The institute has developed an innovative perfume named Tropical Soil Scent, recreating the beloved petrichor using plant-based sources.
Published Aug 06, 2025 | 8:25 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 06, 2025 | 8:25 AM
Tropical Soil Scent.
Ever longed for the earthy aroma of the first rain hitting dry soil? That nostalgic scent will soon be available in a bottle, thanks to a unique initiative by the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Palode, Thiruvananthapuram.
The institute has developed an innovative perfume named Tropical Soil Scent, recreating the beloved petrichor using plant-based sources.
Unlike the traditional and expensive Mitti Ka Attar—made by distilling sun-dried soil in Uttar Pradesh—this new scent is said to be cost-effective and eco-friendly.
Scientists at JNTBGRI have captured the earthy essence, usually linked to the compound geosmin produced by soil bacteria, through sustainable botanical methods.
The institute plans to commercialise the scent, offering consumers an affordable way to carry a whiff of monsoon nostalgia wherever they go. In another pioneering move, JNTBGRI is also developing a line of herbal healthcare kits tailored for primary care.
These eight upcoming products, they said, merge traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern scientific innovation, promising safe, simple, and side-effect-free solutions for everyday health needs.
With these initiatives, JNTBGRI is not only bottling memories but also redefining green innovation in scent and healthcare.
