75 farmers participated in the programme
School of Organic Farming, PAU Ludhiana organised a farmers’ training programme on ‘Cultivation and Processing of Aromatic & Spice Crops’ in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Langroya, SBS Nagar. The programme was organised under the aegis of the Directorate of Arecanut & Spices Development, Calicut, Kerala and 75 farmers participated in the programme. Dr Rajendar Kumar, Principal Agronomist coordinated the training programme. Dr SS Walia inaugurated the programme and shared the information on profitable aromatic and spice crop based cropping systems. Dr Amandeep Singh Brar, Deputy Director, KVK Langroya, SBS Nagar briefed the participants about the scope of the aromatic and spice crops in district SBS Nagar.
Dr Kumar highlighted the importance of aromatic, herbal and spice crops and elaborated the cultivation practices of turmeric and mentha. Lectures on the processing of turmeric and other spice crops, cultivation of Cymbopogon species, production practices of seed spices, insect pests and diseases of aromatic, medicinal and spice crops and their management, Agri-Business model for aromatic and medicinal plants and export procedure for agri commodities were delivered by Dr Kumar, Dr Vajindar Pal, Dr Kamaldeep Singh Sangha, Dr Tarsem Chand, Dr Subash Singh, Dr Khushdeep Singh Dharni and Dr Tejbeer Singh.
Thereafter, the experts had a fruitful discussion with the farmers and answered their queries. Dr Kuldeep Singh Bhullar, fruit scientist and Dr Vajindar Pal, Agronomist familiarized the participants with aromatic, medicinal and spice crops by arranging an exhibition showcasing various aromatic and spice crops and their products. Fenugreek seed of variety ML 150 was distributed among the farmers.
Plants of Gudmar, Bajradanti, Satavar, Ajwainpatta, Kalmegh, Lemongrass, Curry patta, Akarkara etc were distributed among the participants by Dr Rajender Kumar and Dr Amandeep Singh Brar. The participants were highly satisfied with the programme and desired more such kind of training in future. The training ended with a vote of thanks by Dr Tejbeer Singh, KVK Langroya, SBS Nagar.
