IMPACT OF SYSTEMATIC RESEARCHES ON AROMATIC GRASSES ON THE ECONOMIC UPLIFTMENT OF RURAL MASSES IN THE GANGETIC TRACT OF WEST BENGAL, INDIA

The aromatic grasses have provided diversification of crop pattern in agricultural sector and are gaining acceptance to the farmers and traders. There is ample scope for its research and development to make the plants as more profitable cash crops. This study attempts to introduce and cultivate three economically important aromatic grasses viz: lemon grass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), citronella ( Cymbopogon winterianus) and palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini) in the rich soil of the gangetic tract of West Bengal,India in the context of exploiting them as non-traditional cash crops for reclamation of waste land and upliftment of rural economy. The plants were subjected to various experimental conditions in the area to investigate the role of different agronomical, physical and chemical factors in the growth and development of the plants and synthesis of essential oils. In another attempt, the author showed the feasibility of cultivating the plants for commercial purpose analyzing the economics of cultivation. The study clearly revealed the significant role of different external factors viz. agronomical, physical and chemical as well as growth and developmental physiology in the quantity and quality of essential oils. The study also established the morphological and biochemical indexing for the synthesis of essential oils. The plant lemon grass is best suited in the area under reference. The author tried to disseminate the fruits of research to the local farmers by organizing training, seminars and workshops sponsored by the University Grants Commission, Government of India to cultivate the plants in their fallow land for the economic upliftment of rural masse