Bhubaneswar: People in Angul and Dhenkanal - two districts hit by rampaging elephants - have found a new way to sustain their economy.

With elephants often ravaging their crops, farmers in forest-side pockets of the districts have now embarked on aromatic plantations that will not only keep jumbos away, but also help them earn profit.

The plantation has yielded a fair degree of success with more farmers opting for it by the day. Animals, particularly elephants, have a dislike towards these plants and shy away from consuming those.

The Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow, a plant research laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, recently set up an aromatic oil extraction unit at Pampasara close to Satkosia Tiger Reserve to help farmers add value to their crops.

Man-elephant conflicts have reached a flashpoint in Dhenkanal and Angul with thousands of acres of croplands ravaged by the animals.

The distinctive odour of aromatic plant species such as lemongrass, citronella, palmarosa and vetiver grass keeps elephants at bay.

Within two years, more than 150 acres have been brought under aromatic plantation.

"It was not easy to convince a farmer to relinquish his traditional crops. However, farmers in these districts, who had suffered losses because of elephant raids, agreed to experiment. After research and consultation with experts, we found that aromatic plants can result in discouraging animals from consuming these because of its distinct smell," said Swapna Sarangi, expert on ecological restoration and lead member of Foundation for Ecological Security, a civil society group.

"Research has found that cultivation of aromatic crops doesn't require huge input costs, it can also be undertaken in fallow areas. We encourage farmers to take up this crop as it has economic viability. Oil extracted from the plants are much in demand" said Ajit Shasany, CIMAP's principal scientist.

"It was a calculated risk and it has proved to be a success. With an initial investment of Rs 15,000 an acre, I have got a return of Rs 47,000 in the first year," said Nityananda Biswal, a farmer.

"There is a huge market for aromatic plant oils in India and abroad. We are producing only one per cent of the requirement and there is an assured market for framers who opt for this crop," said Gautam Mohanty, proprietor of the oil extraction plant.