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Essential oils; a growing business dimension to the natural products business fraternity
is not something vary famous in India even today. People are unaware of the product
and its usage. Today also, whatever extraction and plantation happens for these kind of
medicinal and aromatic plants and products, happens in an unorganized sector only.
Essential oil plantation, a lucrative business for farmers has not got its pace with time.
India one of the tropical countries; which is blessed by nature with more than 18,000
native species of aromatic and medicinal plants out of which some what around 1300
species contain aroma can be the industry leader if this industry decides to follow
scientific measures and methods for propagation. There are hefty of rich natural, exotic
plants in India which can be cultivated and used from the wild availability adding much
more commercial value to the industry rather than there social value. New exotic
fragrances are always in need and there is a chance to cultivate these aromatic plants to
suffice the need always in India given its climatic and weather condition. Although
consumer perception has changed within these years and fragrance and cosmetic usage
has gone up, however the need for natural oils is not fulfilling. So, there is always a
scope for these businesses to grow up in these conditions. Demand is high, supply has
been always less. To fill the gap, Indian subcontinent can be a blessing if this industry
decides to go on mass and systematic cultivation of these plants. I believe, Indian
essential oil manufacturing industry can bring high Forex reserves to the country if
their approach is systematic and scientific.
Essential oils or derivatives from aromatic plants are nonnarcotic and mostly do not
posses in side effect, and this propels the demand of these products world-wide. If this
industry in India adapts scientific genetic management to conserve aromatic plants and
endangered species that would slowly propagate the availability. Agronomic research in
these fields will fuel newer ideas to plant and harvest. Government with private players
should plan extensive studies. Tissue culture is another format which can also
propagate species which are not easily available to plant through seeds. Laboratory
analysis is utmost required to keep check on soil conditions soil additives to be used.
Efforts to liaison with global and domestic companies, development of quality planting material, encouraging commercial plantation, value addition to harvesters share, stakeholder engagement for trade policies will surely take this industry to top level in India. India where more than 65% population is under the age of 35 years can grab this opportunity to stand as a world leader. This industry can also contribute to government's Make in India campaign majorly. Ancient India was world leader in perfumes and fragrances, let us pledge to go back to that level once again.