CIM-Unnati
CSIR-CIMAP menthol mint developed from the genotype MASP-19 and introduced around 2020 — reported to give about 20% more oil than the existing checks, with menthol near 74%.
Quick facts
- Type
- Sucker (improved variety)
- Season
- Zaid / summer
- Maturity period
- 100–110 days to the first cut
- Seed rate
- About 400–450 kg of fresh suckers per hectare (roughly 160–180 kg per acre)
- Expected yield
- About 180–190 kg oil/ha (potential)
- Suitable soil
- Well-drained, organic-matter-rich loam or sandy loam
- Release
- Developed by CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow (genotype MASP-19); introduced around 2020
About this variety
CIM-Unnati is CSIR-CIMAP's newer high-oil menthol mint (Mentha arvensis), developed from the breeding line MASP-19 and introduced around 2020. CIMAP reports about 20% more essential oil than existing check varieties, with a potential of roughly 180–190 kg of oil per hectare, and menthol at about 74% of the oil, which meets industry requirement. It matures in about 100–110 days after planting and is distinguished by its leaf shape. Like every mint variety it is grown from suckers, and the oil it can give depends on clean, weed-free ridges, enough nitrogen and water, and a timely cut and distillation.
Key characteristics
Sowing & cultivation
- Sowing timeFirst week of February to second week of March in the northern plains
- Seed rateAbout 400–450 kg of fresh suckers per hectare (roughly 160–180 kg per acre)
- SpacingRows 45–60 cm apart, suckers laid end to end (about 10 cm apart) in furrows 5–6 cm deep
- Sowing methodLay fresh, healthy suckers in moist furrows, cover lightly with soil and irrigate at once
- IrrigationA light irrigation at planting and a week later, then about every 10–12 days through the summer (roughly ten irrigations); stop about a week before each cut
- FertilizerAbout 120 kg N, 60 kg P₂O₅ and 40 kg K₂O per hectare with about 20 t FYM, the nitrogen split over three to four doses including one right after the first cut (NHB mint package)
- HarvestingFirst cut at about 100–110 days on a bright sunny day, then a second cut about 80–90 days later; steam-distil promptly
Soil & climate
Soil
- Suitable soil
- Well-drained loam or sandy loam rich in organic matter, pH about 6–8.2
- Irrigation
- Good drainage is essential — water must never stand around the suckers and stolons
Climate
- Maturity
- About 20–40°C through the growing period
- Irrigation
- Light rain at planting and dry, sunny weather at harvest; largely an irrigated crop in the plains
Yield & maturity
Maturity period
100–110 days to the first cut
Expected yield
About 180–190 kg oil/ha (potential)
Actual yield depends on sowing time, soil, irrigation, weather, seed quality and crop management.
Pest & disease considerations
Management notes
- Plant fresh, healthy suckers dipped in a recommended fungicide, and renew planting stock every couple of years.
- Keep the crop weed-free from about 4 to 14 weeks after planting — nutsedge is the worst weed.
- Cut on a bright, sunny day and distil the same or next day; give nitrogen and water straight after the first cut.
Advantages & considerations
Why farmers may choose it
- High oil potential — reported about 20% above existing check varieties
- Menthol near 74%, within industry requirement
- Matures in about 100–110 days, fitting the February planting window
Things to consider
- The 180–190 kg/ha figure is a CIMAP potential; farm yields depend on management and season
- Needs the same weed control, water and timely distillation as any menthol mint
- Ask CIMAP or a KVK for genuine planting material — avoid unnamed suckers sold as Unnati
Suitable regions
States this variety is recommended for — check locally, since a state can have more than one recommended zone.
- Uttar Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Punjab
- Haryana
Frequently asked questions
How much oil does CIM-Unnati give?
CIMAP reports a potential of about 180–190 kg of essential oil per hectare, roughly 20% above existing check varieties, with menthol near 74%. Actual farm yield depends on planting date, weed control, nitrogen, water and how quickly the cut herb is distilled.
When should CIM-Unnati be planted?
In the northern plains, plant in the main mint window — from the first week of February to the second week of March — using fresh, healthy suckers. It matures in about 100–110 days, so the first cut falls before the monsoon.
Sourced from: CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow, CSIR Aroma Mission, National Horticulture Board — Mint. editorial policy.