Port Blair, Mar 02: A sensitization cum input distribution programme on Immunity Boosting Plants for tribal folks of urban areas of Andaman was organized for the Nicobarese youth residing in urban areas of South Andaman on 26th February 2022 under the Schedule Tribe Component of the ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute.
A variety of fruits and spices are known to have an immunity-enhancing capacity, which is of paramount importance in fighting against the ongoing pandemic and various other ailments. Considering the limited space available in urban areas and lack of knowledge about growing these plants, youngsters were taken to the Institute Demonstration Unit of ICAR-CIARI.
Dr. PoojaBohra, the organizer of the programme, educated the participants on various immunity-boosting plants, which could be grown in the urban areas. She also explained the use of various containers and systems of cultivation suitable for terraces, balconies and backyards.
In the subsequent session, participants visited the Horticultural Plants Propagation Unit of the institute wherein Dr. AjitArunWaman, Co-organizer of the programme, demonstrated about setting up of the DweepHanGreens system in their balconies, cultivation of potted plants and aftercare required for different plants.
To promote the cultivation of these crops, kits containing DweepHanGreens, hand tools, growing bags and containers were distributed to the participants. Planting material of West Indian cherry, passion fruit, cinnamon, tejpat, lemongrass, mango ginger and long pepper was distributed to them.
The programme was attended by eighteen participants including urban youth and students from ANCOL and JNRM. The programme was organized under the guidance of Dr. E.B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI with cooperation from Dr. S. Jayakumar, Principal, ANCOL and Ms. Vinita Oshin, Assistant Professor, ANCOL.
