CIARI Organized Sensitization cum Distribution Programme on Woody pepper: 75 farmers benefitted under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Event
A sensitization cum planting material distribution programme on “Conservation and Cultivation of Woody Pepper for Diversification of Island Agriculture” was organized at Lal Pahad village under Department of Biotechnology, New Delhi funded project on Woody Pepper to commemorate the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Our islands are known for quality of their spices. In order to make the islands a hub for the quality spice production, adoption of scientific practices is desired. Also, the native diversity of plants needs promotion to diversify the island agriculture. Woody pepper, locally known as choi jhal, is one such traditional spice, which has potential to be a unique spice from the islands for the tourists visiting the islands. In order to sensitize the farmers about this crop, the programme was organized on April 23, 2022.
During the inaugural session, Dr. E.B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, emphasized upon role of spices in diversifying income avenues to the island farmers. He advocated adoption of scientific farming to enable the farmers in getting optimum benefits of the technologies. He also highlighted the importance of self help groups and involvement of communities in taking up such initiatives. Smt. Tapasi Saha, Pradhan, Chouldari addressed the gathering and urged the participants to adopt the suggestions of the experts to make the farming profitable. Mr. Mohan Halder, Ex-Pradhan, Chouldari expressed his gratitude towards ICAR-CIARI for taking up new initiatives and timely guidance on various issues of the island farmers.
Dr. Ajit Arun Waman, Organizer of the programme, educated the stakeholders on various aspects of woody pepper cultivation during technical session. He stressed upon the relevance and need of woody pepper cultivation to conserve the local diversity apart from providing livelihood to the resource poor farmers. He guided them about the marketing prospects in the wake of increasing foot fall of the tourists in the islands. He invited interested stakeholders in taking up commercial cultivation of woody pepper to popularize this species in the islands.
The programme was attended by 75 farmers and 150 planting material of woody pepper were distributed to the participants. Smt. Chaitali Roy, Panchayat Samiti Member, Chouldari coordinated the programme.
