AROMATIC CROPS IN INDIA

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Context: Aromatic crops and floriculture emerge as promising methods for supplementing the livelihoods of tribal communities in Odisha.

Key Highlights

Introduction of Aromatic Crops

• Transition from Traditional Crops: Tribal farmers in Nabarangpur and Koraput districts have shown interest in diversifying from traditional crops like maize to high-value aromatic plants.
• Collaboration with CIMAP: The Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) in Lucknow has assisted in introducing various aromatic plants, including menthol mint, rosemary, patchouli, damask roses, chamomile, and geraniums.
• Successful Lemongrass Cultivation: Lemongrass, tolerant to high water stress, is cultivated across 300 acres in Nabarangpur, yielding high returns.

Market Demand and Opportunities

• Market Potential: There's considerable market demand for aromatic plants, offering potentially higher returns compared to medicinal plantations.
• CSIR Aroma Mission: Spread across 26 districts in Odisha, the mission has led to the cultivation of aromatic crops in nearly 850 hectares, with successful production in 22 distillation units.

Elephant Repellent and Expansion

• Elephant Repellent: Aromatic crops like lemongrass, citronella, and vetiver have proven effective in repelling wild elephants, leading to rapid expansion in Angul and Dhenkanal districts.
• Land Selection: The cultivation of aromatic crops is encouraged on uncultivable lands to prevent competition with food crops.

Future Directions

• Floriculture Opportunities: The Director of the National Botanical Research Institute, encourages exploring opportunities in floriculture, highlighting its significant potential for livelihoods.
• Nascent Floriculture Mission: Floriculture initiatives have begun in 13 districts, covering 22 clusters and 94 hectares, indicating an early-stage but promising venture.

Conclusion

• The adoption of aromatic crops has shown immense potential to transform the livelihoods of tribal communities, with successful cultivation, market demand, and the possibility of expanding into floriculture offering substantial opportunities for economic growth.

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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. How are aromatic crops and floriculture interconnected in agricultural practices, and what role do they play in sustaining biodiversity and economy within the farming industry?