ITANAGAR, Jan 7— A revolution in Citronella cultivation introduced by Itanagar branch of Regional Research Laboratory (RRL) has given a new lease of life to about 130 families in Arunachal Pradesh, who have earned Rs 35 lakh over a period of three years from the sell of citronella oil, reports PTI.
Cultivation of this new crop gained ground after formation of cooperative societies to grow citronella and extract its oil, Dr B N Saha, scientist incharge of RRL, told PTI Friday. Citronella oil is mainly used as an ingredient of anti-pest solutions. Saha said the RRL supplied planting materials free of cost, provided training to the farmers and set up seven processing units of 600 kg per batch capacity with financial help from the Union Bio-technology department (DBT). The constant encouragement extended by RRL to the farmers increased the cultivation area to 290 acre, he disclosed.
Meanwhile, Dr Sushil Kumar, chairman task force, DBT and Dr DVP Gupta, advisor DBT, who inspected extraction plants in Kharsingsa and Hime villages of Papum Pare district recently lauded the achievement of the projects. The liquid gold yeilding crops was very much remunerative and promoted industrial activities in the State, they said. Satisfied with the successful project implementation they have assured to grant more such projects, to Arunachal Pradesh in future, Dr Saha added.