Local production of essential oil

s In response to increasing demands from Europe and the USA, Asian and African countries are now increasing their production of crops such as basil, geranium, and mint for oil extraction. Growing and preparing essential oils is labour-intensive, requires little land, and can be developed by the small farmers, since the simple technology for extracting oils can be applied at village level. With more than 200 such plants to choose from, most countries are able to grow at least some. Work in Rwanda on geranium, lemon grass and citronella for the perfumery, soap and tea industries, and on basil and menthol in India and Pakistan (both with the aid of the Uk based company, High Value Agriculture in cultivation and marketing), has proved that crops should be introduced only if there is a known market. What is encouraging is that this development springs up locally, usually initiated by one enterprising farmer who gets others to grow for him, and is unaided by large international companies, whose only involvement is to buy the produce. For more details, contact: High Value Agriculture plc Colne House Highbridge Estate Oxford Road Uxbridge UB8 1UL UKs In response to increasing demands from Europe and the USA, Asian and African countries are now increasing their production of crops such as basil, geranium, and mint for oil extraction. Growing and preparing essential oils is labour-intensive,..