Grow lemongrass on farm boundaries with very low cost and earn from high-demand essential oil. Learn spacing, yield, income, and why lemongrass is ideal for edges.
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If curry leaf is monthly cash and moringa is fast cash, lemongrass is industrial demand with ultra-low cost.
Lemongrass boundary farming is a smart edge-utilization model where unused borders turn into a guaranteed raw-material source for the essential oil industry. No fancy inputs, no daily harvesting stress — just planned cutting and bulk sales.
This is a traditional aromatic crop that has gained modern relevance due to rising demand from FMCG, cosmetics, ayurveda, pharma, and aromatherapy sectors.
Why Lemongrass on Farm Boundaries Is a Strategic Choice
Boundary land usually has:
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Poor soil
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Irregular watering
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Zero commercial output
Lemongrass thrives exactly in these conditions.
Why it works perfectly on edges:
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Grows in poor & marginal soils
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Forms dense clumps (boundary cover)
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Repels pests naturally
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Requires very low investment
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Strong industrial demand for oil
From a business lens, lemongrass is a raw-material crop with assured buyers, not a retail-dependent vegetable.
The “Low Cost, High Demand Oil Crop” Model Explained
Lemongrass is not sold leaf by leaf. It is sold in bulk for oil extraction.
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First harvest: 4–6 months
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Harvest frequency: every 3–4 months
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Income cycle: 3–4 times per year
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Productive life: 4–5 years
Once planted, it becomes a repeat-cut cash crop with minimal attention.
Best Lemongrass Varieties for Boundary Farming
Choose varieties with high oil recovery and strong aroma.
Popular choices:
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Krishna
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Cauvery
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Pragati
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Praman
Selection rule:
Higher oil percentage > taller grass.
Always source slips from certified nurseries or agri departments.
Spacing & Layout for Boundary Rows
Dense planting increases biomass yield.
Recommended spacing:
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Plant to plant: 2–3 feet
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Single row along boundary
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Continuous clump formation
Pit size:
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Small pits or trench planting
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FYM mixed during planting
Within months, lemongrass forms a thick green belt along the boundary.
Climate & Soil Suitability
Lemongrass is extremely adaptable.
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Climate: tropical & subtropical
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Rainfall: low to medium
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Soil: sandy, loamy, red soil, wasteland
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Tolerance: drought & heat
Ideal for dryland and rainfed farms.
Water & Maintenance Requirement
This is where lemongrass shines.
Water:
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Initial establishment watering
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After that, mostly rainfed
Maintenance:
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No staking
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No pruning (cut itself is pruning)
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Very low pest & disease pressure
This is a low-touch, low-risk crop.
Harvesting & Yield Pattern
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First cut: 4–6 months
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Cutting height: 10–15 cm above ground
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Harvests per year: 3–4
Average yield:
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10–15 tonnes green biomass per acre/year
(boundary proportionately lower but highly profitable)
Oil recovery:
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0.7–1% oil content
Income Potential from Lemongrass Boundary Farming
Let’s keep it practical.
Example: 1 acre farm boundary
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Approx. 400–500 running meters planted
Conservative estimate:
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Green biomass/year (boundary): 2–3 tonnes
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Oil yield: 20–25 kg
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Oil price: ₹1,200–1,800 per kg (varies by quality)
Annual income:
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20 kg × ₹1,500
= ₹30,000 per year
This income comes from:
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Very low input cost
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No crop competition
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No daily market dependency
If farmers have access to a distillation unit (own or shared), margins improve further.
Market Demand: Why Lemongrass Oil Is Future-Proof
Lemongrass oil demand comes from:
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Soaps & detergents
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Perfumes & cosmetics
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Ayurvedic medicines
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Insect repellents
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Aromatherapy oils
This is B2B demand, not mandi-dependent. Contracts and bulk buyers dominate.
Risks & Common Mistakes
Lemongrass fails only with poor execution.
Mistakes to avoid:
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Late harvesting (reduces oil quality)
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Using local grass instead of improved varieties
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Over-irrigation
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No buyer tie-up before harvest
With basic discipline, risk remains low.
Lemongrass vs Other Boundary Crops
| Parameter | Lemongrass | Curry Leaf | Karonda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income start | 4–6 months | 6–8 months | 2–3 years |
| Income type | Bulk oil sale | Fresh leaves | Fruit |
| Maintenance | Very low | Medium | Very low |
| Market | Industrial | Local retail | Local |
| Input cost | Very low | Low | Very low |
Lemongrass wins on cost efficiency + industrial demand.
Final Verdict: Is Lemongrass Boundary Farming Worth It?
If you want:
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Minimal investment
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Minimal labour
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No daily selling stress
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Demand backed by industry
Lemongrass is a quiet, high-efficiency boundary crop.
It won’t need pampering.
It won’t need marketing skills.
It will quietly grow, get cut, and get paid.
Plant once. Cut regularly. Sell in bulk.
That’s why lemongrass boundary farming is one of the smartest low-cost, high-demand models for Indian farms.
FAQs
Q1. When does lemongrass boundary farming start giving income?
Lemongrass can be harvested within 4–6 months after planting.
Q2. How many times can lemongrass be harvested in a year?
Lemongrass can be harvested 3–4 times per year under normal conditions.
Q3. Is lemongrass suitable for dry and rainfed areas?
Yes, lemongrass is drought-tolerant and grows well in dry and marginal soils.
Q4. How is income earned from lemongrass boundary farming?
Income is earned by selling lemongrass biomass or extracted essential oil to bulk industrial buyers.
Q5. What is the average income from lemongrass grown on boundaries?
Farmers can earn ₹25,000–₹40,000 per year from lemongrass planted only on farm boundaries, depending on oil price and yield.
