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