Potential for cultivation of aromatic plant discussed
Source: The Sangai Express
Churachandpur, April 23 2015 :
A discussion programme on various aspects of cultivating the aromatic Lemongrass plant was held today at Lydia's Hall, Angels' Place, reports our correspondent.
The programme was hosted by Partnership in Progress Mission Foundation in collaboration with Manipur Bio-diversity Board.
During the programme, the aromatic plant was promoted as an alternative to the costly jhum cultivation.
Cultivating the plant reportedly needs minimal labour as it is not as burdensome as other plants.
Chairman of ADC Churachandpur Langkhanpau Guite, EM H Mangchinkhup, Dr N Kaizalian member secretary, Manipur Bio-diversity Board and PPMF promotor Dr R Sanga also attended the programme.
It has been claimed that the local yield of Lemongrass records 84 percentage of Citral content, much more than the usual standard of 75 per cent turning the local products into a superior variety.
The usual issue of local farmers is the absence of markets to sell their goods.
However, in the case of Lemongrass, the State Government has already initiated a buy-back plan for the plant along with its three other species in the State, claimed R Sanga.
The farmers were also told that the Government would install a distillation plant for a cluster of 50-20 families which had chosen to cultivate the plant beginning this year.