Port Blair, Jan 10: In the COVID-19 pandemic era, increased focus on immunity boosting has been emphasized by the experts and AYUSH personnel have been playing an important role in dissemination of this information. In order to make them aware about the cultivation aspects, an awareness programme on “Planting and Aftercare of Immunity Boosting Plants” was organized on January 7, 2022 by ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair under NABARD-Urban Horticulture Project. The programme was formally inaugurated by watering medicinally important long pepper plant. Dr. Pooja Bohra, Scientist, ICAR-CIARI welcomed the gathering and explained about the objectives of the programme.
Dr. Ajit A. Waman, Scientist, ICAR-CIARI gave an elaborative and interactive presentation on propagation and cultivation practices of medicinally important plants. This was followed by visit of the participants to the Institute Demonstration Unit on Urban Horticulture, where they were acquainted with the ways to utilize small urban and peri-urban spaces for cultivation of immunity boosting plants. Practical demonstration on nursery raising was also done for the benefit of participants. Further, they were taken to the Horticultural Plants Propagation Unit of the Institute, wherein planting material of immunity boosting plants is housed. Participants were keen to ask questions about various management practices involved in cultivation of these plants. They expressed that this exposure would help them in establishment and management herbal gardens in the Health and Wellness Centres spread across the islands. At the end of the programme, planting material of long pepper, West Indian cherry, lemon grass, mango ginger and tejpat was distributed to the participants.
The programme was organized by Dr. Bohra and Dr. Waman under the guidance of Dr. E.B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI as a part of ongoing ‘Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav’ celebration. Dr. Kalyan P. Kadbhane, Deputy Director, AYUSH Hospital, Port Blair along with his twelve colleagues attended the programme. Dr. Kadbhane proposed the vote of thanks.
