NEW DELHI: Mentha oil futures firmed up 0.34 per cent on MCX on Thursday.
MCX Mentha futures were up by Rs 5.30, or 0.34 per cent, at Rs 1,558 around 10.16 am.
According to preliminary estimates, acreage under mentha crop will go up this year, with higher prices in the recent past acting as a catalyst for farmers.
All major markets are likely to witness higher inflow of the produce, said trade sources. There could be chances of crop damage to an extent due to unfavourable weather conditions, according to Motilal Oswal Securities.
Mentha oil is a key oil extracted from the herb Mentha arvensis through the distillation process. It is widely used in food and flavourings.
In addition, natural menthol has cooling and soothing effect on skin and mucous membrane of the human body, making it a useful ingredient in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industry.
The oil in the crude form is made free of moisture by treatment with dehydrating agents like sodium sulphate, filtered and stored in airtight containers, preferably made up of aluminium or galvanised iron.
Mentha is normally sown in February and March and harvested in May and June.
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