Aromatic crop farming gains ground in Maharashtra as sustainable livelihood

PUNE: Cultivation of lemongrass and citronella is emerging as a sustainable income option for farmers in Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Nashik, Pune Rural, Solapur, Ahmednagar, and Raigad districts, driven by rising global demand for citral-rich essential oils, Ecospice Ingredients Chief Executive Officer Sunin Sunny, said in statement issued by the company here recently.

The Ecospice Ingredients company is engaged in the production of oleoresins and herbal extracts in Maharashtra and other states across the country.These regions are considered well-suited for aromatic crops owing to moderate rainfall, favourable soil conditions, and the adaptability of local farmers. The crops are also known to provide good returns, prompting a steady shift toward their cultivation, the statement added.

Rajendra Jadhav, a farmer from Satara district said, “Before working with Ecospice, I had limited knowledge of aromatic crops. Their team trained us in planting techniques, soil nutrition, and harvesting. The biggest support was connecting us to the right markets. Today, lemongrass cultivation has become a key income stream for my family.”Farmers are provided with quality planting materials, contract farming assurance, supply chain assistance, training, and regulatory compliance guidance.

The company also facilitates access to distillation technology, helping enhance the quality and yield of extracted oil.“Currently, 45 farmers from Maharashtra are associated with us for aromatic crop cultivation,” said Sunny . “These crops offer a viable alternative to traditional farming, and we are committed to providing end-to-end support,” Sunny added in the statement.With growing global preference for natural and wellness-based products, demand for lemongrass oil is expected to increase further. Ecospice plans to expand its farmer network and scale up processing capacity to meet future demand.Industry experts believe such initiatives can generate rural employment, reduce urban migration, and offer resilience against the uncertainties of monsoon-dependent and price-volatile crops.