The essential oil of this plant, which contains the chemical compound geraniol, is valued for its scent and for traditional medicinal and household uses.

[7] Palmarosa oil, which has a scent similar to that of roses, is added to soaps and cosmetics.

[11] Once the stems and leaves have been distilled for two to three hours, to separate the oil from the palmarosa plant matter, then the leftover grass residue is turned into manure or composted.

Palmarosa grass grows well in sandy texture soil with low nitrogen, sufficient phosphorus and potassium, but requires frequent manual weeding.

Farmers will be spending more time weeding the plots and will receive a smaller return than if they had a nursery.