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Lantana is a bushy plant that grows easily in almost any soil or climate. Known for its drought resistance, it spreads rapidly without needing to be sown or transplanted
Lantana is quite useful for farmers as it is used in the production of cosmetics and agricultural pesticides. (Local18)
Many types of medicinal plants grow around us, but due to a lack of awareness, we often destroy them thinking they are weeds. However, some of these plants can be highly beneficial. One such plant is Lantana, commonly found near fields and in forested areas.
It grows like a bush and can thrive in almost any type of soil or climate. One of its unique features is its ability to withstand drought. Lantana spreads rapidly without the need for sowing or transplanting.
Where Does It Grow?
Speaking to Local18, Shiv Shankar Verma, an agriculture expert and in-charge officer at the State Agriculture Centre, Shivgarh (Raebareli), Uttar Pradesh, said Lantana is a perennial bush-like plant that grows easily on vacant land, in forests, or on rocky patches near farmlands.
It can be found in both high rainfall and drought-prone areas. The plant grows to a height of 2 to 8 feet, with green fibrous leaves around 3 to 5 inches long. When crushed, the leaves release a distinctive smell. Lantana produces small bunches of flowers, usually yellow, white, pink, or cream in colour, and is known by different names in different regions.
A Source of Income
Lantana is quite useful for farmers as it is used in the production of cosmetics and agricultural pesticides. This makes it a high-value plant in the market. Oil is extracted from Lantana, which sells for around Rs 5,000 per litre.
Many women’s beauty products use this oil as a key ingredient. With such high demand, this plant has become a potential source of income for rural households.
Farmers can benefit further by preserving and processing this plant. Organic fertiliser can be made from Lantana, which, when used before sowing crops, helps reduce the need for chemical urea by up to 40 kg per hectare. Moreover, Lantana-based fertiliser also helps in reducing unwanted weeds like motha from the field.
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- Location :
Rae Bareli, India, India
- First Published:
