Koraput, June 26: Mentha, locally known as Pudina, of CIM-Unnati variety was cultivated in more than 25 acres of land first time in eight villages-- Pottuguda, Koriguda, Goluru, Kattawali, Kambri under Goluru Grampanchayat and Potubandhu, Bangargudi, and Sapraguda of Ampavali Gram Panchayat, all of Pottangi block in Koraput district. As many as 30 farmers undertook Mentha farming under the technical guidance of CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

This activity was supported by DMF, Koraput in a project mode and ORMAS, Koraput FPOs selected the farmers for its successful implementation. After Mentha crop successful cultivation, now a SS make boiler based distillation unit has been installed at AkaGoluru, Goluru Panchayat.

One acre of mentha crop produces 40-45 kg of essential oil through the hydrodistillation process. Mentha oil has high demand in the domestic and international market, and it is mainly used in flavour, fragrance and medicinal applications.

Koraput's hilly and pleasant climatic condition is very much suitable for this cultivation. For this activity, the support from Koraput Collector V Keerthi Vashan, CDO Benudhar Sabar, DMF Himanshu Satpathy, Deputy CEO, ORMAS, Roshan Karthik and Pottangi BDO Ram Nayak was hailed.

The training programme was inaugurated by Roshan Karthik, Dr. Prasanta Kumar Rout (CSIR-CIMAP), Dr. Priyabrat Mohapatra, Krupajal Engineering College, Bhubaneswar and local Sarapanch, Baldaba Nilama.

Dr. Rout narrated the importance of the Mentha crop for improving the economic and hygienic status of local tribal farmers. Karthik emphasized the marketing potential of Mentha essential oil in Odisha and neighbouring states.

More than 150 farmers, FPOs and SSGs members attained this demonstration cum training program. Jitendra Kumar Verma (CSIR-CIMAP), Dr. Priyabrat Mohapatra, Jetali Hantal demonstrated the preparation of value-added products such as soap, candle, and roll-on using Mentha essential oil to FPOs, SSGs members. CSIR-CIMAP aims to prepare the mentha oil-based Toothpaste preparation at Koraput and marketing supported by ORMAS in the near future. CSIR-CIMAP aims to expand this crop in the coming season to more than 100 acres of land in the Pottangi block.

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