Koraput, June 20: {UDN}: The climate of Koraput district is highly suitable for diversified and specialty agriculture. Recognizing this potential, the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow, has introduced mentha (mint) cultivation in the district, giving a new identity to Koraput’s agricultural sector. Since mint is cultivated after the paddy harvest in the hilly regions of the district, it has emerged as an additional source of income and is helping strengthen the economic condition of farmers.
Mint cultivation is generally undertaken between February and May, following the kharif paddy season. The crop requires comparatively less water, making it suitable for areas with limited irrigation facilities. At the end of May, the leaves and stems of the mint plants are processed to extract mint oil, a valuable commercial product.
In 2025, with financial support from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), CIMAP supplied planting materials and provided technical guidance and training to farmers. Mint cultivation was carried out on around 22 acres of land in areas such as Amphabali, Kunduli, and Deomali in Pottangi block, as well as Toyaput Panchayat in Laxmipur block. Nearly ₹20 lakh was invested in the initiative.
To facilitate processing, two mint oil extraction units were established at Akagoluru and Sepaiput in Pottangi block. Farmers achieved oil yields ranging from 35 to 60 kilograms per acre.
Expansion of Mint Cultivation in 2026
Encouraged by the success of the pilot project, a larger initiative was undertaken in 2026 with support from CSIR, CIMAP, and DMF funds.
Mint cultivation was expanded across several villages:
7 acres in Kotia, Janiguda, Uparasembi, and Kadiamba villages of Kotia Panchayat, Pottangi block.
6 acres in Pipalaguda, Guntha, and Mulashankar villages of Pukali Panchayat.
2 acres in Mathiaguda and Salapaguda villages of Deopottangi Panchayat.
3 acres in Goluru village under Goluru Panchayat.
1 acre in Konapadi village of Toyaput Panchayat, Laxmipur block.
3 acres in Alekhaguda village under Sikimaput Panchayat of Nandapur block.
3 acres in Deogandhana and Balel Panchayats of Lamtaput block.
5 acres in Bobeya Panchayat of Kotpad block.
Altogether, mint cultivation has now spread across 32 acres of land in Koraput district.
Mobile Processing Unit for Farmers
To make oil extraction easier for farmers, CSIR and CIMAP have stationed a mobile mint oil processing unit at Semiliguda. This mobile unit can travel to areas where permanent processing facilities are unavailable, enabling farmers to extract oil near their fields and reducing transportation difficulties.
According to Prashant Kumar Rout, Senior Scientist at CIMAP, the quality of mint oil produced in Koraput is superior to that produced in many other states. While mint oil from other regions generally contains around 70% mint content, oil produced in Koraput has been found to contain up to 80% mint content, indicating higher quality and market value.
Wide Industrial and Commercial Uses
Mint oil is widely used in the manufacture of:
Perfumes and fragrances
Pharmaceuticals and medicinal products
Food flavoring agents
Mouth fresheners
Chocolates
Flavored food products
Toothpaste
Soaps
Digestive products such as antacid powders and formulations used for relief from gastric problems
Attractive Market Price
Mint oil currently commands a market price of around ₹1,500 per kilogram. However, ORMAS has been purchasing the oil at ₹2,000 per kilogram and marketing it under branded products, ensuring better returns for farmers.
With rising demand, high-quality production, and institutional support, mint cultivation is emerging as a profitable alternative crop in Koraput, with farmers reportedly earning around ₹1 lakh per acre, significantly boosting rural incomes and agricultural diversification in the district.
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