Lemon grass
Lemon grass – Cymbopogan
citratus 
Varieties – Krishna, Pragati, Praman
Total duration of crop – Perennial plant
Soil and Climate – Lemongrass grows well in fertile
loamy soil and also in laterite soil. If it is grown in sandy soil, more
organic manure is needed. Soils that contain lime or remain waterlogged are not
suitable for lemongrass cultivation.
Lemongrass is a native plant of
India and is found both in the wild and on farms. It grows best in warm and
humid weather with good sunlight and adequate rainfall.
Propagation – Lemongrass can be grown either from
seeds or by using slips. However, growing through slips gives better oil
quality and higher yield. Slips are taken from healthy, good-quality lemongrass
clumps.
Cultivation – Planting of lemongrass is usually
done in the last week of June or with the first rains in July, depending on
when the rains start. In areas where irrigation is available, planting can be
done throughout the year, except from September to January. Slips are prepared
from old roots by removing the lower leaves of the plant.
For planting, a spacing of 30
x 60 cm or 45 x 60 cm is followed, based on the soil type and field conditions.
Fertilizers and Manures – Lemongrass requires about 150 kg of
nitrogen, 40 kg of phosphorus, and 40 kg of potash per year, depending on the
crop’s needs. Phosphorus and potash should be added to the soil before
planting. Nitrogen is applied in equal amounts after each harvest.
|
Fertilizer |
Quantity per year (per hectare) |
When to apply |
|
Nitrogen
(N) |
150
kg |
Split
into equal doses after each harvest |
|
Phosphorus
(P205) |
40
kg |
Before
planting |
|
Potash
(K2O) |
40
kg |
Before
planting |
Irrigation – Lemongrass needs less water
compared to other aromatic crops. About 10 irrigations are usually enough
during the winter and summer seasons.
Harvesting – Lemongrass is a perennial crop that
can last up to five years. Harvesting is done by cutting the grass about 10 cm
above the ground. In the first year, 2-3 harvests are usually taken, and in the
following years, 3-4 harvests can be obtained annually.
Yield – Lemongrass usually produces 30 – 35
tonnes of fresh grass per hectare each year. From the second year onwards, the
oil yield ca be 150 – 200 kg per hectare or more.
Medicinal Properties of
Lemon grass –
- Used
for minor infections, mouth rinses, and skin conditions
- Helpful
for joint pain, muscle aches, and inflammatory conditions
- Supports
immune health
- Lemon
grass is often used in massage therapy
- Supports
kidney and liver function
- Used
in herbal teas to reduce fever and promotes sweating
- Eases
headache, menstrual pain, and muscle soreness
- May help regulate blood sugar and support weight management
Lemongrass
farming: Cost and income details -
Cost
of Cultivation (Per Acre)
In
one acre of land, lemongrass can be planted at a spacing of 40 cm x 40 cm,
around 30,000 saplings can be grown.
- Cost of sapling (including transport)
= ₹3/-
- Total
sapling cost = 30,000 x ₹3 = ₹90,000/-
This
is a one-time planting cost. Once planted, lemongrass continued to give yield
for up to 5 years.
Yield
and Income
From
1 acre of plantation, lemongrass can be harvested for oil within 6 months of
planting
- First 6 months yield: about 50 litres
of oil
- Next 6 months yield: about 60 litres
of oil
In
the first year, the total oil production is around 110 litre per acre.
- Market price of lemongrass oil = ₹1,000 per lite approx.
- Total income per harvest
110 litres x ₹1,000 = ₹1,10,000 (approx.) per harvest