Henna (Mehndi) Cultivation and Powder Processing — Sojat Rajasthan

Sojat in Pali district, Rajasthan, is India's largest henna (Lawsonia inermis) producing region, growing 75% of the country's henna. The drought-tolerant shrub is cultivated on sandy loam soils and harvested 2–3 times/year by cutting branches. Leaves are dried in shade, ground in roller mills to fine green powder, and sieved to 80–100 mesh. Sojat henna is exported to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe for hair dye, body art, and leather tanning. GI-tagged Sojat Mehndi commands premium prices. The trade supports 10,000+ farming and processing families.