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Agricultural
Growing aromatic sage on a small plot, then drying and packing the leaves for herbalists, shops and online buyers, with oil distilling as a later option.
Where it fits:TürkiyeSyriaMoroccoYemenIndonesiaThe GambiaNigeria
Agricultural
Growing aromatic sage on a small plot, then drying and packing the leaves for herbalists, shops and online buyers, with oil distilling as a later option.
Where it fits:TürkiyeSyriaMoroccoYemenIndonesiaThe GambiaNigeria
Sage (known in the Levant as maramiya and in Türkiye as adaçayı) is an evergreen aromatic and medicinal herb whose cultivation has spread because demand is high. Its dried leaves are drunk as herbal tea and used in folk medicine, and its essential oil goes into perfumes, personal care, mouthwash and medical products.
The idea is to grow sage on a small plot, harvest the leaves two or three times a year from the second year, dry them in the shade, pack them and sell to herbalists, herb shops and consumers. The field keeps producing for years with proper care.
Distilling sage oil is a later option. The oil sells at a high price but needs distilling equipment, experience and large amounts of leaves, so the model starts with dried leaves.
The study reports about 7 tonnes of leaves per hectare a year from two harvests, starting in year two, and up to 10 tonnes with a third harvest. Each tonne of leaves gives about 12 litres of essential oil.
For the proposed model of one dunam (1,000 m²): about 500–700 kg of fresh leaves a year from year two, or 130–200 kg after drying (estimate). The first year gives about half that or less (estimate).
A registered lease is needed if the land is not owned. Packing and selling dried herbs under a brand name usually requires checking food-product registration with the food safety authority and a trade registration with the municipality. Producing and selling essential oil for cosmetic or medical use often has extra requirements; check them locally before starting.
| Equipment | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drip irrigation with filter and main line | For 1–2 dunams | ≈ $250–500 (estimate) |
| Black weed-control ground cover | For 1–2 dunams | ≈ $120–250 (estimate) |
| Drying racks and nets | 6–10 | ≈ $150–300 (estimate) |
| Hand shears and small sickles | 4–6 | ≈ $30–60 (estimate) |
| Ventilated plastic crates | 15–20 | ≈ $60–120 (estimate) |
| Knapsack sprayer | 1 | ≈ $40–80 (estimate) |
| Digital scale and bag sealer | 1 each | ≈ $80–150 (estimate) |
| Hand tools (shovel, mattock) | 1 set | ≈ $40–80 (estimate) |
Drip irrigation with filter and main line
Quantity: For 1–2 dunams
≈ $250–500 (estimate)
Black weed-control ground cover
Quantity: For 1–2 dunams
≈ $120–250 (estimate)
Drying racks and nets
Quantity: 6–10
≈ $150–300 (estimate)
Hand shears and small sickles
Quantity: 4–6
≈ $30–60 (estimate)
Ventilated plastic crates
Quantity: 15–20
≈ $60–120 (estimate)
Knapsack sprayer
Quantity: 1
≈ $40–80 (estimate)
Digital scale and bag sealer
Quantity: 1 each
≈ $80–150 (estimate)
Hand tools (shovel, mattock)
Quantity: 1 set
≈ $40–80 (estimate)
Source: Aromatic and medicinal plant nurseries
Cost: $0.10–0.20 each, $150–480 per dunam (estimate)
1,500–2,400 per dunam
Source: Local farmers or the field itself
Cost: Low or free (estimate)
10–12 cm, taken in late autumn
Source: Farm supply shops
Cost: $20–40 per dunam a year (estimate)
About 32 kg per dunam, split over 3 doses
Source: Livestock farms
Cost: $30–60 per dunam (estimate)
Before planting
Source: Packaging suppliers
Cost: $50–120 a year (estimate)
For retail sales
İktifa buys the equipment in the owner's name and presence, up to about $2,000. No cash changes hands.
The project starts working before any repayment, with mentoring through the first year.
Instalments follow a schedule agreed with the owner, based on the feasibility study.
Repayments, and 15% of profits to the local fund, equip the next skilled person.
Exact amounts and schedules are agreed for each project after the feasibility study.
Test pH and fertiliser needs, with advice from an agronomist.
Plough, level and add compost, lay drip lines and black ground cover between rows.
Plant seedlings (best) 70–95 cm between rows and 60–70 cm apart, or use seed or 10–12 cm cuttings taken in late autumn.
Water regularly without waterlogging, fertilise after each harvest, weed and watch for aphids.
Cut in late spring (May) and again in August, the richer harvest; a third cut is possible with good care.
Dry leaves in a shaded, airy place or a dryer to keep colour and aroma.
Remove impurities, weigh and pack in sealed bags labelled with name, weight and packing date.
Sell to herbalists, shops, wholesalers and online; consider distilling once volumes allow.
Applicable countries
Sage (adaçayı) is widely drunk as herbal tea and the Mediterranean climate suits it.
Maramiya is in local demand and coastal, mountain and mild inland areas suit it.
Mediterranean climate and steady demand for aromatic herbs.
Possible in the mild highlands.
Hot, humid lowlands raise root-rot risk; only cooler highlands may suit.
Climate and local demand for sage need study.
Climate and local demand for sage need study.
Use this project model as the basis of your in-kind support application. Adapt it to your local market and capacity.
Sage (known in the Levant as maramiya and in Türkiye as adaçayı) is an evergreen aromatic and medicinal herb whose cultivation has spread because demand is high. Its dried leaves are drunk as herbal tea and used in folk medicine, and its essential oil goes into perfumes, personal care, mouthwash and medical products.
The idea is to grow sage on a small plot, harvest the leaves two or three times a year from the second year, dry them in the shade, pack them and sell to herbalists, herb shops and consumers. The field keeps producing for years with proper care.
Distilling sage oil is a later option. The oil sells at a high price but needs distilling equipment, experience and large amounts of leaves, so the model starts with dried leaves.
The study reports about 7 tonnes of leaves per hectare a year from two harvests, starting in year two, and up to 10 tonnes with a third harvest. Each tonne of leaves gives about 12 litres of essential oil.
For the proposed model of one dunam (1,000 m²): about 500–700 kg of fresh leaves a year from year two, or 130–200 kg after drying (estimate). The first year gives about half that or less (estimate).
A registered lease is needed if the land is not owned. Packing and selling dried herbs under a brand name usually requires checking food-product registration with the food safety authority and a trade registration with the municipality. Producing and selling essential oil for cosmetic or medical use often has extra requirements; check them locally before starting.
| Equipment | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drip irrigation with filter and main line | For 1–2 dunams | ≈ $250–500 (estimate) |
| Black weed-control ground cover | For 1–2 dunams | ≈ $120–250 (estimate) |
| Drying racks and nets | 6–10 | ≈ $150–300 (estimate) |
| Hand shears and small sickles | 4–6 | ≈ $30–60 (estimate) |
| Ventilated plastic crates | 15–20 | ≈ $60–120 (estimate) |
| Knapsack sprayer | 1 | ≈ $40–80 (estimate) |
| Digital scale and bag sealer | 1 each | ≈ $80–150 (estimate) |
| Hand tools (shovel, mattock) | 1 set | ≈ $40–80 (estimate) |
Drip irrigation with filter and main line
Quantity: For 1–2 dunams
≈ $250–500 (estimate)
Black weed-control ground cover
Quantity: For 1–2 dunams
≈ $120–250 (estimate)
Drying racks and nets
Quantity: 6–10
≈ $150–300 (estimate)
Hand shears and small sickles
Quantity: 4–6
≈ $30–60 (estimate)
Ventilated plastic crates
Quantity: 15–20
≈ $60–120 (estimate)
Knapsack sprayer
Quantity: 1
≈ $40–80 (estimate)
Digital scale and bag sealer
Quantity: 1 each
≈ $80–150 (estimate)
Hand tools (shovel, mattock)
Quantity: 1 set
≈ $40–80 (estimate)
Source: Aromatic and medicinal plant nurseries
Cost: $0.10–0.20 each, $150–480 per dunam (estimate)
1,500–2,400 per dunam
Source: Local farmers or the field itself
Cost: Low or free (estimate)
10–12 cm, taken in late autumn
Source: Farm supply shops
Cost: $20–40 per dunam a year (estimate)
About 32 kg per dunam, split over 3 doses
Source: Livestock farms
Cost: $30–60 per dunam (estimate)
Before planting
Source: Packaging suppliers
Cost: $50–120 a year (estimate)
For retail sales
İktifa buys the equipment in the owner's name and presence, up to about $2,000. No cash changes hands.
The project starts working before any repayment, with mentoring through the first year.
Instalments follow a schedule agreed with the owner, based on the feasibility study.
Repayments, and 15% of profits to the local fund, equip the next skilled person.
Exact amounts and schedules are agreed for each project after the feasibility study.
Test pH and fertiliser needs, with advice from an agronomist.
Plough, level and add compost, lay drip lines and black ground cover between rows.
Plant seedlings (best) 70–95 cm between rows and 60–70 cm apart, or use seed or 10–12 cm cuttings taken in late autumn.
Water regularly without waterlogging, fertilise after each harvest, weed and watch for aphids.
Cut in late spring (May) and again in August, the richer harvest; a third cut is possible with good care.
Dry leaves in a shaded, airy place or a dryer to keep colour and aroma.
Remove impurities, weigh and pack in sealed bags labelled with name, weight and packing date.
Sell to herbalists, shops, wholesalers and online; consider distilling once volumes allow.
Applicable countries
Sage (adaçayı) is widely drunk as herbal tea and the Mediterranean climate suits it.
Maramiya is in local demand and coastal, mountain and mild inland areas suit it.
Mediterranean climate and steady demand for aromatic herbs.
Possible in the mild highlands.
Hot, humid lowlands raise root-rot risk; only cooler highlands may suit.
Climate and local demand for sage need study.
Climate and local demand for sage need study.
Use this project model as the basis of your in-kind support application. Adapt it to your local market and capacity.
Türkiye
Syria
Morocco
Yemen
Indonesia
The Gambia
Nigeria