Lesser known , aromatic plant species of India " Pandan " ( Pandanus amaryllifolius )

Farm Questions
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Lesser known , aromatic plant species of India has remained underutilized and large scale cultivation is rare .

Botanical name : Pandan ( Pandanus amaryllifolius ) also called in other vernacular names; Rambha ,Rampe , Biriyani kaitha , Ambemohor pat , Polau pata etc.

Origin : Pandan plant (Pandanus amaryllifolius) is a medicinal as well as aromatic plant.
A native of South east Asia .

This upright green plant has narrow blade shaped leaves and woody aerial roots.
P. amaryllifolius is the only among Pandanaceae family that has fragrant leaves .It is an ancient cultigen that is now grown in tropical peninsular countries viz. Sri Lanka , Thailand , India , Malaysia , Indonesia , Singapore , Vietnam , Taiwan, Philippines where good moisture regimes are present in soil and air .

P. amaryllifolius is the only species among family Pandanaceae that has fragrant leaves. It is an ancient cultigen that is now grown in tropical peninsular countries viz., Sri Lanka, Thailand, Southern India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, New Guinea, Taiwan and Philippines where good moisture regimes are present in air and soil

It was introduced in India from Indonesia in west Bengal in 1778 .
Since then it has spread throughout coastal regions of India especially Karnataka , Tamilnadu , Kerala , Odisha , Konkan , Andaman- Nicobar island .

Pandan leaves are widely used in Southeast Asia Musky-scented leaves produce a smell like basmathi rice. In addition to the culinary uses, pandan leaves have so many cosmetic and medicinal uses. It is also a natural repellent to cockroaches.
Fresh leaves are sold in the selected supermarket @ rs 350-450 / kg

NOTE : Screw Pine ( Pandanus odoratissimus ) also called Kewra , White lotus , is well known to us is sister of Pandanus amaryllifolius .
Costal district of Gunjam in Odisha is the largest producer of kewra essential oil .
1st pic Pandan
2nd pic Kewra

For cultivation interested farmers can contact through email : bhcv@ymail.com

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Could you please provide more details like, suitable soils,economic statistics and marketing.

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Soil Suitability and Climate Requirement :
P. amaryllifolius* is a mangroove shade loving plant species can be planted in various soil but prefers , humidity and high humus soil like PEAT SOIL with low pH( 4-5 ) However, it can withstand long droughts up to 1-2 months. Total annual rainfall of 200–300 cm and tropical conditions with temperature range of 18–28ºC is ideal for its growth.

Intercropping :can be intercropped in Coconut / Mango/ Acreca nut / Rubber plantation if the top soil having high plant biomass contents or humas enriched topsoil .

Suckers measuring 15-20 cm are used as planting material.

Weed Control :
Weed control in the first 6 months after planting is done manually using a hoe. If necessary, it is done once every 2 months. depending on weed population…
Water management :
The plant is more suitable for wet areas. For areas with high annual rainfall throughout the year, additional irrigation system is not needed. For crops in areas with prolonged drought, a sprinkler system is used to ensure optimum plant growth during the dry season.
Pest and Disease Control :
P. amaryllifolius* does not have severe disease or pest problems.

Harvesting :
The main crop is harvested about 8-10 months after field planting.
Harvesting can then be done at 8 month intervals after the first harvest for 3 -4 yrs .
Ratoon harvest( fresh leaves ) : 100-125 t/ha / year ( Monocrop ) & 50-60 ton / ha / year ( inter crop )

Postharvest handling :

Fully mature leaves at the base of the plant are removed by cutting the base of the stem before packing for market.
Tentative ultivation cost : Rs 6-7 lac/ ha ( Monocrop ) & 3-4 lac/ ha ( Intercrop in mangao, Coconut , Rubber , Arecanut plantation
Tentative cultivation cost : Rs 9-12 / kg of fresh leaves .

MARKET :

Fresh pandan leaves retail price ( Bangalore ) : Rs 350-450 / kg
Fresh pandan leaves wholesale price ( Bangalore ) : Rs 60-75/ kg

Value addition :

Pandan leaf extract through hydro distillation process : 4 % pandan essence yield , market rate : Rs 5000 / kg

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