India's Fragrance Economy
Mint Oil From Uttar Pradesh
How farmers in Uttar Pradesh made India the world's largest producer of menthol mint oil, used in toothpaste and medicines, and how prices swing.
India is the world’s largest producer of mint oil.
Where
Farmers in Barabanki, Rampur and other UP districts grow menthol mint.
Process
Mint plants are distilled on farms to extract oil.
Uses
Toothpaste, chewing gum, medicines and cosmetics.
Exports
India exports mint oil and menthol crystals worldwide.
Research
CSIR-CIMAP in Lucknow developed high-yield varieties.
Price swings
Mint oil prices swing with supply, affecting farmers’ incomes; it’s traded on the commodity exchange.
A farmer in Barabanki distils mint leaves in a small unit on his farm and sells oil to traders.
India produces natural menthol from mint.
- India is the largest mint oil producer.
- UP farmers grow menthol mint.
- It's used in toothpaste and medicine.
- CIMAP developed high-yield varieties.
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