Kooperatiba ng Maliliit na Magniniyog ng Barangay Kanapawan
Barangay Kanapawan, Labo, Camarines Norte
...Ecologically sound
...Economically viable
...Empowers communities
The Citronella Plant
(Cymbopogon winterianus)
· Citronella is a stoloniferous, aromatic, perennial plant belonging to the family Gramineae.
· With two types: Java (type of citronella currently produced in commercial quantities in the Philippines, has higher oil yield and superior oil quality) and Ceylon.
· Plant is harvested 6-8 months after planting and every 3-4 months thereafter depending upon the vigor of its growth.
Uses of Citronella Oil:
· Manufacture of bath soaps (with astringent property appropriate for oil complexions) shampoo (contains anti-fungal property for dandruff & lice), detergents/laundry soaps, and household cleaners;
· Perfumery and essence in candle making;
· Component for insect repellant products (mosquito coils/incense, repellant lotion) for mosquitoes, bugs, roaches and ants
· Inhalation clears nasal congestion, relieves insomia, snoring, migraine and tension
· Removes and neutralizes bad odors in home or office, and prevents the transmission of airborne viruses and bacteria
· Scent for massage oils in aromatheraphy and health spas
Production Process:
· Harvest mature citronella grass (about 6-8 months old after planting and every 3 months thereafter for 5-6 years)
· Remove weeds, wilted leaves and sheaths and air dry the citronella grass for 3-5 days.
· Extract the oil using the hydrosteam distillation technology
· Collect the oil and add anihydrous sodium sulfate to remove moisture content.
· Filter the oil, package and market
Benefits from the Enterprise
· Increase land productivity and show favorable growth response by intercropping the citronella grass in coconut areas, rice fields and vegetable farms.
· Pave way for the utilization of idle, marginal, and unproductive open denuded areas
· Production wastes offer another line of product: organic fertilizer and handmade paper (spent leaves), botanical pesticides (distillate water), bundled spent leaves is also a good medium for growing mushrooms or even roofing in houses.
· Prevents soil erosion and minimizes surface run-off
· Help control weeds through mulching and increase soil nitrogen content.
· Alley cropping with spent leaves after extraction is in an ideal and ecologically sustainable method of farming
· Increase available moisture by improving filtration
· Grass contribute to carbon sequestration
· Natural insect repellant in the farming areas including protection against pests such as rats and snakes in the rice field
