Geranium Farming in india
Geranium is a highly adaptable, drought tolerant, perennial aromatic herb cultivated under varied agroclimatic conditions in India. Geranium oil obtained by steam distilling the fresh biomass has a variety of uses in high grade perfumery. India produces about 20 tonnes of geranium oil every year and imports another 20 tonnes for internal consumption. Therefore, there is a need to increase the domestic production of geranium oil.
Geraniums are a large and diverse genus of plants, with over 200 species found worldwide. They are native to Africa and the Americas but can grow in many other regions, including India. These flower plants have various purposes, including house plants and food flavour ingredients. Also, geranium plants can help in making perfumes and essential oils. Some species of flowers also have medicinal properties. They have healing uses as well, they can treat various ailments.
Geranium flowers are typically showy and come in a lot of colours, including pink, red, white, and purple. They have five petals and are typically borne in clusters. For centuries, various geraniums help in traditional medicine and treat a wide range of ailments. Geranium robertianum, also known as the herb Robert, is one such example.
Benefits of Geranium Plants
Some of the benefits of geranium plants are:
- Wound Healing: Geranium plants have antiseptic and cleansing properties, effectively promoting wound healing and stopping infections. Applying a paste made from the leaves of herb Robert will help wounds heal fast. In addition, the paste helps in healing and reduces boils.
- Digestive Problems: Geranium plants also have digestive benefits and can help alleviate digestive problems such as indigestion, bloating, and gas. Tea made with geranium can help you with any digestive issues.
- Skincare: Geranium oil is one of the best skincare oils because it is good in opening skin pores and cleaning oily complexions. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties that can improve skin health.
- Aromatherapy: Geranium oil has a pleasant floral scent that can uplift mood, reduce stress, and enhance relaxation. It can also balance hormones and emotions.
- Perfumery: Geranium oil has a wide-ranging use in flavor and fragrance industries. It can blend well with other oils and create unique scents.
Geranium Farming Basics
Here are some technical factors you must consider when farming geranium in India.
Location
Choose a sunny spot for your geranium plant getting at least 6 hours of sun daily. These plants thrive in well drained soil, so choose a place that meets this need.
Watering
Geraniums need to be watered, but it’s germane not to over-water them as this can lead to root rot. Instead, water your plants deep, but avoid getting the leaves wet, which can lead to fungal growth.
Fertilisation
To keep your geraniums in peak health and it’s key to fertilise them constantly for them to thrive. Use organic manure or compost to enrich the soil and provide nutrients to the plants.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of your geranium plants. It also helps to remove dead or diseased parts and encourage new growth and flowering. Prune your plants regularly after harvesting or when they become leggy.
Harvesting
You can harvest your geranium plants when they are fully grown and have abundant flowers. Cut the stems with sharp scissors or knives and collect them in baskets or bags. Avoid bruising or damaging the stems as this can affect the oil quality.
Distillation
To extract the oil from your geranium plants, you need to use a steam distillation process. This involves heating water to produce steam that passes through the plant material and carries the oil vapors. The vapors are then condensed into liquid form and separated from the water.
Geranium Farming Profit
Geranium farming is a profitable venture as there is a growing demand for this versatile crop locally and worldwide. According to some sources34, you can start geranium farming on 1 acre of land at a cost of Rs. 50,000 and a profit of around Rs. 1 lakh 40 thousand to 1 Lakh 90 thousand in 10 months. You can also avail the benefits of geranium farming subsidy in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Bangalore or in all over India by approaching the government organization CSIR CIMAP4.
Geranium Farming Tips
Some of the tips to succeed in geranium farming are:
- Choose the right variety of geranium for your region and purpose. Some of the popular varieties are Bourbon, Rose, Egyptian, and Citronella.
- Use healthy and disease-free planting material from reliable sources. You can propagate geraniums from seeds, cuttings, or divisions.
- Protect your plants from pests and diseases by using organic methods such as neem oil, garlic spray, or insecticidal soap.
- Harvest your plants at the right time and store them properly until distillation. Avoid exposure to sunlight, heat, or moisture as this can degrade the oil quality.
- Market your products well and find potential buyers for your geranium oil. You can also sell your plants as house plants or ornamental plants.
Conclusion
Geranium farming in India is a lucrative and rewarding business that can provide you with multiple benefits. Geranium plants are beautiful, fragrant, and useful for various purposes. They are easy to grow and maintain and can adapt to different climatic conditions. With proper planning and management, you can start your own geranium farm and earn a good income from it.
