Chamomile cultivation to boost economy of Kotia tribals in Odisha

Koraput district which is renowned across the country for its organic coffee, turmeric, ginger, black rice, and millets, is now charting new territory with the cultivation of German chamomile flowers. This initiative is being undertaken by the tribal community in Kotia, Pottangi block, capitalising on the district's conducive climate, environment, and rich soil quality.

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Koraput's agricultural landscape, traditionally known for its diversity, is embracing this non-traditional crop, promising economic benefits and sustainability. In Kotia, local women have succeeded in producing around 40 kilograms of German chamomile, a crop highly prized for its derivative oil. Presently, the international market places a high value on chamomile oil, priced between Rs 40,000 and Rs 50,000 per kilogram.

The appeal of chamomile transcends its economic value, celebrated for its application in aromatherapy, pharmaceuticals, shampoos, perfumes, and herbal teas, thanks to its potent medicinal properties. Chamomile's potential as a supplemental income for farmers post-rice harvest also aligns with the State’s growing interest in alternative and complementary medicine, especially within Unani and homeopathic traditions.

In Kotia, the chamomile venture results from collaborative efforts between the district administration, the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), and support from the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow. Six women farmers are currently cultivating chamomile on two acres of land. ORMAS facilitates market access by purchasing dried flowers from the cultivators at competitive rates.

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With future plans to expand chamomile cultivation across Koraput, the district hopes to create a broader economic impact while diversifying its agricultural offerings. This move complements Koraput's existing acclaim for its GI-tagged black rice. The collaboration embodies a promising pathway towards sustainable economic development for the tribals in the region.

“Previously, we had been cultivating only paddy and millet. After ORMAS motivated us, six women including me are now cultivating chamomile flowers. We had no farming option in summer due to shortage of water,” a tribal farmer Phulamani Gemel said to OTV.