About Mentha (Mint Oil)
Mentha (Japanese mint) is grown for its oil, from which menthol is made. India is the world's leading producer of menthol mint oil, almost all of it from Uttar Pradesh, with Chandausi as the main trading centre.
Where Mentha (Mint Oil) Is Grown
The main growing states and districts are listed below. Tap a state for its markets, season, agencies and buyers.
| State | Main districts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | Barabanki, Badaun, Sambhal, Rampur, Moradabad, Bareilly | Almost all of India's mentha; Chandausi is the trade hub. |
| Punjab | Jalandhar, Kapurthala | A small mentha crop. |
| Bihar | Muzaffarpur, Vaishali | A small mentha crop. |
How It Is Grown
Mentha is planted from suckers in early spring and harvested in summer; the leaves are distilled in small field stills to get oil. Varieties from CSIR-CIMAP in Lucknow dominate.
Season
Planted January–March, distilled May–July.
Uses and Buyers
Menthol crystal makers, pharmaceutical, toothpaste, confectionery, pan masala and flavour companies, and exporters.
Quality and Price
Oil is graded by menthol content. Mentha oil has traded on MCX.
Government Role
Mentha (Mint Oil) has no minimum support price, so it is bought almost entirely by private traders, processors and exporters. Government support comes through horticulture and crop missions, market regulation, export promotion and research.
Companies, Markets and Bodies
- CSIR – Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP)LucknowAboutExplore
- Chandausi mentha marketSambhal districtAboutExplore
- MCX mentha oilPrice benchmarkAboutExplore
Related: All crops · All states
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