Pelargonium graveolens L. (Rose-scented geranium): New hope for doubling Indian farmers’ income

Pelargonium graveolens is a species in the Pelargonium genus and falls within the plant family of Geraniaceae. The total production of essential oil is estimated at 300-350 tone, whereas the world market demands more than 400 t per year. Now geranium crop has been cultivated for commercial purpose in areas with high altitude and milder climate. P. graveolens is also come up very well mainly in the Nilgiris and Kodaikanal Hilly region of Tamil Nadu and around the Bangalore in Karnataka in an area of 2000 ha. At medium altitude, rose scented geranium is an important high-value perennial crop but grown as seasonal in plain areas. This aromatic shrub can reach up to the height of 70 cm and lateral of 90cm. In-spite of this the commercial cultivation of Rose-scented geranium still scanty being it’s a high economic value in per unit area and time crops as compared to other medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). Because, rose-scented geranium is sensitive to rainy season and noted 100% mortality in open field condition during rainy season. Hence the major bottleneck in its popularization seems to be saving of quality planting material in rainy season. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop new approach or way through agronomic, breeding, acclimatization, etc to save quality planting material during rainy season. If, we are able to develop this type approach, then Rose-scented geranium can play a beneficial role in doubling the income of Indian farmers.