Lemon grass cultivation gains ground in Naogaon

NAOGAON, Oct 10: Commercial cultivation of lemon grass is gaining popularity in the Barind region of Naogaon, with an entrepreneur in Sapahar Upazila producing and marketing the crop for herbal tea and other products.

Sohel Rana, an entrepreneur at Barind Agro Park in Sapahar, started experimenting with lemon grass in 2015 after collecting several saplings from a horticulture centre in Dhaka.

He later expanded the cultivation commercially after receiving training from agricultural experts and learning from online and foreign sources.

Currently, he dries lemon grass using a smart dryer and sells the dried product. Fresh leaves and stems are also sold, while the leaves can be used to prepare herbal tea.

"At first, people did not know about lemon grass. Now, interest among health-conscious consumers is increasing. Many people are collecting saplings from us, and there is a good market for dried leaves," Sohel said.

He said he plans to produce essential oil from lemon grass in the future.

According to agriculture experts, lemon grass can be harvested regularly for several years after a single planting. 

The crop is comparatively less prone to pests and diseases and requires less chemical fertiliser and pesticide, reducing production costs.

Md Manzur Rahman, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Naogaon, described lemon grass as a promising high-value medicinal crop.

"Once planted, it can produce for several years. Since it requires comparatively less chemical fertiliser and pesticides, production costs are also lower. It can be a profitable alternative for farmers," he said.

He said the growing market for herbal tea, cosmetics and essential oils could create further opportunities for the crop.

"If farmers cultivate lemon grass in a planned manner and processing and marketing facilities are expanded, it could become a new cash crop in Naogaon and other parts of northern Bangladesh," Manzur said.

He also said there was potential for exporting processed lemon grass products in the future.

Lemon grass is used in herbal tea, beverages, essential oils, soaps, perfumes, detergents, cosmetics and aromatherapy products. Its use is also increasing in Bangladesh along with the growing market for herbal and natural products.

At present, 250 grams of fresh lemon grass sells for around Tk 100-130, while 100 grams of dried lemon grass costs around Tk 250-300. Each sapling is sold for Tk 40-50.

Dr Abuzar Gafar, Assistant Professor at Naogaon Government Medical College, said lemon grass contained antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds and could be consumed in moderation as a healthy beverage.

However, he cautioned against considering it a treatment for any disease.

"People with chronic illnesses, pregnant women and those who regularly take medication should consult a doctor before consuming it regularly," he said.

With growing demand for herbal tea, essential oils and natural products, farmers and entrepreneurs in the region are increasingly considering lemon grass as an alternative cash crop.