Lemongrass Farming: If you’re looking to start a small business with a modest investment, consider lemongrass farming. Especially if you reside in rural areas with available agricultural land, this could be a lucrative venture. The demand for lemongrass oil is high in the market, as it’s used in cosmetics, soaps, perfumes, and even medicines.
The prime time to cultivate lemongrass is from February to July, with July being the best month. After planting, it takes around six to seven months for the first harvest. Subsequent harvests occur every three to five months. The lemongrass can yield about 5 tons per acre. After seven harvests, the lemongrass is replaced with new plants. This process yields a good quality product and fetches a handsome price in the market.
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Lemongrass farming can be a profitable endeavour. With an initial investment ranging from INR 15,000 to 20,000, you can set up your own oil extraction unit. This requires a budget of around INR 2 to 2.5 lakhs, including the cost of the oil extraction machine.
By not just selling lemongrass but also extracting oil from it, you can increase your profits significantly. Lemongrass oil is extracted from every quintal of lemongrass, which can be sold for around INR 1,000 to 1,500 per liter. This translates to an income of INR 3 to 4 lakhs from five tons of lemongrass. Additionally, the leaves of lemongrass can be used for making tea, adding another stream of income.
Farmers like Rounak Kumar and Raman Kumar from Bihar have found success by processing lemongrass and using it to make tea. With this approach, they’re earning around 4 to 5 lakhs every month.
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Lemongrass farming not only brings financial benefits but also offers a pleasant aroma. From one quintal of lemongrass, you can obtain about one liter of oil. With a market price of INR 1,000 to 1,500 per liter, the potential is evident. By embracing this venture, you could be earning a substantial income of 4 to 5 lakhs every month.
Lemon grass farming presents a promising opportunity to increase your earnings. With its various applications and high market demand, it can be a profitable venture, especially if you process the lemongrass for oil and other products. With the right strategy, you could be well on your way to financial success.
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