Farmers on Bargur hills are gradually warming up to the idea of cultivating Rosemary herb, which, besides ensuring profitable returns, also keep wild animals at bay.

The farmers in 33 hamlets surrounded by reserve forest find the altitude of about 1,000 metres above sea level suitable for cultivation of the aromatic herb. The crop was promoted a few years ago by MYRADA Krishi Vigyan Kendra based in Gobichettipalayam.

Farmers on the hills have traditionally been cultivating ragi, onion, and beans, and have been suffering losses due to damage caused to the fields by wild boars, deer and elephants. The KVK introduced Rosemary as an alternative crop to reverse the trend of migration of the people towards urban areas.

There is good market worldwide for the oil extracted from the herb that grows as a perennial evergreen shrub to a height of up to one metre, according to a documentation by MYRADA KVK.

The oil is used as component in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. According to Horticulture Department officials, though gradual, Rosemary is gaining attention of farmers as a dependable crop.

‘There is good market worldwide for the oil extracted from the aromatic herb’

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Tamil Nadu / by R. Krishnamoorthy / Erode – April 12th, 2016