MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC CROPS (2+1)

Harvesting and yield

• The time of harvesting is very important as the yield of roots and oil percentage vary with changes in environmental conditions.
  


• The crop planted in July should be harvested after 18 months to get the maximum oil yield.
  


• Harvesting is usually done during the dry season from December to February, by manually digging out the bush along with its roots.
  


• The roots are then separated from the base, washed and dried under shade for 1-2days before distillation.
  


• This improves the quality of the essential oil, while prolonged drying in the sun reduces the yield.
  


• The yield of the roots may range from 3-4t/ha. A recovery of about 1% of essential oil is considered satisfactory.
  


• A root yield of up to 14-18 q/ha has been obtained in North India.