growing mentha in Barabanki, asking whether to buy a distillation unit or use a rented one and what oil recovery to expect
How profitable is mentha oil distillation and do I need my own still?
RRam Sajeevan6mo ago · 262 views
4 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓6mo ago
Mentha is harvested and the herbage is partly wilted then steam distilled to get the oil, with oil recovery commonly in a low single digit percentage of fresh herbage that varies a lot with variety, crop stage, wilting and still efficiency. Many small growers do not own a still and instead use a shared or rented distillation unit on a per batch or share basis, which avoids the heavy cost of your own boiler and condenser. Owning a still pays only if you have enough area and run it for others too. Distil soon after a short wilt, do not over dry, and keep the still and water clean for good oil quality. Mentha oil prices swing widely, so do not assume a fixed return. Check rental rates and current oil price locally and with your KVK.
SShiv Kumar6mo ago
I use the village shared still and pay per batch, much smarter than buying my own for a few acres. A light wilt before distilling gives better oil, fully fresh wet herbage wastes fuel.
RRaj Kumar Verma6mo ago
Owning a still only made sense for my neighbour because he has a big area and distils for others on rent. For a few acres the rented unit is far cheaper. Count your area and the rental rate before you spend on a boiler.
SSuresh Yadav5mo ago
The oil price jumps around a lot from year to year, so never plan on a fixed return. One season it was good, the next much lower. Check the current rate before harvest and do not believe anyone quoting you a guaranteed price.