Chinese heat felt in salubrious Ooty

Ooty: Chinese-imported eucalyptus oil is a big threat to domestic Eucalyptus industry in India, said J. Saket, an eucalyptus oil trader here.

Claiming that in India, only the Nilgiris and Kodaikanal are the hub of eucalyptus oil production, he said that this oil which has a unique odour is being used in making pain balms, perfumery, tooth powder and paste production and in aroma therapy.  

While the eucalyptus leaf  of the Eucalyptus globulus species, commonly known as Blue gum, secrete the oil, it is the component 'cineole' present in the eucalyptus oil which impart the odour and strength.  More the 'cineole' content, more the quality and strength, he noted.

"Nearly 300 persons do the eucalyptus oil distillation across Nilgiris as a cottage industry.  But, sadly there is no impetus from the government to encourage this trade.  Nilgiris, with its blessed agro-climatic conditions to grow eucalyptus tree has the vast potential to enhance the eucalyptus oil production.  The government should give incentive and subsidies to encourage this trade.  Either through the start-up India initiative or through encouraging global investors in this industry, Eucalyptus oil industry can be taken to towering heights to bring more revenue to the hills.  

"Eucalyptus citriodora' is another species, which is highly aromatic, that grows well in Nilgiris.  Oil extracted from this species is used to scent soaps and also as disinfectants.  This oil production can also be encouraged," he pointed out.

Mr Saket also advocated for quality check-up process by authorized agencies to check adulteration and to ensure that good quality is maintained in the end product which is sold in the market.  He also pleaded for setting up Institute of Research and Marketing Survey of Eucalyptus Oil to explore the avenues to make eucalyptus oil as an exportable commodity to make it a good source of income.