Financial viability of citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) as rejuvenation crop during tea rehabilitation

Abstract

Small tea growers in Assam face a critical income gap of 7 years during tea rehabilitation, threatening their economic sustainability. This study examines citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) cultivation as a rehabilitation crop to bridge this income gap. Primary field data from small tea growers of Assam combined with secondary sources were analyzed to assess financial viability. Results indicate that integrating citronella upon tea uprooting immediately offsets conventional replantation deficits, generating a net cash flow of INR 82,530/acre by the end of the first year. The transition model demonstrates a Net Present Value of INR 240,051 at 12 percent discount rate, Benefit-Cost Ratio of 1.7, Citronella yields 2,250 kg/acre/cut with 4 cuts annually under favorable conditions, generating gross revenue of INR 108,000/acre at INR 12/kg price. Gross income in 15 Years is 15 Lacs, Total cost that includes the capital costs are 8 lacs resulting in Net income of 6 Lacs along with old tea bushes being replaced by new and healthy bushes. The Tea Board of India recognizes citronella as a rehabilitation crop during plantation rehabilitations. This dual-cropping strategy addresses the research gap of income stabilization during gestation periods of tea, providing STGs with continuous cash flow while new tea bushes mature.