmine concrete and absolute, tuberose concrete and

absolute prepared from the flowers of tuberose (Polianthes
tuberosa) are also valuable item of perfumery.
 Tuberose flowers emit a powerful and delightful fragrance.
Tuberose concrete and absolute are prepared in the same way
as jasmine conrete and absolute. There are three varieties of
tuberose available.
  Only the flowers of signal petal variety are suitable for
perfumery and are used for concrete production.
 The main chemical constituents of tuberose absolute are
methyl salicylate, geraniol, methyl eugenol, jasmine lactone,
trans-methyl isoeugenol, benzyl benzoate and phytol.

Machinery and Equipment required

 Stainless steel extractors, SS condensers, solvent rectification

assembly, SS storage tanks, chilling unit, vaccum pump and
boiler.

Economics of the Project

The approximate economics of the project were worked out as

follows

500 Kg Flowers
Capacity of the plant Per day
processing
Production per season Gradiflorum concrete 94 Kg
Sambac concrete 56 Kg
  Tuberose concrete 12 Kg

Investment required   Rs. 55.00 Lakhs

Cost of Production   Rs. 30.00 Lakhs

Returns from sale of the   Rs. 46.00 Lakhs

produce
  Rs. 16.00 Lakhs
Profit

Return on Investment 16.0 x 100/ 55 = 20%

 The project is economically viable. It would be better to
establish the units near the cultivation area so that the flowers
can be transported easily. At present the international process
for these .
 products are Rs. 26,0001= per I Kg for grandiflorum concrete,
Rs. 32,0001= per 1 Kg of Sambac concrete and Rs. 35,0001=
per I Kg of Tuberose concrete.

 The prices are subject to fluctuation and are dependent on the

qual ity of the products. The season for the flowers lasts 6
months in a year
Technology for the production of value added products from essential
oils
 Essential oils are the volatile oils of aromatic plants used in
perfumery, cosmetic and flavour industries.
 They are also used in aromatherapy. They contain mixtures of
organic compounds belonging to different classes of
compounds such as terpenes, phenols, phenyl propanoids,
aliphatic compounds etc., Monoterpenes and their oxygenated
derivatives are mostly the class of compounds present in
several essential oils.
 Also some heterocyclic compounds and amino compounds are
present as minor constituents of some oils and floral absolutes.
 Oxygenated monoterpenes are the main odour carriers of the
essential oils and are more stable than the terpene
hydrocarbons which have a tendency to get oxidised and
resinified under the influence of light, air and moisture.
Improper storage conditions also cause deterioration in quality
and odour of the soils.
 Thus, if the terpene hydrocarbons are removed from the soils,
terpeneless oils comprising mostly oxygenated terpenes are
obtained. Terpeneless oils are more valuable than drude
essential oils.
 Many essential oils contain one, two or three major
constituents of value in the perfumery. Examples include
citral in lemongrass and Litsea cubeba oils, citronella in
Eucalyptus citriodora and Java citronella oils.
 These aromatic compounds can be separated from the oils and
used in the perfumery.
 Sometimes the compounds obtained from essential oils are
chemically modified or converted to tother perfumery
compounds / products can be prepared from essential oils.
Vlue addition of the oils can be achieved by

1. Rrectification,
2. Fractionation,
3. Deterpenation, and
4. Chemical modification.

Rectification

 It is the process of redistillation of an essential oil either with

steam or under vaccum. The process is useful to improve the
quality of the
 oil which has deteriorated on long prolonged storage, due to
rust formation or due to emulsion formation with water.
 After rectification, the appearance of the oil will generally be
 improved as non-volatile and resinified impurities are left
behind in the idstillation still.

Fractionation

 Fractionation of essential oils is generally done to produce

perfumery compounds present as major constituents in the
oils.
 The boiling points of the constituents of the oils at
atmospheric pressure are different. By making use of the
differences in the boiling points, individual compounds of the
oils can be separated.
 For example, citronellal which is a major constituent of oil of
Eucalyptus citriodora leaves can be separated by fractional
distillation.
 Fractional distillations are usually carried out under high
vaccum which lowers the boiling points of the compounds.
This prevents any damage to the compounds by heat.
 Examples for some value added perfumery compounds /
products from essential oils are given Table 1. The typical
fractional distillation assembly is shown in Fig.1. It consists
maily a pot in which the oil to be fractionated is placed,
fractionating column, condensers, product cooler, receiver and
vaccum pump.

Chemical modification

 Value addition of essential oils can also be acheived by

chemical modification of the compounds obtained from
essential oils by fractional distillation. Examples of such
chemical modification include conversion of the pinenes
obtained from turpentine oil to a variety of oxygenated
monoterpenes like linaloo, l-terpineol, etc., conversion of
citral from lemongrass oil to the ionones. Deterpenation of
essential oils is carried out o improve the quality of the oils.
 If the terpene hydrocarbons which have much inferior
perfumery value compared to oxygenated terpenes are
removed from the oils, the concentration of oxygenated
terpenes will be increased. Terpenes oils have longer shelf life
and fetch more price than the crude oils.

Economics of the Project

 Economics have been worked out for processing Java

citronella oil, lemongrass oil, palmarosaoil, Eucalyptus
 citriodora oil.

Capacity

40 Kg of Essential oil to be processed per day, 300 working days in a

year .

Investment required Rs. 16.00 lakhs

Cost of Production Rs. 34.80 lakhs

Returns from sale of the produce Rs. 40.30 lakhs

Profit Rs. 5.50 lakhs

Return on Investment = 34.3 %

Essential oils and their value added products

Essential oil Value added products

Citronellal, citronellol. Geraniol and
Java citronella
rhodinol
Eucalyptus citriodora
Citronellal
Lemongrass
Citral
Geranium
Rhodinol ex geranium
Menthol mint
Menthol,DMO
Palmarosa
Geraniol ex palmarosa
Basil
Methyl chavicol

Marketing Facilities for Essential Oils

Major Players and Oils Purchased

 In A.P purchase activities are mostly concntrated in larger

cities like Hyderabad and Vizag. The main regular purchasers
are

1. Navayuga Exports Limited

2. S.H.Kelkar and Co.
 3. Sugandha Aromatics

 Their areas of concentrations are as follows

 M/s Navayuga Exports mostly purchase Lemongrass Oil,
Citronella Oil and Palmarosa Oil. However, soon they intend
to broaden the scope of their activities to cover other oils as
well.
 M/s S.H.Kelkar and Co. are more interrested in the higher
value oils like Geranium and Patchouli. They do occasionally
purchase other oils as well but that is comparatively rare.
 M/s Sugandha Aromatics are concentrating mostly on Mint
Oils.
 Apart from these regular purchasers, there are occasional
other buyers from out of the state who may come to fulfil a
sudden requirement.

Purchase of Herbage

 In and around Vizag, M/s Navayuga Exports Limited are

willing to enter into herbage buy-back arrangements at
minimum support prices with small farmers who may not be
interested in putting up their own distillation units.
 M/s S.H. Kelkar are entering into similar arrangements for
patchouli etc.
 Along with the buy-back arrangements, these companies
provide seed material at discounted rates, advice on growing
the crop as well as distillation and regular visits by their
representatives to provide supervision.

Quality Issues

 While purchasing, the buyer will obviously want to buy only

the oil which matches his quality requirment.
 Unfortunately, while most of the aromatic plant farmers in AP
are very knowledgeable about the cultivation aspects, they
ignore the quality aspect. They seem to be concerned only
with Quantity.
 Some major issues are

1. The right distillation unit

2. The right process of distillation
3. Correct storage and handling

 Please note that unless the right quality is produced, your

buyer may not be able to pick up the oil.
Prices

 Prices for aromatic oils are dictated by the demand and supply
position in the market as well as quality of the soil.
 In case of Peppermint Oil, indicative prices are published
daily in the Economic Times and Hindu Business Line.
 These are Delhi / Bombay prices. The purchaser in AP will
buy as per these prices, plus or minus a small amount.
 In case of the other oils, the fluctuation is not very high and
most of the time you can be assured of selling your oil /
herbage within a particular price range.

Risk factors

 In the present year a large area has gone under cultivation of

aromatic crops in A.P. Unfortunately, most of the people are
concentrating on only one or two varieties. This may lead to
over-production in the medium term.

 For any farmer with more than 8-10 acres, it will make better
sense to cultivate a variety of crops. This will spread the risks
in case the market in any once crop drops.