Improved agro-technology of lemongrass

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) is a perennial aromatic grass cultivated for oil used in perfumery, soaps, cosmetics, and as a citral source for food and pharmaceuticals. Planted using 37,000–40,000 slips/ha at 60 × 45 cm spacing, the first harvest occurs six months after planting. CSIR-CIMAP has developed high-yielding varieties yielding 200–280 kg oil/ha under irrigated conditions, with net returns up to ₹1,20,000/ha, and post-harvest support.