Gangtok,August12 : A day long hands on training programme on scientific cherry pepper (Dalle Khorsani) cultivation was organized on 10th August, 2009 at ICAR Sikkim Centre, Tadong, Gangtok where more than fifteen participants of three different villages of South and East district participated.
The programme held under Technology Mission, MM-I Project of ICAR was inaugurated by the institute’s Joint Director, Dr. H. Rahman who highlighted importance of cherry pepper in present day scenario and gave some valuable information. Welcoming the guests and participants Dr. Rahman in his address also informed that ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre is working on various aspects of agricultural, horticultural and animal husbandry.
Regarding spices, he mentioned that India leads in many spices like chilli, ginger, large cardamom, black pepper, turmeric, etc. Chillies are important cash crop and grown for their pungency. It is rich in Vit A & D, minerals and proteins. They have many medicinal values also.
Northeast India has special varieties of chillies like Naga chilli, King chilli, Tezpur chilli, Cherry pepper, etc. Cherry pepper (Dalle Khorsani) is the favourite chilli of Sikkim and Darjeeling hills because of its moderate pungency and good aroma. Because of its higher demand and low availability, the farmers can fetch very good return of about Rs.10 lakhs/ ha by proper management and precautionary measures in cherry pepper cultivation, Dr. Rahman said.Dr R. K. Avasthe, Principal Scientist of ICAR highlighted problems of horticultural crops with reference to dalle cultivation and processing. Dr. (Mrs.) Saroj Toppo, Sr. Scientist and In-charge of Women Empowerment Cell, ICAR, Sikkim Centre, mentioned that the institute has been engaged in imparting trainings in fruit and vegetable processing, mushroom production, backyard poultry production, machine knitting and sewing for women empowerment.
Scientist Dr. Ashok Kumar gave the training on how to cultivate and process cherry pepper avoiding disease and insect pest problems under organic regime
