Bihar govt ask farmers to grow lemon grass

Patna, Apr 26 (UNI) In order to improve the financial condition of farmers, Bihar government has asked them to take up farming of medicinal plants, especially lemon grass, as they could earn about Rs 25,000 in the first year itself.

Lemon grass has great medicinal value as it is used as a source of Vitamin A, in perfumes and beauty products. It is sold at the rate of Rs 300 per kg, official sources said.

The farmers could generate more income by spending less time and money and they would not be bound to cultivate the lemon grass in pharmaceutical gardens as it could be grown anywhere, sources added.

Lemon grass would be suitable for farmers as it survives for about five years if taken proper care of, with irrigation and adequate use of fertilisers. If the farmers stuck to the laid norms, it might harvest around 120 kg within a year, they added.

It is grown by 'Slips method' between March and July. Moreover, it is not harmed by animals since they do not eat the plant.

UNI