INDIAN EXPORT MARKET- MENTHA OIL

Indian menthe oil Export market

Medicinal and aromatic plants constitute a major part of the flora, which

provides raw materials for use in the pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and drug

industries. Even in many of the modern medicines, the basic composition is

derived from medicinal plants and these have become acceptable medicines for

many reasons. India and China are the two major producing countries,

constituting 40 per cent of the global medicinal and aromatic species. Mints are

an aromatic perennial herbs belonging to the family Laminaceae are among the

most important essential oil bearing plants in the world. Oil of mint, are probably

third most important flavouring materials used world over. In India at present

peppermint is cultivated in Western Uttar Pradesh (Tarai Belt), Jammu Kashmir,

Madhya Pradesh and Punjab States with annual production of 20000-22000 tons

of oil. Uttar Pradesh is a leading state in terms of production and area , hence it

was decided to conduct study in this state.

India exports mentha oil and its derivatives to countries including

• Argentina
• Brazil
• European Union
• Japan
• US

  These exports have a worth of around 100 crores and earns a good amount foreign exchange to India.

India exports about 16,500 tons of mentha per annum (average for last five years). It has recorded as high as 21,100 tons in 2007-08. Exports of mint products from India are increasing over the years, which include Menthol flakes, Menthol crystals mint oils. This could mainly be attributed to rising overseas demand for Indian produce. The major destinations for India includes countries such as Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, UK, USA, etc. Before 2001, India was not a significant player in this market. After 2002 onwards India became a major supplier of mentha oil in the world.