subject: Citronella Grass Cultivation - CSIR - NEIST Technology [print this page] Citronella Grass Cultivation - CSIR - NEIST Technology
Citronella Grass Cultivation
Recently I visited CSIR technofest 2010 showcased by Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, New Delhi, at India International Trade Fair in New Delhi, the Capital of India. In this technofest, I have seen a technology "Citronella Grass Cultivation" which was developed by NEIST (Noth East Institue of Science & Technology), Jorhat, India under the aegis of CSIR, New Delhi, India.
Cironella crop cannot withstand in frost, long and severe drought or water stagnation areas. It requires warm and humid climate with temperature between 15-34oC. Cultivation has been done in tropics like 1000 meters altitude. It grows in even land, terraces, steep sloping areas.
Crop will go 5 years and only after that, second crop is recommended. Land should be prepared in February March time and planting can be done in May June time. Planting will be done with a space 60 X 60 cms gap.
7 tonnes of compost manure is required per hectare land for this citronella grass cultivation. First crop will be ready after 90 days, 4 cuttings can be possible per year from second year of cultivation.
From this grass, oil can be extracted either by water and steam distillation or steam distillation process. 1% oil can be extracted from this grass and 15 to 20 tonnes crop can be expected per hectare l and.
Rs.20000 to Rs.25000 profits can be expected from one hectare land. This oil is raw material for aromatic chemicals. This can be used in manufacture of soaps, repellants and cosmetics. This oil found is against certain micro organisms. Deoiled grass can be used in mulching, as fuel in distillation unit, oil and manufacture paper boards.
NEISS is offering this technology in the form of technology transfer, demonstration, training, etc.
The below links are more useful to know more details and information
