The Nilgiris is mainly a Plantation District. The soil and climatic conditions are highly favorable for Tea cultivation. Tea industry here, is over 100 years old and is the backbone of the Economy of this District. It is an agro based export oriented industry. Of the total cultivated area, Tea is grown in nearly 70% of the area. As per the recent data available Tea is grown in over 45,974 hectares and the production is around 60,000 tons.
Tea manufacturing in the Nilgiris are mainly marketed in the auction centre at Coonoor. Apart from this, Nilgiris Teas are also exported through Cochin Port. The Tea offering consists of Cut-Twist-Curl leaf, Cut-Twist-Curl dust, Orthodox leaf and Orthodox dust.
Essential Oils
EUCALYPTUS OIL (Nilgiri Oil for Cold, Cough, Head - Ache)
Antiseptic and deodorant, used externally for common cold, cough, head ache. Inhaled with steam, relieves cough in chronic bronchitis and asthma. Two drops of this oil mixed with a teaspoonful of sugar taken internally relieves cough and sore throat and fever.
LEMON GRASS OIL (Tea Oil)
Lemon Grass oil is used for cramps and gastritis, it is used as a mosquito repellant and in some soaps for scenting. A drop in hot tea gives it a lemon flavour.
OIL OF WINTER GREEN (Gaultheria Oil)
One teaspoonful of this oil mixed with one teaspoonful of warm coconut or gingelly oil used externally relieves pain in joints, gout, chest pain etc. Highly effective for rheumatic pains and Arthritis. CAMPHOR OIL
Two teaspoonful mixed with 25 grams of warm coconut oil used externally relieves muscular pains, inflammation of joints, effective used as a vaporub in chest cold and cough.
CAMPHOR OIL (Chest pains and Asthma)
Two teaspoonful mixed with 25 grams of warm coconut oil externally relives muscular pains, inflammation of joints, effective used as a vaporub in chest cold and cough. A accepted remedy for asthma
CLOVE OIL (Tooth Ache)
A drop of this applied with a swab of cotton relieves tooth ache. A few drops mixed in toothpaste and used is good for teeth and gums it helps in removing stains on the teeth.
JAVA CITRONELLA OIL (Mosquito repellent)
It is used to import perfume to soaps, and agarbathies. A powerful insecticide against flies, mosquitoes, bed bugs, fleas etc. mixed with water it can be effectively used as a spray to ward off insect and house flies.
CITRIODORA OIL (Hair Oil)
25 grams of this oil mixed in 100 grams Coconut oil or other oils, aids to check premature falling and greying of hair. It helps to grow new hair, it makes the hair smooth and soft, it prevents and cures dandruff' and helps to keep the scalp cool, when sprayed mixed in water it wards of mosquitoes. It has a strong lemon note.
ALMOND OIL (Skin care oil)
Direct application below the eyes clears black round the eyes. It clears pimples and black heads on the face. Best massage oil. It is special skin caring natural moisturizer makes your skin softer, smoother and lovelier.
GERANIUM OIL (Nilgiris attar pure extracts free from alcohol)
It has a lingering fragrance two drops of this oil on a small ball of cotton will emit fragrance to room place. Also used in hair oils and as a perfume in both water.
OLIVE OIL (Massage oil)
Rubbing this oil on body prevents from dryness and skin diseases. On face it cleans and prevents pimples and makes the skin delicate and lovely. It is very safe for babies of all ages massaging. It is also used for oil bath for babies.
ROSEMARY OIL
This oil is used infood as spicy flavour. 4-5 drops of this oil can be taken internally with warm water for proper live function and digition 1-2 drops with sugar for flatulence.
THYME OIL
It is antiseptic, antiviral, anti-fungal, antispasmodic, upper respiratory aid. Used in bath, massage, diffuser, mouthwashes, gargles, toothpastes & cough ozenges. Used for insomnia, nervous debility & stress related complaints.
SPICES
The spices grown in the Nilgiris are very famous and popular. They command a very good price in the market. The spices require very delicate growing conditions which are suitably availably in the Nilgiris. The spices plantations and trade are a thriving industry in the Nilgiris. The commonly grown spices are as follows:
FRUITS
A variety of fruits are grown in the Nilgiris. Most of the varieties are developed and introduced by the Pomological Research Station under the Horticulture Department. Some very rare varieties with medicinal values are also grown. Temperate fruits like peaches, pears, strawberries, etc., are grown extensively and in good demand. Some of the Fruits grown in Nilgiris are :
Vegetables and Cereals
The British were keenly interested in Horticulture. They introduced many varieties of vegetables which had their origin in Europe. The vegetables were suitable to the European Culinary dishes and these vegetables now become very popular in India. The vegetables of Nilgiris are sourced by many traders from the cities and they are often transported in cold vans to ensure freshness. Vegetables Grown are :
There are many cereals which are the staple food of the local population and the tribals. The cereals grown here are consumed locally and there is not enough to send out from Nilgiris. The cereals are mostly rainfed and grown organically.
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