CSIR–IHBT Scientists Conduct Lemongrass Cultivation & Oil Extraction Training at NBIRT Arkaneer

NBIRT Arkaneer witnessed a significant knowledge-sharing event on 05 January 2025 with the visit of Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chief Scientist, CSIR–Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, along with his expert team. The delegation was accompanied by Prof. (Dr.) Shaon RayChaudhury and her team of research scholars from Tripura University (TU).

The primary objective of the visit was to train and motivate farmers and entrepreneurs on the cultivation of aromatic plants, with special emphasis on lemongrass cultivation and essential oil extraction.

Upon arrival at NBIRT Arkaneer, the visiting scientists held a cordial interaction with Mr. Mohit Lal Acharjee, Honorary Treasurer, NBIRT. This was followed by field visits to the lemongrass cultivation sites of Mrs. Mitali Rani Das and Mrs. Santa Deb Das, where the team closely observed crop growth, agronomic practices, and field conditions.

The delegation also visited the lemongrass oil extraction unit installed by NBIRT at Uttam Bhakta Chowmuhani, where technical discussions were held on distillation methods and oil quality parameters.

Later, at NBIRT Arkaneer, the CSIR–IHBT and Tripura University teams delivered a PowerPoint presentation covering the characteristics, benefits, cultivation techniques, post-harvest handling, and essential oil extraction methods of lemongrass. The presentation highlighted lemongrass as a high-value perennial aromatic crop rich in bioactive compounds such as citral, geraniol, and limonene, widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, aromatherapy, food, perfumery, and natural insect repellents.

Key topics discussed included agro-ecological requirements, planting and harvesting practices, steam and hydro-distillation techniques, factors affecting oil yield and quality, value addition opportunities, and challenges in cultivation. Emphasis was also laid on the commercial potential of lemongrass, India’s leading role in essential oil production, and the scope for sustainable livelihood generation through aromatic crop farming.

The program was attended by 21 beneficiaries, along with NBIRT representatives Mr. Mohit Lal Acharjee, Mr. Anup Dey, Mr. Arun Acharjee, Ms. Debasmita Ganguly, Ms. Payel Debnath, and Mr. Anil Ch. Das. The interactive session enabled fruitful discussions between farmers, scientists, and institutional representatives from CSIR–IHBT, Tripura University, and NBIRT.

The visit concluded with a positive outlook on sustainable lemongrass cultivation, improved extraction technologies, and value-added product development, reinforcing the potential of aromatic plants as a viable income-generating avenue for local communities.