Farmers trained in black pepper production

Training program on black pepper production technology for farmers by Horticultural College and Research Institute and DASD, Kerala.

The Department.of Spices and Plantation Crops of Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, along with Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development (DASD),Kozhikode, Kerala, organised a training programme for farmers on production technology for black pepper on March 26.

T. Prabhu, Associate Professor and Head cum Principal investigator of the scheme, welcomed the gathering. J. Rajangam, Dean, presided over the programme. K.Thangaraja, Deputy Director of Extension, Coffee Board, Bodinayakanur, who delivered the special address, said India was a leading producer, consumer and exporter of black pepper which is cultivated to a large extent in Kerala, Karnataka, Tami Nadu and to a limited extent in North Eastern States, especially Assam.

In India, the crop is grown on about 1.34 lakh hectares with a production of 66,000 tonnes. It is a popular ingredient in different dishes and also used in traditional medicines in many parts of the world. It is widely used in ayurvedic treatment in India and in preparation of jams in Indonesia. Hence the demand for black pepper is steadily Increasing. Products that are certified and sold as organic black pepper fetch a premium price compared to conventionally produced ones, he said.

R. Ramaraj of Spices Board, Bodi, offered felicitations. Technical sessions on various aspects and demonstrations were held. A book on pepper cultivation was released. As many as 149 progressive farmers from Theni district participated.