Cymbopogon flexuosus (Lemongrass) is one of the traditional essential oil of India, which is a natural and rich source of citral. The value of Lemongrass oil depends entirely upon its citral content. India produces about 700 tonnes of its essential oil. There is a considerable scope to increase the production of oil due to its rising demand and its suitability to grow in cultivable wastelands especially drought-prone areas. The lemongrass oil is used mainly in the perfumery industries and being a source of citral, a number of other perfumery products are also made. The oil is also widely used in cosmetics and germicidal preparations. The dried spent grass is also used as fuel for the distillation of the oil and can also be used for the manufacture of paper and cardboards. The crop provides 3-4 cuts in a year yielding about 100-200 kg of essential oil from one hectare depending on soil and environmental conditions.

The lemongrass grows well in both tropical and subtropical climates. However, ideal conditions for growing lemongrass are warm and humid climate with sufficient sunshine. The Indian sub-tropical conditions are best for cultivation of lemongrass.

Lemongrass thrives well in a wide range of soils ranging from rich loamy to poor laterite. Sandy loam and red soils with good drainage and pH ranging from 7.0-8.5 are good for growth of lemongrass. Soil rich in organic matter is best suited for its cultivation, whereas water logged soils should not be considered.

The crop is propagated vegetatively through slips which are obtained from healthy clumps. On an average, 40-50 healthy slips can be obtained from one-year old clump. Slips should be prepared by clipping all the old roots and removing the leaves completely.

Plantation of lemongrass should be ideally carried in the month of July. Before planting of lemongrass, the main field is thoroughly prepared. The soil should be supplemented with full dose of potash and phosphorus. Under irrigated conditions, lemongrass planting can be done during February-March. Nitrogen should be applied in equal split doses. The first dose of N should be after the establishment of plants and the remaining after each harvest.

The gaps should be filled within a month.

NPK @150:60:40 is required per hectare per year. Entire amount of P & K is applied at the time of last ploughing in the first year and after the summer harvesting in subsequent years. N is applied in split doses, thrice per harvest. Under non-irrigated condition, the quantity of fertilizer should be reduced and should be applied during monsoon.

Generally, less irrigation is required in lemongrass. However, 4- 5 irrigations in summer, and 2-3 irrigations in winter are sufficient. After every harvesting irrigation is required. After the establishment of plants, irrigation schedule is adjusted depending on the water holding capacity of the soil and weather conditions.

The main field is kept weed-free for the first 3 to 4 months after planting the lemongrass. Similarly, weeding cum hoeing should be done within 4 weeks after every harvest. Generally 2 to 3 weedings are required during a year. In row-planted crops, inter culture operations should be done by hand-hoe or a tractor/bullock-drawn cultivator.

No serious insect diseases and pests have been reported to attack this crop.

Harvesting is done by cutting the grass closer from the ground level with the help of a sharp implement. The plant will sprout new stems from the ground in similar fashion.

Herbs can be distilled through field distillation unit for 3-4 hours.

The yield of oil is less during the first year but it increases in the second year and reaches maximum in the third year, after which the yield declines. On the basis of 5-year data under irrigated conditions, 200-250 kg oil yield /ha/year can be obtained. Under non-irrigated conditions, on the basis of the data of two harvests per year, yield was found to be 100-120 kg/ha/year.

Cost of Cultivation : Rs. 80,000/ha/year (Irrigated), Rs. 50,000/ha/year (Un-Irrigated)

Gross Returns : Rs. 2,00,000/ha/year (Irrigated), Rs. 1,20,000/ha/year (Un-Irrigated)

Net Profit : Rs. ; 1,20,000/ha/year (Irrigated), Rs. 70,000/ha/year (Un-Irrigated)