Need to promote cultivation of heeng, monk fruit: Guv

Our Correpondent

Palampur, March 4

Governor Bandaru Dattatreya today appreciated the contribution of the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur (IHBT), in the introduction of heeng and monk fruit in Himachal Pradesh. He said it was needed to be further promoted through active collaboration with relevant state agencies so that the benefits were achieved faster and at a larger level. The Governor was speaking during a function at the CSIR-IHBT, Palampur.

He said saffron cultivation in the state would not only bring prosperity to local farmers, but also contribute in tackling the dwindling status of its production in the country. He said the institute had made an important contribution in the north-eastern states of the country by way of introduction of apples in 16.25 acres and aromatic crops and contributed in their capacity-building.

The Governor said preventing post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables was a serious national problem. He added that the institute’s technology on ready-to-eat crispy fruits and vegetables was highly relevant in enhancing their shelf life, yet maintaining nutritional status, and the product holds high market potential. He said the cultivation of lilium in the cold desert area of Lahaul and Spiti resulted in three to five times higher returns over the traditional crops.