Jasmine is a bushy shrub or a climbing vine and is non-poisonous. Any individual can start jasmine farming in two ways. One option is the open field and another is under poly house condition. However, poly house jasmine cultivation is a better proposition for quality flower production. Here in this post, we intend to explore how to start a small-scale jasmine cultivation business
Jasmine is a popular flower worldwide. The scientific name of jasmine is Jasminum. And the flower belongs to the olive family Oleaceae. However, you can find more than 80 species. Some of the other popular names are Juhi, Jui, Malle Mokggu, and Mullai. The flower has great commercial value and market potential.
Medicinal Values of Jasmine
Jasmine lotion helps to reduce the skin problems like sunburns and rashes. The juices of the flower restore the skin’s moisture and elasticity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and giving the skin a healthier look and feel. In addition, you can find a wide use of jasmine in aromatherapy.
Read: How to Start A Dried Flower Business
Jasmine as an essential oil has many beneficial uses. It is an anti-depressant, aphrodisiac, and even medicine to help users sleep better. Jasmine is also a wonderful massage oil.
Things to Consider in Commercial Jasmine Farming Business
- First of all, you must craft a business plan for jasmine farming. According to the area you have to plan in detail.
- Create detailed financial planning including input costs like labor, seed, manure, irrigation, and transportation.
- You must keep in mind the marketing avenues of selling jasmine flowers.
- If you want to export your flowers, then contact the authority and flower growers’ associations.
- Ensure that you can arrange adequate irrigation during the summer season.
Best Varieties for Commercial Jasmine Farming
You can find a number of jasmine varieties. Some of the important Jasmine species are Jasminum sambac, Jasminum Auriculatum, Jasminum Grandiflorum, and Jasminum Multiflorum.
Jasmine Sambac: It is popular as Arabian Jasmine, Tuscan Jasmine, Bela, Belphool, Malliage, and Mogra. It is the most common species in India. The leaves are simple, opposite, and almost smooth with prominent lateral veins. Its important varieties are Motia, single Mohra, Double Mohra, khoya, Rai Japanese, and many more. Jasmine Sambac
Jasmine Grandiflorum: It is popular as Royal or Spanish Jasmine, French or Catalonian Jasmine, Chameli, Jahi, Jajimalli, Mallai, and Pitchi. In addition, the flowers are white, often tinged with purple outside, axillary or terminal, and 5 petalled. They are suitable for planting in shrubbery, arches, and pergolas.
Location & Agro Climatic Condition For Jasmine Cultivation
First of all, you can grow jasmine in a variety of climates and soils. Generally, it prefers a mild tropical climate for proper growth and flowering. Additionally, wild winters, warm summers, moderate rainfall, and sunny days are ideal climatic requirements. Loamy garden soils are best suitable for the cultivation of all species and varieties. Furthermore, a well-distributed annual rainfall of 800 to 1000 mm is best for growth and yield.
Read: Is Soil Testing Important In Agriculture?
Jasmine Farming Basic Steps
1. Land Preparation & Planting of Jasmine
First of all, you will need to do one or two initial ploughings to remove the weeds present in the land. In addition, you must dig the pits at a size of 30cm. Furthermore, you will need to apply 10 kg of Farm Yard Manure (FYM) to each pit before filling the pits. You can start planting in June-November at a spacing of 1.5m x 1.5m.
2. Irrigation
Moderate watering is good for jasmine. However, you must apply the water twice a week if there is no rain. You can stop watering completely until pruning and fertilizer application. There is an interval of about a month between one bloom and the commencement of the next.
3. Manuring
It is recommended that you must apply 10 kg of FYM and 60 g of Nitrogen and 120 g each of Phosphorus and Potassium to each plant. And you must apply in two split doses i.e., once after annual pruning and again during June-July.
4. Pruning
Pruning encourages the growth of new healthy shoots. Also, it influences flower yield in Jasminium Grandiflorum. It is advisable to prune the plants during the last week of November to get an increased yield and quality flowers.
5. Jasmine Plant Protection
Pests: Budworm, blossom midge, and red spider mites are the major pests of jasmine. Spraying of monocrotophos 36 WSC @ 2ml /l is recommended to control budworm and blossom midge. To control the red spider mite, you can spray sulfur (50% WP) @ 2g / l.
Diseases: Nematode and root rot are the major diseases attacking the jasmine crop. Control measures for Nematode – 10 g of Temic granules/plant near the root zone and for Root rot – Drench the soil around the plant with Copper oxychloride @ 2.5 g / LR.
Also Read: Most Profitable Cash Crops to Grow
6. Harvesting & Storage of Jasmine
Jasmine begins to flower the second year onwards or sometimes even earlier. However, you can expect economic yield from the third year. It produces maximum flowers till 12/ 15 years.
You will need to harvest the flowers either in the evening or early in the morning when the buds are fully developed. In addition, you will need to handle the flowers with full care during harvesting and transit. To increase the self-life of the flower you can soak the buds in aluminum sulfate (0.1%) or silver nitrate (0.01%) solution for two hours. Then cover with a moist towel and keep under room temperature.
7. Export Packaging of Jasmine Flower
You can expect the best return and profits from exporting jasmine flowers. However, it requires special packaging technology for export transportation. Different countries maintain different technology for flowers. major export markets are Dubai and the USA. The flower needs special treatment for increasing its shelf life and preservation.
Packaging flow-chart
Fresh flowers → Jasmine flowers to strings → Jasmine strings treatment with floral preservative → Packing in ventilated corrugated fiberboard (CFB) boxes with butter paper lining → Airlifting to the specified destination.
jasmine cultivation gives an inspiring margin to even small farmers. So, if the agroclimatic condition of your locality fits with it, you can start commercial jasmine growing for profit.
Where to Sell Jasmine Flowers?
A substantial amount of jasmine flowers go to the market for fresh usage. You can find several fresh flowers uses like making garlands, and bouquets, decorating the hair of women, religious offerings, etc.
Additionally, there are several jasmine varieties that are beneficial for oil extraction. There is a potential number of users in the flavored tea industry. You will find a lot of flavored jasmine tea, herbal tea, black tea, etc.
Oil is an essential item in the perfumery and cosmetics industry such as creams, oils, soaps, etc. Furthermore, apart from the domestic market, jasmine flowers and oil have good export market potential globally.