Port Blair, Feb 20: A sensitization programme on ‘Woody Pepper as a potential crop for the Islands’ was conducted for the farmers of Lal Pahad area, South Andaman under DBT, New Delhi funded project on Woody Pepper on February 18, 2022.
Dr. Ajit Arun Waman, Scientist, ICAR-CIARI and Organizer of the programme, explained to the participants the importance of local flora in the livelihood and nutritional security of Island Dwellers.
He emphasized promoting local species for diversifying Islands agriculture. Woody Pepper is one such local species having considerable potential for commercialization in the Islands.
Various aspects of Woody Pepper cultivation and a novel method of propagation of the spice developed at ICAR-CIARI were explained to the farmers. Which will enable them to take up its multiplication in their farms.
Dr. Waman educated the farmers about the criteria for the selection of sites and growing standards suitable for woody pepper. A systematic planting scheme was also explained to the participants, which could help the farmers in getting income in phases from this Perennial Crop.
Marketing strategies for the promotion of woody pepper in the local and national markets were explained to the farmers. Field visits were also made to guide the farmers in taking up woody pepper cultivation. To give impetus for promoting this novel spice, planting material of woody pepper was distributed to seventeen farmers in the area.
