Preserving Kewda’s fragile bloom

One of India’s most popular dishes, biryani, owes its distinctive flavour to the flower of a remarkable plant—Kewda. Scientifically known as Pandanus fascicularis, Kewda embodies the richness of Southeast Asia’s botanical heritage. Native to countries like India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, the plant thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, preferring warm temperatures, high humidity, and ample rainfall. The essential oil is derived from Kewda flowers, and its hydrosol has wide applications in the flavour and pharmaceutical industries.

In India, Kewda is predominantly cultivated in Odisha’s Ganjam district, accounting for nearly 90% of its commercial production. Over 50,000 farmers grow Kewda, often using it as a natural fence around paddy fields. The crop is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal inputs aside from regular pruning. It matures in about five years, producing its aromatic flowers mainly from June to September. Farmers can sell these flowers easily in local markets, receiving immediate payments, which adds to its viability as a sustainable livelihood option.

Traditionally, Kewda oil is extracted through “Deg Bhapka,” an ancient, intricate method of hydro-distillation using large copper pots. Over 30,000 flowers produce just a kilo of Kewda oil along with the hydrosol in a larger quantity. According to information gathered from V V Rama Rao, a senior scientist at the Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre (FFDC) in Berhampur, Ganjam, and local government authorities, Kewda cultivation provides a livelihood to approximately two lakh families in the district. The industry’s turnover is expected to exceed Rs 400 crore in 2024. However, recent weather disruptions pose significant challenges.

Frequent cyclones in Odisha’s coastal areas have significantly impacted its cultivation. Over the past four years, the price of Kewda flowers has quadrupled from Rs 10-12 to Rs 40 per piece due to reduced supply. Consequently, the wholesale price of Kewda oil has skyrocketed from Rs 5 lakh per kilogram in 2022 to Rs 16 lakh in 2024. While this has provided short-term economic relief to farmers, Rao warns that the high prices are unsustainable and are forcing the industry to explore and look for synthetic alternatives.

This shift towards synthetic substitutes will impact the livelihood of farmers and workers dependent on Kewda cultivation and distillation. The government has already taken several steps to help farmers through the formation of an association that sells flowers directly to processors, bypassing middlemen. Farmers are also being trained to start distilling units through government-managed District Industry Centres.

To sustain this vital industry, a multipronged approach is essential. Expanding Kewda plantations with government support can help mitigate supply shortages. As the gestation period is almost five years for a plant to mature, economic sustainability can be achieved through intercropping Kewda with other aromatic crops like lemongrass, and curry leaves. Farmers should receive subsidies or financial assistance during this gestation period and be compensated for crop losses caused by cyclones through robust crop insurance schemes.

In addition to financial support, innovation and value addition can bolster livelihoods. Better distillation methods can help improve oil extraction from the flowers. Additionally, farmers can be trained to utilise distilled flowers for secondary products. For instance, extraction unit waste can be converted into briquettes to fuel distillation plants, creating a sustainable cycle. The leftover material can also be used to manufacture natural-scented incense sticks (agarbatti), providing additional income streams. Workshops and training programmes for rural women in these value-added activities can further strengthen the rural economy.

Another crucial step is investing in research to improve Kewda cultivation. Government and private sector collaboration can focus on reducing the plant’s maturity period without compromising on the quality of the oil. This would ensure a steady supply and attract more farmers to kewda farming.

The Kewda industry holds immense potential to transform the rural economy of Odisha and other coastal regions. By promoting sustainable practices, fostering innovation, and ensuring fair compensation for farmers, this sector can continue to thrive. Integrating Kewda products into global supply chains can enhance India’s reputation as a hub for high-quality natural aromatic products. With the right support, this fragrant flower can continue to bring prosperity to the farmers and artisans while delighting consumers worldwide.

(Prerna Terway is an agriculture economist and founder of Tuvai Nature and S K Das is Former Advisory Committee Member, National Medicinal Plant Board, Ministry of Ayush)