LEMONGRASS CULTIVATION
[CODE NO 3297]
Lemongrass is a tropical perennial plant which yields aromatic oil. The name lemongrass is derived from the typical lemon-like odour of the essential oil present in the shoot. The herb originated in Asia and Australia. Lemongrass was one of the herbs to travel along the spice route from Asia to Europe. Lemongrass oil of commerce is popularly known as Cochin oil in the world trade, since 90% of it is shipped from Cochin port. The state of Kerala in India had the monopoly in the production and export of lemongrass oil. The annual world production of lemongrass oil is around 1000 t from an area of 16000 ha. In India, it is cultivated in an area of 4000 ha and the annual production is around 250 t. The crop is extensively cultivated in the poor, marginal and waste lands and also along the bunds as live mulch. The well ramified root system of the plant helps in soil and water conservation.
East Indian LEMONGRASS / Cochin grass / Malabar grass
Lemongrass is a tropical perennial plant which yields aromatic oil on steam distillation of the herbage.
The oil has a typical lemon-like odour.
The crop is suitable for marginal and waste lands and also along the bunds as live mulch.
India contributes to about 85% of total world production.
COST ESTIMATION
Plant Capacity : LEMONGRASS CULTIVATION IN 50 ACRES
land & Building (50 Acres) : Rs. 54.00 Lacs
Plant & Machinery : Rs. 50.00 Lacs
Working Capital for 3 Months : Rs. 22.10 Lacs
Total Capital Investment : Rs. 1.41 Cr
Rate of Return : 16%
Break Even Point : 67%
INTRODUCTION
EAST INDIAN LEMONGRASS / COCHIN GRASS / MALABAR GRASS
LEMON GRASS
SPECIES
DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT
LEAVES AND STEM
ESSENTIAL PART
CLIMATIC REQUIREMENTS
TEMPERATURE
RAINFALL
SOIL REQUIREMENTS
ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION OF LEMON GRASS
SPECIES AND VARIETIES OF LEMON GRASS
CYMBOPOGON FLEXUOSUS (NEES EX STEUD) WATS. (2N=20, 40)
CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS (DC) STAPF. (2N=40, 60)
CYMBOPOGON PENDULUS (NEES EX STEUD) WATS.
TYPES OF IMPROVED VARIETIES OF LEMON GRASS
TWO TYPES ARE IDENTIFIED IN THIS SPECIES BASED ON COLOUR OF STEM.
1. OD- 19 (SUGANDHI)
2. PRAGATHI
3. NIMA
4. CAUVERY
5. KRISHNA
6. NLG 84
PROPERTIES & USES
PARTS USED: OIL, OLEORESIN, LEAF, SPENT GRASS
MEDICINAL USES
ESSENTIAL OIL
OLEORESIN
BOTANY & VARIETIES
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENT
ESSENTIAL OIL
OLEORESIN
MARKET SURVEY
LEMON GRASS CULTIVATION A BOON FOR KANDI AREA
GLOBAL MARKET OF ESSENTIAL OIL
CULTIVATION OF LEMON GRASS
SEED RATE IN LEMON GRASS FARMING IS 2.5 KG/HA.
CULTIVATION PRACTICES OF LEMONGRASS
PROPAGATION
SEEDS
SOIL PREPARATION
GENERAL SOIL PREPARATION GUIDELINES
PLANTING
SLOPE
PLANTING DENSITY/SPACING
PLANTING SEASON
PLANTING DEPTH
FERTILISATION
NUTRIENTS
IRRIGATION
WEED CONTROL
WEED CONTROL GUIDELINES
PEST CONTROL
PESTS THAT MAY ATTACK LEMONGRASS
DAMAGE
CONTROL METHODS
NEMATODES
CONTROL METHODS
DISEASE CONTROL
LONG SMUT
RED LEAF SPOT
LEAF BLIGHT
RUST
OTHER CULTIVATION PRACTICES
HARVESTING
MATURING TIME AND METHODS
DETAILS OF CULTIVATION OF LEMON GRASS
CLIMATE
SOIL
CULTIVATED VARIETIES
PROPAGATION
NURSERY RAISING
TRANSPLANTING
MANURING
IRRIGATION
WEED CONTROL
INTERCROPPING
PEST MANAGEMENT IN LEMON GRASS CULTIVATION
DISEASES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT
TABLE. COMMON DISEASES OF LEMONGRASS AND THEIR CAUSAL AGENTS
HARVESTING OF THE HERB
POST HARVEST HANDLING OF LEMON GRASS
SORTING AND DISTILLATION
GRADING
PACKAGING
STORAGE
MARKETING
SEED COLLECTION
PEST & DISEASES
FACTSHEET ON LEMONGRASS
THE VILLAGES UNDER EACH BLOCK ARE AS FOLLOWS:
STEP TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE: ORGANIC FARMING
SUPPLIERS OF PLANT AND MACHINERY
TRACTORS
SUPPLIERS OF CULTIVATORS
SUPPLIERS OF DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM
SUPPLIERS OF FERTILIZER SPREADER
SUPPLIERS OF RAW MATERIALS
NPK FERTILIZER
APPENDIX – A:
1. COST OF PLANT ECONOMICS
2. LAND & BUILDING
3. PLANT AND MACHINERY
4. FIXED CAPITAL INVESTMENT
5. RAW MATERIAL
6. SALARY AND WAGES
7. UTILITIES AND OVERHEADS
8. TOTAL WORKING CAPITAL
9. COST OF PRODUCTION
10. PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS
11. BREAK EVEN POINT
12. RESOURCES OF FINANCE
13. INTEREST CHART
14. DEPRECIATION CHART
15. CASH FLOW STATEMENT
16. PROJECTED BALANCE SHEET
