Peppermint farming becomes lucrative option for Uttar Pradesh farmers

Ambedkar Nagar (UP), June 11 (ANI): Farmers of Ambedkar Nagar in Faizabad district of Uttar Pradesh turn to peppermint farming, as they find it more lucrative than other traditional crops.

Encouraged by the profits generated by peppermint, an aromatic crop, several farmers have taken to peppermint farming.

The fertile soil found in Indo-Gangetic plains is most appropriate to grow peppermint.

Some farmers have even set up distillation plants where oil is extracted and sold at a good price. They said that the crop is beneficial to them since it can be harvested over a short period with minimum labour.

"The crop is beneficial because it takes little time and effort. After harvesting wheat, we sow the peppermint. We utilise our extra time in farming peppermint and make extra money," said Anil Kumar Verma, another peppermint grower.

Muneerudin, Deputy Director, Health Department, Faizabad, said that peppermint could be used for various medicinal purposes since it has a soothing affect.

"Peppermint is made out of oil and when it is made according to its IP standard then it can be used as one of the ingredients of some medicines," he added.

Archaeological evidences also place peppermint's use at least ten thousand years back, which makes it 'the world's oldest medicine'.

Peppermint has a high menthol content and is used as a flavour in tea, ice cream, confectionery, chewing gum, and toothpaste.

Menthol oil also contains menthone and menthyl esters. It is the oldest and most popular flavour of mint-flavoured confectionery.

Nowadays, it is also used in some shampoos and soaps, which gives a cooling sensation on the skin. By Amit Kumar (ANI)