Awareness cum training camps on high value crops held
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 12 2019: Scientists of CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, a constituent laboratory of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) visited different districts of Manipur from April 5-8 in order to explore the possibilities for cultivation of aromatic crops in the State and on introduction of low chilling varieties of apple.

Demonstration plots of low chilling varieties of apple has already been established by CSIR-IHBT on pilot scale at different locations in collaboration with North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCORMP), Ukhrul, Manipur to see the suitability of variety and locations.

These varieties have low chilling requirement and can be grown in lower elevations.

Scientists had visited all the demonstration plots of apple plantations and imparted trainings to the farmers for adopting different agropractices of apple cultivation during their visit.

A one day awareness cum exposure programme on cultivation and post harvest management of aromatic crop was also conducted on April 7 at Makhan village of Kangpokpi district.

Dr Rakesh Kumar, Principal Scientist and Dr Kiran Singh Saini, Senior Technical Officer addressed the farmers about the aromatic and industrial crops that are suitable for cultivation in the region.

Organic cultivation practices of aromatic crops viz, damask rose, wild marigold, palmarosa and lemongrass etc., were emphasized for fetching higher price in the local as well as international market.

Dr Kumar informed the gathering that CSIR has initiated a mission program in which more than 5,500 hectares area will be brought under aromatic crops in India by March 31, 2020 by different CSIR labs and these crops has huge potential in the world market as the essential oils obtained from these crops are used in perfumery, fragrance and other industries.

Dr Sanjay Kumar, Director, CSIR-IHBT told the correspondent that essential oils market, in terms of value, is projected to reach around USD 11.19 bn by 2022, at a CAGR of 8.83% from 2017 to 2022 .

U.S., China and India are the major producers, consumer and exporter of essential oil in the world.

Dr Sanjay Kumar is of the apprehension CSIR-IHBT is along with NERCORMP Ukhrul is experimenting in introduction of low chilling varieties in different locations of Manipur.

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