Project report for Bay Leaf Cultivation

The bay leaf refers to an aromatic leaf widely used in cooking to improve the food's flavour. These leaves are also used for different medicinal purposes worldwide. This leaf may be used for various applications in the form of ground-dried or whole-dried or fresh leaves. The bay leaf is an aromatic leaf commonly used in cooking. It can be used whole or in a dried or ground form. The maximum production of bay leaf comes from the War area of Meghalaya which contributes 2798.4 MT/ year. Bay leaf contains vitamin A, vitamin C and folic acid that makes it a nutrient-dense herb. Consumption of bay leaf extract as a health supplement is increasing the demand of bay leaf in all regions by health-conscious consumers. The rapidly growing urbanization and changing lifestyle had shifted the food preference towards healthy eating owing to the health benefits of herbs and spices. Increased use of the bay leaf as an ingredient in food preparation such as sauces and dressings, personal care and many more gives ample opportunity to the manufactures to grow in the market. Bay leaf owing to its medicinal benefits such as antioxidant properties that heal the body is gaining the attention of health-conscious consumers all over the world. The increasing awareness of advantage has gained the attention of the consumers thus increasing spice consumption. Bay leaf is used as whole, powder form and bay leaf oil. The spice is also gaining popularity due to its use in French and Indian cuisine. Bay leaf is also used in the flavouring of liquor & vinegar. Consumption bay leaf tea had increased due to its nutritional & healing benefits.

The Indian bay leaf market is expected to witness growth owing to its various health benefits awareness rising among the consumers. The consumption of herbs and spices is fuelling the demand for bay leaf in the Indian market. The consumers are increasingly adopting herbal tea consumption pattern which increases the demand for spices such as bay leaf which in turn propelling the bay leaf market. The growth in essential oil demand due to the medicinal benefits is also a factor for driving the bay leaf market. The anti-inflammatory property of the bay leaf reduces the chances of arthritis and also the consumption of bay leaf improves insulin function which the reason it is beneficial for diabetics. The increasing use of bay leaf by nutraceutical is also driving the bay leaf market. Spices are becoming popular due to the increasing consumption of exotic cuisines and packed foods. Its rising consumption is mainly due to its use in food and beverage, cosmetics, and hair quality improvement products. While the pharmaceuticals industry is engulfed in other pharmaceuticals and nutraceutical goods, customers continue to become aware of the concerns raised by the over-use of such drugs and are increasingly demand natural alternatives. Bay leaf helps control diabetes, facilitates efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients, alleviates respiratory conditions, and helps to lower the level of stress hormones by preventing inflammation caused through sore joints and arthritis. Bay leaf oil is also applied in aromatherapy because of its strong aroma, which boosts long-term growth.