An Economic Analysis of Jasmine Cultivation in Madurai District, Tamilnadu

asmine is one of the oldest fragrant flowers cultivated by man. The flower is used for various purposes viz., making garlands, bouquet, decorating hair of women, religious offering etc. More than 80 jasmine species are found in India, of which only three species are used for commercial cultivation. Its flowers are used for making garlands, adorning hairs of women, in religious and ceremonial functions, and for producing perfumery oil. Its commercial cultivation is confined to Coimbatore, Madurai, (Tamil Nadu); The dry land of the sample farmers is 89.75 acres, and the total wet land is 145.7 acres, cultivated land is 105.45 acres and the remaining on uncultivated land is 78.25 acres in these 4 Blocks, Thirumangalam has 165.4 acres and Solvanthan has 108.5 acreas of landholdings. These two Blocks have more than 60 per cent landholdings of the sample farmers. Owing to great diversity climate and other environmental conditions in different parts of the country, the varieties of jasmine cultivated vary from place to place. The Malli, Pitchi and Mullai varieties are mainly cultivated in Madurai District. The reduction in productivity is the highest Thirumangalam and lowest in Melur.