Farmers in Uttarakhand may soon see dual benefits from cultivating Bottle Brush (scientific name: Callistemon), a plant known for its bright red flowers and medicinal properties. For the first time in India, the Aromatic Plant Centre in Selakui has initiated scientific research on commercial farming of this plant, aiming to offer an alternative cash crop to farmers.
Unlike its current ornamental use along roadsides, parks, and gardens, Bottle Brush has untapped potential—its leaves can be used to extract essential oil, while its year-round blooming flowers support consistent honey production. Researchers estimate that one hectare of Bottle Brush cultivation can generate up to ₹2.10 lakh in annual income.
Currently, no state in India practices commercial cultivation of Bottle Brush. However, based on the promising results from the ongoing research, scientists plan to recommend this as an alternative to traditional crops like poplar and eucalyptus, especially in wildlife-affected regions where crop loss is common.
The Selakui centre’s research aims to develop farming models and guide farmers on commercial-scale cultivation, oil extraction, and apiary integration. The move is expected to empower farmers economically while utilizing land in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.
