Training on cultivation & processing of Lemongrass & Citronella held
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 01 2018:
CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology organised a one day training programme on "Cultivation & Processing of High-yielding Lemongrass and Citronella" at its office in Lamphelpat today.
Retired Commissioner Dr RK Nimai graced the occasion as chief guest while Director of AYUSH Directorate Dr A Guneshwor, Department of Life Sciences, MU Professor P Kumar and CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat Assam Scientist Dr Mohan Lai and CSIR-NEIST Imphal Principal Scientist Dr Huidrom Birkumar also attended.
A total of 52 people took part in the training programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr H Birkumar conveyed that lemongrass and citronella,.
which are high yielding plants, have been planted covering a total of 500 ha of land, last year.
Sapormeina in Kangpokpi district, Jiribam, Reithelmanbi, Chanam Sendrok, Wangjing Tekcham Ching and Heirok Mamang Ching are the selected areas for plantation of these plants.
Informing that necessary equipment has been set up at CSIR-NEIST Lamphelpat office to extract oil from these plants, Birkumar conveyed that the matured plants grown at Jiribam and Keithelmanbi have started arriving at the said office and due process of oil extraction has begun.
He stated that the plants mature within six months from the time of plantation.
The Principal Scientist further informed that lemongrass plant can be used to make green tea, perfumes, cosmetic products, room spray and even for medicinal purposes while citronella plant can be used to make Phenyl solution, floor cleaner, deodorant etc.
The training programme has been organised to demonstrate the steps of planting such plants and to provide an opportunity to the people to generate a sustainable income.