INDIAN MINT INDUSTRY

INDIAN MINT INDUSTRY – Future Considerations

(Prof.) S.C. VARSHNEY

Since last ten years, India has been able to sustain its No. 1 status of the World in
Mints Production. Although there has not been any technical break-through or
innovation, all these years, yet farmers & trading communities supported by
Industry deserve all the credit.

Looking at the production data of last ten years, it is worth observing that the
production of M. arvensis which is the major oil of production, is going up & up
since last three years and yet the trade is able to sustain its prices, which generally,
does not happen in agricultural commodities.

Fig. 1

20000 TOTAL WORLD PRODUCTION

Presently, India‟s share being 85 to 90% in the world‟s production of M. arvensis
oil and its value added products. The above Figures sound pleasing to hear but, at
the same time, the increase in area under cultivation, year after year, can also be a

cause of alarm for future as supply side exceeds demand every year. What would
happen of “SURPLUS STOCKS?” Will it not create a crash of markets at any
stage?

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Markets Fluctuations:

Market behaviour is quite erratic as is the case with most of agricultural
commodities.

Fig 2

M. arvensis Oil

PRICE IN RS.

Sep

YEAR

Looking at a glance on last ten year‟s prices, it is very common to see pitfalls after
a certain interval. Whenever „Supply‟ increases the „demand‟ such probability
increases.

It would be worth keeping a close watch on production and consumption figures by
Spice Board who is the promoting Agency appointed by Govt. of India.

How India can sustain its STATUS:

Till this stage, the growth story of Mint production in India is written by its
growers and entrepreneurs / industrialists with minimum support from our R&D
Institutes and from Government Agencies.

As present returns to the growers are on comfortable side, the area under mint
production is likely to go up, creating a bigger “surplus” every year. Moreover,
the present prices are also encouraging growers in China and other Asian countries
who are likely to return to mint crops, causing additional worries. So, unless we

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take up some corrective measures before the situation goes totally haywire, our
farmers‟ community may face the burnt in any of the future years.

Corrective measures:- as suggested

1. Partnership of Industry, R&D & Government:

Framing up of future strategies depend on understanding the issues well after
taking due considerations of problems and requirements of Industry. R&D should
be directed on issues & subjects, which are relevant from Industry‟s point of view.
Patents should be applied on products or processes, which would be sought after
by entrepreneurs in future and not just for the sake of “numbers”.

Industry though its Associations is always willing to cooperate. Let the Spice
Board take the initiative and form a Joint Panel for framing up policies and seeking
solutions for future.

Essential Oil Association of India, (EOAI), which is celebrating its Golden Jubilee
year, represent growers, traders, processors, scientists and exporters of essential
oils and their value added products. It is such an authentic platform where any
issue or strategy can be discussed and decision taken for the welfare of Industry.

EOAI is also fortunate to have its own office having space for Quality Control Lab
+ Library + Auditorium at Noida by next year.

EOAI is committed to work together with Spice Board and other R&D Institutes
for the welfare of Mint Industry.

2. Diversification of Mint Crops:

There should be equal emphasis on many other varieties of mint and other cash
crops in mint growing areas rather than leaving the farmers to expand M. arvensis.
However, equal returns are to be demonstrated to persuade farmers to adopt any
other crop in the same area.

R&D Institutes to play this role and develop high yielding, at the same time
acceptable to Industry, crops promising equal returns.

Some of these crops can be –

M. piperita, Spearmint, Mentha longifolia, Mentha citrata, Patchouli, Geranium &
Lavandin.

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The varieties to be developed should be viable from “Return to the grower” point
of view and at the same time should be acceptable to Industry.

3. NEW MARKETING STRETEGY -Promoting “BRAND INDIA”

Indian mint oils and many value added products should be promoted by
Government Agencies worldwide to create a “BRAND INDIA” image. Organizing
WORLD MINT CONGRESS in Northern India would be one of the ideas, which
may fulfill some of our objectives. When a buyer comes to our doorstep, we stand
better chances of winning his heart rather than approaching him in his office
though one of our marketing officer who has his limitations. Small producers
should be given equal opportunities to come into contact with buyers from other
countries. This will boast the confidence of small to medium entrepreneurs who
always hold the future of Industry.

4. Support To Value Additions:

Ten years back crude dementholised oil was a common product of export. Many
factories in Europe and USA were engaged in processing this by-product of Mint
industry into various value added products. Indian entrepreneurs took the initiative
on their own and created the history. Now almost all value additions are done in
India. Still there is scope for more value additions.

Research should be directed on utilising Mint oil and its other products for various
new applications. Products like, Toothpaste, chewing gums, pain balm, cough
syrups etc are too common to demonstrate, the uses.

Conversion of menthones and many menthol isomers into more potent “cooling
agents” is already being undertaken by European companies. Presently, there is no
such research work being persued in our R & D Labs to the best of my knowledge.
Spice Board many support such R&D activity with Government owned Institutes
or individual Scientists.

5. New quality assurance measures:

This is one of the most important areas for immediate intervention. New
regulations, which are tougher to implement, are being formulated by European
Community. Safety and health have taken first seats. Standards are being
constantly revised giving importance even to minor and trace ingredients which are
considered dangerous to human health and environment. Monitoring such

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ingredients require sophisticated instruments rather than relying on
Gas chromatography alone.

Equipments like, GC/MS, Chiral Chromatography, Headspace, Pesticide analysis,
C-13 / C-14 analysis are required to support the industry.

An advanced facility for analysis and accredation of essential oils near Delhi is the
need of the Industry. EOAI requests Spice Board to come forward and assist
industry. A office cum R&D building is under construction at Noida where
Association would be willing to provide space free of any obligation for setting up
such a facility.

I am thankful to officials of Spice Board and EOAI who have taken this initiative
and permitted me to present this paper.

Thank you,

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