On the occasion of CSIR-CIMAP Kisan Mela 2019 organized on 31st January, a new Geraniol rich and high essential oil yielding variety CIM-ATAL of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus (Steud.) Wats) was released for commercial cultivation by Hon’ble Chief Guest, Dr. Mangla Roy, former Director General, ICAR.

Lemongrass is the major source of high citral content. However, chemovariants of Lemongrass containing Geraniol as a major constituent, instead of Citral, have been developed. Geraniol, a monoterpene alcohol, is the most popularly used chemical components in soap, detergent and cosmetic industries. Palmarosa is the major source of Geraniol. Industrial demand of Geraniol is increasing vastly and to meet out the demand, it is required to increase the production in rainfed as well as irrigated lands. The Geraniol rich Lemongrass variety is able to produce more oil and herb yield compared to Palmarosa and GRL-1. The new variety gives herb yield of 250-300 q/ha/yr and oil yield of 300-325 kg/ha/yr.