By Umar Nsubuga
Rosemary, a hardy and aromatic herb, is steadily gaining popularity among farmers for its wide range of benefits.
Known for its culinary and medicinal uses, rosemary offers value beyond the kitchen.
For experienced herbal farmer Evanice Manyiraho from Kicwamba in Kabarole District, rosemary is an essential addition to any farm.
With years of practice in herbal farming, Manyiraho advocates for rosemary as a crop that brings both economic gains and health benefits, helping farmers diversify and strengthen their operations.
“Rosemary is more than just a herb,” Manyiraho explains.
“It’s an asset to any farm because of its many uses, resilience, and ability to thrive with minimal care.”
Known scientifically as Rosmarinus officinalis, rosemary is a woody perennial plant with fragrant needle-like leaves.
Manyiraho believes that farmers who incorporate rosemary into their farms can gain valuable returns both economically and medicinally.
One of the primary reasons Manyiraho advocates for planting rosemary is its medicinal value.
“Rosemary has been used traditionally for centuries to improve memory, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation,” she says.
The plant’s leaves contain essential oils rich in antioxidants and compounds like camphor, cineole, and rosmarinic acid, which have proven health benefits.
Manyiraho notes that these compounds can help with digestive issues, respiratory problems, and even mental clarity.
“For anyone interested in natural health, rosemary is an ideal addition to the farm,” she adds.
Manyiraho often prepares rosemary tea for herself and her family, which she says helps improve focus and reduce stress.
Beyond its medicinal uses, Manyiraho points to rosemary’s role as a natural pest repellent. The strong aroma of the plant deters common pests such as aphids, moths, and mosquitoes, making it a valuable companion plant for other crops.
“Rosemary acts as a natural barrier to keep pests away without the need for chemical pesticides,” she explains. “This makes it perfect for organic farming.”
She recommends planting rosemary near vegetables or flowering plants to protect them from insects while adding aesthetic value to the farm.
According to Manyiraho, farms with rosemary require fewer chemical treatments, reducing costs and promoting a healthier ecosystem.
Rosemary is also a highly versatile culinary herb, popular for its distinct flavour that enhances meats, soups, and vegetables.
Manyiraho has found that selling fresh or dried rosemary can create an additional income stream.
“There’s a growing demand for fresh herbs, especially among restaurants and local markets,” she explains. She often supplies rosemary to local chefs and sells it at community markets.
Dried rosemary, which has a long shelf life, can also be packaged and sold, providing farmers with a product that requires little maintenance but offers a high return. For farmers who are looking to diversify their crops, rosemary is an ideal choice, requiring minimal care and providing year-round harvests.
For those considering rosemary as a commercial crop, Manyiraho emphasizes that it is drought-resistant and thrives in poor soils.
“It’s very resilient. Even if there’s a dry season, rosemary can survive,” she says.
Manyiraho advises farmers to plant rosemary in well-drained soil and sunny areas, as it does not require heavy watering. In her experience, once the plant is established, it grows with minimal care, making it ideal for farmers who may not have extensive resources for irrigation.
This drought tolerance makes rosemary particularly suited for regions facing water scarcity, allowing farmers to maintain productivity even during dry spells.
