Geranium Oil Farming in Meghalaya: A Sustainable Initiative by Aromatic and Allied

At Aromatic and Allied we believe in not just producing the finest essential oils, but also supporting sustainable farming practices that positively impact both the environment and the local community. Our Indian Geranium Oil is a prime example of this commitment, and today, we want to share the inspiring story of how we are working with farmers in the state of Meghalaya to grow high-quality geraniums for oil production.

Why Geranium Oil in Meghalaya?

Meghalaya, located in the northeastern part of India, is known for its rich biodiversity and favorable climate conditions, making it an ideal location for cultivating geraniums (Pelargonium graveolens). The cool climate, abundant rainfall, and rich soil of the region provide the perfect environment for growing geranium plants, which require specific conditions to thrive.

 As part of our initiative to diversify agricultural income and provide sustainable livelihoods to the farmers, Aromatic and Allied introduced geranium farming in the region. The project aims to help farmers transition to growing this valuable plant, which can offer them a more profitable and sustainable income stream.

Our Partnership with Local Farmers

At Aromatic and Allied, we believe that collaboration with local farmers is key to the success of our geranium oil project. Through training programs, technical support, and a commitment to fair trade practices, we have partnered with farmers in Meghalaya to teach them the best practices for cultivating geranium plants and producing high-quality essential oil.

Training and Support: Our team of experts works closely with farmers to provide in-depth training on everything from planting techniques and harvest practices. We also offer guidance on sustainable farming practices, ensuring that the cultivation of geraniums is eco-friendly and does not harm the environment.

Access to Resources: Farmers are provided with the necessary resources, including high-quality geranium seedlings, tools, and organic fertilizers, to ensure optimal growth of the plants. Our technical team regularly monitors the progress of the crops, providing support whenever needed.

Fair Pricing and Market Access: Through our direct procurement model, we ensure that the farmers receive fair prices for their crops, cutting out middlemen and ensuring that the profits go directly to the producers. Additionally, we provide them with access to a reliable market for their geranium oil, ensuring that their hard work is met with financial reward.

The Process of Geranium Oil Production

The journey of Geranium Oil, from the fields of Meghalaya to the bottle on your shelf, is a meticulous process that requires both expertise and dedication. Here an overview of how we produce our premium Indian Geranium Oil:

• Cultivation: Once the geranium plants are fully established, they require proper care, including regular irrigation, maintenance, and pest management. Farmers are taught to grow geraniums without the use of harmful pesticides, ensuring that the plants remain organic and safe

• Harvesting: Geranium plants take about 10 to 12 months to mature, after which the leaves and stems are harvested. The timing of the harvest is critical, as geraniums must be harvested at the right stage to ensure the highest yield of essential oil with the most potent fragrance.

• Preparing the harvested crop for Steam Distillation: After harvesting, the plant material is carefully steamed to extract the essential oil. The steam distillation process is an age-old method that preserves the natural therapeutic properties of the oil.

-Journey of Geranium crops to the Distillation Units-

Unloading the Geranium crops near to Field distillation units

Loading the Geranium crops into distillation units

Initiating Steam Distillation

• Quality Control: We follow strict quality control protocols at every stage of production, from cultivation to distillation. Our team of experts ensures that only the best geranium plants are used for oil extraction and each batch is tested for purity and quality before it reaches our customers.

          Check below the Technical specification of Indian Geranium Oil:

The Benefits of Geranium Oil Farming for Meghalaya Farmers

The introduction of geranium farming in Meghalaya has had a profound positive impact on the local farming community. Here are some of the key benefits that farmers are experiencing:

1. Increased Income: Geranium oil farming offers farmers a higher income potential compared to traditional crops. As demand for high-quality essential oils increases, the profitability of growing geraniums has provided an attractive alternative to conventional farming.
2. Sustainable Agriculture: Geranium farming encourages sustainable agricultural practices, as the plants do not require heavy use of pesticides or fertilizers. This reduces the environmental impact of farming and promotes soil health, making it an eco-friendly farming option for the region.
3. Diversification of Crops: By cultivating geraniums, farmers in Meghalaya are diversifying their crop portfolios. This diversification helps mitigate the risks associated with relying solely on one crop, such as fluctuations in market prices or crop failures due to weather conditions.
4. Community Empowerment: Through training and support from Aromatic and Allied local farmers have gained valuable skills and knowledge that empower them to improve their farming practices. This leads to greater self-sufficiency, job creation, and community development in the region.
5. Preservation of Local Biodiversity: The cultivation of geraniums in Meghalaya has not only provided economic benefits to the farmers but also contributed to the conservation of the regions natural biodiversity. By growing native plants in a controlled, sustainable manner, the project helps preserve the ecological balance of the area.

A Bright Future for Geranium Farming in Meghalaya

At Aromatic and Allied we are excited about the future of geranium farming in Meghalaya. With continued collaboration between our company and the local farmers, we aim to expand the scope of this initiative and bring the benefits of geranium oil production to even more communities across the region.

Our vision is to build a sustainable and prosperous geranium oil industry in Meghalaya that not only meets the growing demand for high-quality essential oils but also improves the livelihoods of farmers and contributes to the overall development of the region.

We are proud to be part of this journey and look forward to continuing our work with the farmers of Meghalaya to create a lasting positive impact on both their lives and the environment.

Conclusion

The success of Indian Geranium Oil farming in Meghalaya is a testament to the power of collaboration, sustainability, and innovation. By empowering local farmers with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need, Aromatic and Allied is helping to build a brighter future for the farming community, while also producing some of the finest geranium oil available in the market.

As we continue to expand this initiative, we remain committed to ensuring that our geranium oil is sustainably sourced, of the highest quality, and contributes to the economic well-being of the farmers in Meghalaya. It a win-win for everyone involved—especially for you, our valued customers who enjoy the benefits of this extraordinary oil!