Citronella farmer develops new products
A young Ghanaian teacher and farmer who is impacting the economy by producing a multi-purpose edible insecticide oil from fever grass (Citronella oil) has broken new grounds with the addition of new bi-products.
A mosquito repellent candle and a natural soap are the latest additions to satisfy the Perseverance with God (PWG) Citronella Farms owner, Mr Samuel Donkoh, to add value to the unique multipurpose oil, which has many uses as an insect repellent, vanisher, fragrance agent in soaps and beauty care, among others.
The candle is made of paraffin wax and spiced with insecticide citronella oil and housed in a locally-made pottery vessel. The candle comes in sizes that can stay lit for up to three hours daily for 28 days.
PWG, which is located at Morrison on the Axim road in the Western Region, is an agro-based company which produces natural soap from various citronella by-products; the oil, ash, and hydrosol, and pepped with coconut oil.
Citronella oil is one of the essential oils obtained from the leaves of what is often referred to as lemongrass or fever grass, with the scientific name ‘Cymbopogon’.
Until such commercial production of citronella by PWG, Ghanaians only used to boil it together with sugarcane and lemon to produce syrup for the treatment of malaria and fever. Some people also take liquid from boiled citronella grass as a beverage. Literature shows that the citronella oil is the only known insecticide that is edible.
Mr Donkoh explained that the new natural soap helps to cleanse and take off acne (pimples) and refreshes the body.
“Citronella oil was not moving fast as I expected so I thought of this product that will serve as a repellent and a candle at the same time. For the past six months, we have sold about 1,500 pieces of the candles,” he said.
Clients of the double purpose candle include reputable hotels, cosmetic manufacturing companies, educational institutions and individuals in the Greater Accra, Western and Central regions.
With an annual turnover of about GH¢20,000, PWG has expanded its farm from 20 acres to 25 acres to feed the plant for commercial distillation. It currently employs seven permanent workers and about 10 casuals. It also has seven out-grower farmers.
Mr Donkoh said what was formerly waste, hydrosol (the aromatic water that remains after producing an essential oil via steam or water distillation), has become a useful tool.
Hydrosols can be used in place of water in creating natural fragrances, lotions, creams, facial toners and other skin products.
“Formerly, we gave them to hotels for cleaning but now some manufacturing industries order for it. Per every distillation, we get 50 gallons of hydrosol. I am looking for partnership to expand to be able to meet demand,” he said. GB