|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nabard to promote Noni cultivation in Jharkand
|
|
Monday, 25 August, 2008, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
|
|
Hasan Mulani, Mumbai
|
 The National Bank for Rural and Agriculture Development (NABARD) has decided to promote noni cultivation - a highly nutritious fruit. The bank is also planning to set up a farmers' club to boost noni cultivation in Jharkhand.
Noni fruit contains 150 micro nutrients and is used as a food supplement which helps cure diseases like asthama, chronic pain and kidney disorders. Noni juice, which is extracted from the fruit, is known as 'nonu'. The fruit originated in South-east Asia and travelled to the US and European countries. Several products are made from noni, including toothpaste and oil.
K C Shashidhar, chief general manager, Nabard - Jharkhand region, said, "The bank wants to introduce and promote new trends in agriculture and allied practices in Jharkhand which will help tribals. We want to begin this task with noni plantation."
The rising demand for antioxidant fruits like pomegranate, guarana, mangosteen, goji berries and blueberries by food and beverage makers will help noni to tap into this. "Grants will be given to interested farmers' groups, in addition to assisting them with scientific knowledge about the new plant," Shashidhar said. The current market price of 100ml concentrate noni juice is Rs 156.
According to reports, Tamil Nadu is the only state which cultivates and processes noni for industrial use in the country. Nabard has plans to set up a demonstration farm' which will help Jharkhand farmers to learn organic noni cultivation.
At present the rural bank is also mulling Birsa Agriculture University (BAU), Agro-forestry Research Programme (HARP.) to develop demonstration farm plots. "We are planning to engage more agriculture universities which will give a boost to our initiative," Shashidhar added.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|