Patchouli plantation programme commences
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, April 29 2011: A Patchouli Plantation programme organised by the State Medicinal Plants Board, Medical Directorate was held today at the conference hall of the Manipur State Aids Control Society.

Patchouli is a medicinal plant which produce sweet aroma.

It is being introduced in the state for the first time.

Health and Family Welfare Minister L Jayantakumar who graced the function as chief guest distributed patchouli plants to many farmers during the programme.

Speaking in the occasion, Jayantakumar said that Manipur is a naturally abundant state with rich flora.

Discovering and developing these natural resources will lead the state towards development.

He said that farmers who will be planting the patchouli plants need proper training since it needs technical and systematical handling and care.

Project Officer Arindam Chowdhury of NEDFI and R&D Centre Tripura who attended the function as guest of honour said that there are many types of medicinal and aromatic plants available in the state.

Only after discovering such plants, agro based industries in the state will be developed, he said.

He also said India needs 3000 metric ton of patchouli every year while the production rate is only 15 metric ton which makes it profitable for the state to produce the plants in large quantity.

In a speech, MS Khaidem, Project Co-ordinator Manipur Small Farmers and Agri Consortium said that they have been planning to introduce patchouli in the state since 2005 .

However lack of adequate fund and faith in the plantation cause the delay.

He said that there is three scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture which supports plantation of medicinal plants.

If the government helps the farmers with grants or loans under the schemes, the patchouli plantation in the state will be successful.

Director, Department of Health and Family Welfare S Ibomcha presided over the function.

President, AMAPCON P Devkanta and Scientist in Charge of the North East Institute of Science and Technology Dr H Birkumar also attended the function as guests of honour.

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