Koraput: The cultivation of German chamomile flowers is proving to be a milestone for farmers, offering a new source of economic growth. In Kotia, under Patangi block of Koraput district, local women farmers Kanchan Tadingi, Fulmati Gemel, Pal Gemel, Kumbh Gemel, Limbe Gemel, and Shite Tadingi have successfully produced 40 kg of German chamomile flowers. Currently, the flowers are being harvested in their raw form.
The dried German chamomile flowers fetch a high price in the market, with values reaching thousands of rupees per kilogram. Internationally, its oil is priced between ₹40,000 to ₹50,000 per liter due to its medicinal properties. German chamomile is widely used for oral hygiene, aromatherapy, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, perfumes, herbal soaps, and herbal tea.
To provide additional income to farmers, they can cultivate this profitable crop after harvesting paddy. It is used in both traditional and modern medicinal systems and is a key ingredient in Unani and Homeopathic medicines.
According to Roshan Karik, Chief Officer of ORMAS in Koraput, the cultivation is being conducted in collaboration with the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Currently, six women farmers are cultivating chamomile on two acres of land in Kotia. ORMAS has committed to purchasing the flowers from farmers at a high price, making it a potential cash crop for the Koraput district.
The district administration and ORMAS aim to expand the cultivation to 10 acres across various blocks in the upcoming season. Chamomile is primarily cultivated in Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Himachal Pradesh.
Botanist Deepak Pattnayak states that nurseries for cultivation are prepared between October and November, and chamomile was introduced to India from France and Germany in the 1950s. It is an annual herb, with two varieties—Valeri and Prashant—being cultivated in Kotia, with Prashant being the most widely grown in India.
German chamomile thrives in alkaline soil with minimal water and grows well in temperatures between 10-20°C. One hectare can yield 6.3 tons of fresh flowers and 1.88 tons of dried flowers, with Prashant yielding 22% more oil than Valeri.
Local farmer Kanchan Tadingi shared her experience, stating that they previously cultivated ragi, coriander, and sold brooms, but are now focusing on chamomile cultivation due to its profitability. If they earn well, they plan to expand their cultivation area. She also acknowledged Jitali Madam from the product company for providing significant support in this venture.