Port Blair, Sept 24: A three days workshop on Spices and Plantation Crops Based Entrepreneurship Development in the Islands was organized under All India Coordinated Research Project on Palms Project at ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair during 19-21 September. During the inaugural function, Dr. B.A. Jerard, Head, Division of Horticulture and Forestry, explained various avenues for income diversification through plantation crops based enterprises. Dr. Ajit Waman, Principal Investigator of the project and Convener of the workshop, emphasized on the importance of workshop considering the potential of this sector in providing livelihood to various stakeholders of our islands.
During technical session, Dr. Ajit educated the participants about scientific production of spices and plantation crops. He underlined the importance of superior varieties and improved production techniques for enhancing farm productivity. Dr. Jerard explained in detail the importance of virgin coconut oil, various methods of its production, cost economics and significance for the island farmers/ entrepreneurs. Dr. Pooja Bohra, Co-convener of the workshop, elucidated potential of lesser known species of these islands, their processing suitability and marketing issues. Dr. Zamir Ahmed, Principal Scientist and in charge, Social Science section showcased various technologies developed by the institute for the benefit of farming community.
Workshop focused on providing practical exposure to the participants as they were given hands on training in field and nursery activities. Participants carried out propagation of various spices using techniques such as grafting, layering and cutting. They were also taken to Horticulture Nursery of the institute, wherein scientific management of nursery was demonstrated. Hands on experiences were provided on scientific postharvest handling and processing of black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, woody pepper and Garcinia species. Practical demonstration was also made on use of mechanical dryers for improving quality of the commercial spices. Field visits were made in plantation based cropping system models, high density orchard of black pepper, Garcinia conservation block, cinnamon block etc. Twenty participants including progressive farmers, entrepreneurs, rural youth and students of JNRM attended the workshop. The programme was organized under the overall guidance of Dr. B. Gangaiah, Director (Act.), ICAR-CIARI.
