India has always been a land of olfactory indulgence, where aromatherapy, incense and ittar have existed since ancient times, and essential oil perfumes were a part of the ancient royal lore. The earliest scents used were the healing scents introduced through Ayurveda, which recommended the use of aromatic herbs and fragrant plants for mental well-being, beauty, treatment of ailments, hygiene and age-control which are well known even today.
This traditional fragrance industry in India has seen vast changes in the recent years with the introduction of technology and wider usage. The Indian fragrance industry is one of the largest in terms of production, consumption and at present, the fragrance market is set to grow and offer innumerable opportunities for new entrants to grow in this market.
Rich in organic fragrant raw materials
India being the leading country in the world with rich diversity in flora and fauna with its 15 Geo-climatic zones. India can produce organic fragrant raw materials which have great demand in the world. Considering its close linkages with grass-root economics, it can reboot Indian economy from ground level.
The global fragrance & flavour industry is worth US$ 24.10 billion and India contributes approximately US$ 500 million. However, growth rate in India is approximately 11% in the last few years but is projected to grow exponentially in the upcoming years due to rising personal care, brand awareness, increasing disposable income, growing demand in middle class people and affordable price of fragrance in the form of mass perfumes & deodorants.
Looking into the success of the Fragrance & Flavour Development Centre (FFDC), Kannauj and its self-sustainability and increasing demand for its need across the country and potential, there exists need for opening such kind of centre in all states. Different geographical locations need different approach for different products and technology to work with.
Potential for India
Worldwide, approximately 300 important natural fragrant raw materials are in use. Out of these, only 50% are cultivated and rest are found in wild habitation (e.g. Nagrarmotha, Kewra etc). Out of the cultivated raw materials, 110 cultivated natural fragrant raw material cover 95% of the current global consumption is in fragrance and flavour. Out of these, there are 31 for which India is well known globally and there are nearly 21 which are grown but not to a level for global significance. India has made global impact with essential oils of Menthol mint, Sandalwood, Jasmine, Tuberose and Spices.
Menthol mint was introduced in India in 1954 and then different variants were developed by CSIR-CIMAP and extension work was done by different organisations including FFDC Kannauj. In 2007 FFDC, Kannauj made a tie up with MCX for analysing the mint oil for forward trading and thereafter, the sharp rise in Mint oil took place due to better benefit to farmers to the extent of 20-30% and hence more production making India a global leader with nearly 90% of total global production with nearly 40,000 tons of oil. Uttar Pradesh itself gives 80% of total produce of India while Bihar gives 13% and Madhya Pradesh gives 7%.
FFDC Kannauj was set up in 1991 by Govt. of India with the assistance of UNDP/UNIDO and Govt. of U.P. UNDP/UNIDO has provided technologies, Govt. of U.P. has provided land, building and infrastructure, while Govt. of India is contributing for the recurring, non-recurring and indigenous apparatus & equipments. The concept behind setting up of the centre is to act as interface/bridge between research & industries of essential oils, fragrance & flavour.
