Pineapple powder: CAU scripts success story
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, September 02 2012:
The Central Agriculture University (CAU) at Iroisemba has successfully completed its project on producing pineapple powder.
The project has been taken up with an aim to store the fruit for a longer period and export to other states.
However, how much it can earn profit in the market is still uncertain, said Director of Research, CAU, Dr M Rohinikumar stated today.
Dr Rohinikumar was attending a Two Days Farmers' Training on Integrated Pest Management and Improved Production Technology on Vegetables and Fruits at Nongada as Chief Guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Rohinikumar said that Pineapple, Banana, Orange and Lemon are some main fruits produced in the state.
Besides them, Passion Fruit is one of the most common fruits available in plenty in Manipur today.
The humid climate of the state makes it suitable for most types of fruits to grow here.
Since fruits are among the most demanded products in the world market, Manipur can generate more income if it can export its fruit products in the world market.
Pharmaceutical companies in other state are importing medicines made out of Passion fruits they brought from Manipur.
If people of the state acquire the technology of producing such medicines from Passion Fruits, we can earn a huge fortune, he noted.
Likewise, Oranges produced in Tamenglong is far more tastier than the finest oranges of India.
It is only due to lack of promotion that these Oranges remain unknown to people in other states, he added.
Dr Rohinikumar went on to inform that Engineering Section of CAU has successfully tested the powdering of pineapple which can benefit in storing the fruit for a longer period of time and would be an ease in transportation.
However, CAU is still uncertain if the powdered pineapple could survive in commercial arena.
If the pineapple powder becomes people's favourite, then the technology will become a boon for pineapple growers in the state.
Programme Coordinator, KVK Bishnupur Dr RK Imotomba, who was also present on the occasion, said that development of agriculture should be the backbone of all round development in the state.
Construction of structures is not development.
In Gujarat, its people are encouraged by the government in agriculture, industries and service sectors.
Service sector can only be developed after the development of agriculture and industries.
Programme Coordinator of KVK Thoubal Dr M Thoithoi; District Horticulture Officer of Imphal East G Gopalchandra and Horticulture Specialist, Central Institute of Horticulture, Nagaland, Meribeni Chhetry also attended the function as Guests of Honour.