Origin and distribution  

Origin and distribution

    It is native of the Philippines. The patchouli plant grows wild in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. Its natural habitat extends across Paruguay, Penang, East and West Indies, the subtropical Himalayas and the Deccan peninsula. This crop was introduced in to India by Tata Oil Mills as early as 1942. However, systematic cultivation was started by the ClMAP regional centre at Bangalore in 1962. Now, it is cultivated in Bangalore and the coastal areas of South India, Bengal, Orissa and Assam.

    Area and production:
    The production of patchouli oil in India is very negligible (about 100-150 kg/year). India is importing over 20 t of oil annually from Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. The total annual world production is around 700-800 t.

Last modified: Tuesday, 3 April 2012, 11:22 AM