Mentha oil is derived from a plant named “Mentha Arvensis” or common mint. It is an aromatic annual herb plant having pleasant odour leaves and is classified as an industrial crop. Mentha cuttings are sown in the month of December and harvested during March-April. The end product of Mentha oil is extracted from the mint leaves by processing and steam distillation. Mentha oil arrives in market in the month of June-July. Menthol is the major derivative product of Mentha oil. Majority of the oil is converted into menthol and it is considered as one of the basic uses of mint oil. Presently India is the largest producer of Mentha oil in world contributing about 73% of total production.

India is contributing to 73% of total production and rest is contributed by China (18%) followed by Brazil and USA. Global output has touched 30,000 tons during 2007. However, consumption has shown steady growth over a period of time. In recent years, the global output has firmed up further and the output from India alone is estimated to be close to 32,000 tons in 2009-10. Exports of mint products from India are increasing over the years, which include menthol flakes, menthol crystals, mint oils. This could mainly be attributed to rising overseas demand for India produce. The major destinations of export for India includes countries such as Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, UK, USA etc

Mentha oil production is increasing substantially since last couple of years with more contribution from India. The large scale commercial cultivation of Mentha is done in UP (Bilaspur , Rampur , Chandausi, Sambhal, Barabanki , Bareilly , Sitapur etc.) , Punjab (Jalandhar), Haryana (Ambala) , Himachal and Bihar (Muzuffarpur). India produces about 27,600 tons of mentha crude oil per annum (avg. for last five years). The output is increasing in recent years and a record production close to 32,000 tons is estimated for the current year.