Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 18: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Reasi, co-ordinated IIIM-Jammu and CIMAP-Lucknow, in medicinal and aromatic (lemongrass and phalsa) plants distribution in the Reasi district.
A joint team of scientists from KVK Reasi of SKUAST-Jammu, the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicines(IIIM)-Jammu and Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants(CIMAP)-Lucknow(UP), created awareness among the farmers on aromatic and medicinal plants and educated the farmers on the operational practices of these valuable plants.
Dr Banarsi Lal, Incharge (Head) of KVK, Reasi. gave an overview of the production technology of lemongrass and phalsa and elaborated on the scope of medicinal and aromatic plants in Reasi district. He narrated that the monkey menace and other wild animals cause severe damage to the crops like maize, vegetables, fruits, pulses etc by which the farmers are unable to generate the optimum income from their farms. He told the farmers that by the scientific cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants like lemongrass, vetiver grass, palmarosa, phalsa etc. they can gain the prosperity.
Dr Sanjay Kaushal emphasized on the weed management in the crops. He stressed on the Integrated Nutrient Management(INM) in the crops.
Dr Irshad from CIMAP-Lucknow, informed that the medicinal plants like lemongrass, vetiver, palmarosa, phalsa etc are not effected by the monkeys and these crops if once grown remain for five years in the fields.
Dr Safajeet from IIIM-Jammu demonstrated the production technology of Phalsa while Dr Banarsi stressed urgent need for eradication of Parthenium (congress grass).
He explained the mechanical, chemical and biological methods to control this cosmopolitan weed.
Farmers showed keen interest for the cultivation of medicinal plants. Around 1,75,000 slips of lemongrass and 1100 phalsa plants were distributed to the farmers of Reasi district. Around 70 Kanals of the area of the district, which is mostly infested with the monkey menace, has been taken to layout the demonstrations of lemongrass and phalsa.
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