Citronella Farming in India 2026
Aromatic grass yielding citronellal-rich oil used in mosquito repellents and perfumery.
Overview
Java citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) is a perennial aromatic grass grown for an essential oil rich in citronellal, citronellol and geraniol. The oil is widely used in mosquito repellents, soaps, detergents, perfumery and as a source of aroma chemicals such as hydroxycitronellal and menthol. It is a hardy, multi-cut, multi-year crop that suits warm, humid regions and is well established in the north-east, southern hills and parts of the Indo-Gangetic plains. CSIR-CIMAP has released several high-yielding varieties suited to different zones. The grass is harvested several times a year and steam-distilled, usually on-farm or at a cluster unit. As with other Cymbopogon oils, yields build up over the first years and returns depend on oil price, citronellal content and the buyer, so figures should be treated as indicative ranges. With assured distillation and a buyer, citronella is a reliable low-input aromatic crop, especially where rainfall and humidity are high.
Climate
Suits warm, humid tropical climates with temperatures of about 20-35 degrees C, abundant sunshine and rainfall of roughly 1500-2500 mm, or irrigation in drier zones. It performs well in the north-east, the southern Deccan and hilly tracts. It is sensitive to severe frost and to prolonged drought.
Soil
Grows on a range of soils but prefers well-drained sandy loam to loam rich in organic matter, with pH around 5.5-7.5. Good moisture-holding capacity with adequate drainage gives the best herbage. Very heavy, waterlogged or strongly saline soils should be avoided.
Planting & Spacing
Propagated from slips (rooted tillers) of the mother clump, planted at about 60 x 45 cm or 60 x 60 cm spacing at the onset of the monsoon or under irrigation. A single planting remains productive for about 4-6 years. Light irrigation after planting and during dry spells aids establishment and regrowth after cuttings.
Varieties
CSIR-CIMAP has released several high-oil Java citronella varieties, including Manjusha, Mandakini, Manjari, Bio-13, Jalpallavi and CIM-Jeeva. Mandakini suits hills and Himalayan Terai tracts while Manjusha suits the Indo-Gangetic plains; CIM-Jeeva and Bio-13 are recommended for southern conditions. Match the variety to your zone for best oil yield.
Care & Management
Low maintenance once established. Needs weeding mainly in the first year and a maintenance dose of nitrogen after each cutting to support regrowth. Irrigate during dry spells in non-humid zones. Harvest at the right stage and distil promptly to protect citronellal content, which determines oil grade.
Pests & Diseases
Citronella is fairly hardy. Occasional issues include leaf blight, rust and red leaf spot in very humid weather, and minor leaf-feeding pests. Good drainage, balanced nutrition, removing diseased foliage and using clean planting material keep problems minor, and heavy spraying is seldom required for an oil crop.
Yield & Harvest
First cutting comes about 6 months after planting, with roughly 3-4 cuttings a year thereafter. Herbage of about 25-40 tonnes per hectare per year is reported for good varieties. Oil yield commonly ranges from about 100 to 150 kg per hectare per year depending on variety, zone and management, with Manjusha reported around 150 kg/ha and Mandakini around 118 kg/ha; yields build up over the first years.
Cost & Profit
Citronella is a low-input, multi-year crop with most cost in the first year and in distillation. Returns depend on oil price, citronellal content and the buyer, and benefit-cost depends on getting several productive years from one planting. Treat all income figures as indicative ranges and ensure distillation access and a buyer before planting commercially.
These are indicative ranges. Actual cost and income vary by region, market and management, so verify locally.
Market & Demand
Citronella oil is bought by mosquito-repellent and household-product makers, soap and detergent companies, perfumery and the aroma-chemical industry that derives hydroxycitronellal and other compounds from it. India produces and imports the oil depending on demand. Selling graded distilled oil and tying up with a buyer or aroma-chemical maker gives steadier returns.
Subsidy & Support
Citronella is among the aromatic crops promoted under the CSIR Aroma Mission, with CSIR-CIMAP supplying improved varieties, planting material, training and distillation support. State agriculture and horticulture schemes in the north-east and south may add help. Confirm current Aroma Mission and state subsidy details with CSIR-CIMAP or your local agriculture office before applying.
Where to grow it in India
Frequently asked questions
What is citronella oil mainly used for?
Which regions suit citronella best?
How many cuttings does citronella give per year?
How is citronella oil produced?
How long until the first citronella harvest?
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