Port Blair, Nov 28: Eighty members of the women Self Help Groups (SHG) from Tushnabad and Ferrargunj visited ICAR-CIARI through Surabhi under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. In order to promote cultivation of island suitable spices and underutilized fruits among the farm women, creation of awareness is important. Horticultural Plants Propagation Unit of the ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair is a dedicated nursery to promote the cultivation of endemic, native and potential horticultural crops of the islands. This nursery also serves as a source of information to the visitors and thereby encouraging them to take up the cultivation.
During the visit, Dr. Ajit Waman, Scientist, ICAR-CIARI explained the participants about various spices, aromatic and medicinal plants suitable for cultivation in the islands. He explained both the backyard and commercial aspects of cultivation to them and urged to take up cultivation in the groups so as to improve the bargaining power during marketing of the produce. Production technologies for cinnamon, lemon grass, tejpat, bush pepper, long pepper, woody pepper etc. were explained to the participants during the session.
Dr. Pooja Bohra, Scientist, ICAR-CIARI enlightened the gathering about the diversity of underutilized fruits of the islands. Nutritional benefits from consumption of these fruits and scope for value addition of the local species were also explained to them. During the interaction, participants were made aware about the production techniques of underutilized fruits such as blood fruit, Andaman Kokum, Kau phal, Andaman Kau phal, West Indian cherry, passion fruit, bilimbi, breadnut etc.
The programme ended with vote of thanks by Mr. Francis Xavier of Surabhi. Mr. Xavier along with his team members coordinated the visit for the benefit of the stakeholders. The programme was organized under the guidance of Dr. E.B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair.
