Mentha production to increase upto 13,000 tonnes

LUCKNOW: Mentha production in Uttar Pradesh, which is the largest producer of the commodity, is expected to increase to about 13,000 tonnes this season. While the area under cultivation of mentha is estimated to have gone down production would increase, according to those involved in the trade.

Scientists at the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) which promotes and closely monitors mentha cultivation, say that according to their survey mentha production in UP would be about 13,000 tonnes up from 12,000 tonnes last season.

The area under cultivation of mentha in UP is estimated at 1.30 lakh hectares, which is a little less than last year. UP accounts for almost 75-80% of mentha production, and the national figure for mentha cultivation area is estimated at 1.60 lakh hectares.

Though the area under cultivation has decreased in UP experts say that the production in the state would be higher than last year. Last year the flood like conditions in the "Terai" belt of UP where mentha is grown had affected production with standing crops being destroyed.

This year however the crop condition is healthy and experts believe that there would be an increase in mentha production. They say that UP is expected to produce 13,000 tonnes of mentha while the overall production in India is estimated at about 17,000 tonnes.

Though being a water intensive crop the current drought like conditions has little effect on mentha production as its is sown much before the monsoon, point out experts. Mentha sowing usually takes place around March-April and is
harvested by July-August. So the scanty rains have not had any adverse effect on the crop.

Those involved in mentha trade say that the current price of mentha is around Rs 450/kilo but is expected to rise to about Rs 550/kilo in the next 3 months.