Farmers in Koraput are transitioning to lemongrass cultivation, supported by the district’s horticulture department and the Odisha government, as the herb offers a higher return than traditional crops.
Thai Tom Yum Soup, Vietnamese traditional noodle soup Pho, and Indonesian skewered meat satay — these three popular dishes from southeast Asia are unfamiliar to Rajeshwar Meleka, a tribal farmer in Odisha’s Koraput district. However, the staple ingredient that gives these dishes their zesty note is something he grows: lemongrass.
Lemongrass is a fragrant herb native to tropical regions of Asia, known for its citrusy aroma and distinct flavour. It has tall, thin and fibrous stalks that are widely used in culinary and medicinal applications.
Anecdotal examples of the herb’s use include stories of Thai grandmothers simmering lemongrass stalks in broths to soothe colds, and Vietnamese street vendors crafting fragrant lemongrass-infused dishes that draw in crowds with their enticing aromas.
Similarly, lemongrass oil’s versatility is highlighted by its presence in both rural homes for traditional medicine and modern spas for luxurious treatments.
Meleka knows none of these, but he’s happy to grow the “lembu ghas”. Lemongrass cultivation offers substantial economic benefits over traditional crops like paddy, maize and millet to the farmers of Koraput, a district characterised by its hilly terrain and dense forests, with the Eastern Ghats running through it.
While their traditional crops yield once a year, lemongrass can be harvested four times annually. In the first year alone, an acre of lemongrass can produce 30 to 35 litres of oil, with subsequent years maintaining high yields. Priced between Rs 1,400 and Rs 2,000 a litre, lemongrass oil offers farmers high returns on their investment.
“As self-support groups, we cultivated lemongrass and have earned Rs 1 lakh a year compared to last year. We plan to increase our cultivation next year,” farmer Rayla Jani said.
This agricultural transformation is helping Koraput challenge its neighbour and the nation’s top lemongrass oil producer – Andhra Pradesh.
Koraput enjoys a moderate climate, with significant rainfall during the monsoon. The district’s climate is ideal for lemongrass cultivation, prompting many farmers to transition from traditional crops to this more profitable alternative — whether utilising vacant land or converting their fields.
Currently, lemongrass is cultivated on 3,320 hectares across several blocks in Koraput, including Dasamantapur, Narayanpatna, Bandhugaon, Kotpad and Jeypore. This collective effort has yielded approximately 29,200 litres of oil per crop cycle.
This shift, spearheaded by the district’s horticulture department, aims to expand farming by 100 hectares annually, positioning Koraput as a major producer of high-quality lemongrass oil.
The Odisha government has also laid out a comprehensive blueprint, including implementing advanced farming techniques and crop management strategies; collaborating with Odisha Rural Marketing Society (ORMAS) to ensure effective marketing and fair pricing. Encouraging the establishment of local processing units to enhance value addition and minimise reliance on external markets is also part of the plan.
Koraput already boasts more than 86 lemongrass oil extraction units, providing essential infrastructure for processing the harvested crop.
Lemongrass oil, extracted from the stalks and leaves, is valued for its applications across different fields, including aromatherapy. Its fresh, lemony scent helps to uplift mood and alleviate anxiety. The oil is incorporated into various cosmetic products, including soaps, lotions and shampoos, due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Known for its insecticidal properties, lemongrass oil is an effective natural insect repellent. It is used in sprays and candles to keep mosquitoes and other pests at bay. It is also often used in massage oils to relieve muscle soreness and improve circulation.
Farmers face challenges in marketing their lemongrass oil, often selling at lower prices to traders who reaped large profits. They have expressed a need for a cooperative society to facilitate the sale of oil, reducing dependence on middlemen from Andhra Pradesh.
Farmer Meleka highlighted another emerging challenge despite the increased cultivation. “Some people are selling adulterated lemongrass oil, which is currently priced at around Rs 800 per litre. This practice is causing us losses. We would benefit if the district administration paid special attention to this issue,” he said.
Recent initiatives by the Odisha government aim to rectify this imbalance by providing better incentives, infrastructure and market access. The government’s plan includes expanding the cultivation area and enhancing agricultural practices in the district.
Koraput district collector V Kriti Vasan reaffirmed the government’s commitment. “The plan is to cultivate 100 hectares every year. All e-workers are available on-site while ORMAS is making arrangements for marketing. We have received reports of adulteration, and we have formed a task force to check it,” he said.
The economic impact of this initiative is substantial. With higher profits from lemongrass farming, broader social benefits are expected, including increased employment opportunities and improved living standards in the region.
Koraput is home to a large tribal population, including numerous indigenous communities such as the Kondhs, Gadabas and Parajas. A major portion of its inhabitants live in rural areas. The literacy rate is improving but remains below the national average, with various government and NGO initiatives working to enhance educational outcomes.
The economy of Koraput is predominantly agrarian, with most of the population relying on subsistence farming, forest produce and traditional crafts for their livelihood. The district is also known for its horticulture, particularly the cultivation of mangoes and oranges.
The push for lemongrass cultivation is aimed at providing alternative livelihood opportunities to reduce dependence on traditional agriculture. By harnessing the district’s natural advantages and providing the necessary infrastructure and market access, the Odisha government is boosting the local economy as well as positioning Koraput as a formidable competitor in the lemongrass oil market.
The lead image on top shows a farmer involved in processing of dried lemongrass in a village in Odisha’s Koraput district. (Photo by Shreekanta Sahoo)
Shreekanta Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with a decade of dedicated experience in the ever-evolving field of media.
