In 2013 Ny Tanintsika began to promote the production of essential oils at the community level. The objective of this project is twofold since it aims to reduce human pressure on the forest through both the development of subsistence means for the rural population and the implementation of sustainable natural resource management.
Two essential oils processing units are already in operation: one in Tolongoina and the other in Ankarimbelo, in Ikongo district. We work with forest managers in the local communities, who provide the raw materials needed to produce the oils. Currently, two plant species are utilised: the Ravintsara (cinnamomum camphora) and ginger (zingiber officinalis). These are plants which villagers have been cultivating for a long time and which Ny Tanintsika already have experience working with.
The site at Tolongoina produces up to 200 kg of Ravintsara essential oil and 200 kg of ginger each year. The site at Ankarimbelo has also been capable of producing up to 600 kg of Ravintsara essential oil. These already very satisfactory figures are predicted to increase in coming years. Besides supporting production, Ny Tanintsika also supports the sale of the finished products by finding national and international markets for these oils. Complying with the current laws, operating permits for the two sites have been obtained from the National Environment Office (ONE).
Currently, our work is concentrated on perfecting the production of essential oils in order to optimize yields and maximise energy efficiency, all whilst ensuring good quality oil. For example, we encourage producers to avoid using chemical products like insecticides or fertilizers in the cultivation of raw materials.
