Seminar to spice up the spice cultivation

Cancer? A farmer from Manipur in North Eastern States advises to use ginger of black variety. It is used as a medicine to cure cancer by local people of Manipur, a North Eastern Indian State, he said. Turmeric, another spice is used as herbal cure for similar reason and for a host of other ailments. True, these are yet to be confirmed by the modern medical science, but common people use spices to address health problems ranging from basic health issues to life threatening diseases. In fact, India is known as a home of a variety of spices. It is the largest producer of spices and preference for Indian spices is high among the foreigners. In North Eastern States of India including Tripura and Manipur, such spices play a major role in economic and social activities as well as for health care. There are many traditional varieties of spices which are extremely high medicinal values are being cultivated in this region.   

A two-day district level seminar on exploring ways to enhance spice production in Tripura began at Agartala (Capital of Tripura) on Feb 9, 2015.  The seminar organized by the Spices Board, Government of India in association with Horticulture Department of Tripura Government under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), Around 150 spice cultivators from eight districts of the State participated in the seminar.

Addressing the seminar, Director of Horticulture Department Shri Saradindu Das focused on prevailing situation pertaining to spice cultivation in the State. Having said that spices are being cultivated in 8,000 hectare land and total spice production in the State presently stands at approximately 46,000 MT, he highlighted that spice farmers are facing trouble in procuring certified seeds and planting materials. He urged the Spices Board to take initiatives to this end. Before signing off, Das informed that cultivation of spices in one hectare land would yield a profit of Rs. 2 to 5 lakhs.

Mentioning about role of spices in addressing health issues of rural people, Joint Director of ICAR, Shri Mrinmoy Dutta emphasized on augmenting productivity and suggested diversification in spice cultivation. Presently, ginger, turmeric and chilli – these are prime spices that are being cultivated in the State. He also mentioned about necessity to identify and preserve cultivation of traditional varieties of spices.  

To aware farmers about research findings, modern technology, market management etc, several Technical sessions were arranged. The two-day seminar is expected to generate awareness amongst the progressive farmers, many of them are tribal people, about modern techniques. Technical sessions will also focus on organic farming practices.

Reporting by Jaydip Chakrabarti