CIMAP helps create ‘mint conditions' on Indo-Pak border
A team of CIMAP scientists successfully grew CIM Unnati, a high-yielding menthol mint variety developed by the institute, on 500 acres of land dotted with bunkers in the area.
But why the border area? Well, something else must grow there alongside the tensions.
To improve the financial condition of farmers living in the border areas, as its extension activity, the scientific institute helped around 60 farmers in the area to reap rich benefits by cultivating CIMAP's menthol variety.
'Farmers are yielding 70 to 80 kg from CIM Unnati, which led to an additional income of Rs 60,000 to Rs 65,000 in 120 days,' said CIMAP's senior principal scientist Sanjay Kumar. 'CIMAP's menthol variety has helped farmers by increasing the menthol yield, leading to higher income and self-reliance. We also offered solutions for challenging soil conditions in the region, promoted sustainable practices, and provided farmers with valuable training and resources,' said institute's director Prabodh Trivedi.
Kumar said CIM Unnati is designed to produce more essential oil than existing commercial varieties. It consistently demonstrated higher essential oil yield in field trials. The variety matures in 100-110 days and has a menthol content of around 74.3%, meeting industry standards.
CIMAP now plans to establish a vetiver cultivation cluster along the banks of the Sutlej River near the Zero Line.
Scientists visited the site and planned activities. The cultivation will help control soil erosion and prevent land degradation. Local farmers will benefit from additional income through essential oil production. This initiative aims to promote sustainable agriculture practices in border areas.
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