Smell of earth after fresh rain; unique perfume to hit market; 'Tropical Soil Scent' cheaper than 'Mitti Ka Attar' !!!

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: We have all enjoyed the smell of fresh raindrops falling on parched soil for the first time. Such smells that evoke homesickness have a special property of awakening the human mind. The Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, is preparing to make such smells from plants and market them as attar.

JNTBGRI is developing Attar in a relatively low-cost way, as an alternative to the expensive 'Mitti Ka Attar' developed in Uttar Pradesh. 'Mitti ka attar' is made by distilling hot soil dried in the sun. Its production cost is high, so it is also charged at a high price in the market. Meanwhile, the advantage of the JNTBGRI discovery is that the smell of fresh rain can be recreated from plant sources. Its production cost is low.

The characteristic smell of soil is due to Geosmin, a sesquiterpene compound known for its earthy or musty odour, produced by the bacteria Streptomyces. The unique smell of soil after rain is captured from plants and bottled and marketed under the name 'Tropical Soil Scent'.

In addition, JNTBGRI is also pioneering the idea of developing safe, simple, effective and eco-friendly herbal healthcare kits for primary healthcare needs. Around eight herbal products are being developed. These are free from any side effects and are the result of a unique blend of traditional and Ayurvedic medical knowledge combined with modern science and technology.