Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 23 September 2024
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sippighat, under the administrative control of the Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram, recently organized a two-day training program focused on the harvesting and processing of cinnamon. The event took place at the Collinpur Gram Panchayat Hall and aimed to enhance local farmers’ skills in producing and marketing this valuable spice.
The program saw the participation of key officials, including Ms. Sujata Singh, Pradhan of Collinpur, Dr. Y Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist and Head of KVK, Dr. Ajit Arun Waman, Senior Scientist at CIARI, Dr. Pooja Kapoor, Subject Matter Specialist in Home Science, and Training Coordinator Ms. Sushma, Subject Matter Specialist in Horticulture. Support staff from KVK, Sippighat, also contributed to the smooth execution of the training.
Dr. Ajit Waman kicked off the event with a lecture highlighting the scope and importance of cinnamon in India, emphasizing its potential as a profitable crop for the region. Dr. Y Ramakrishna followed with insights into the marketing aspects, providing attendees with knowledge about the demand and market dynamics of cinnamon, both locally and nationally.
Practical demonstrations were a key feature of the training, offering hands-on experience to the participants. Ms. Sushma led a session on the proper techniques for harvesting and peeling cinnamon, while Dr. Pooja Kapoor showcased the drying process, an essential step for preserving the quality of the spice.
The training was attended by fourteen farmers and farm women from the region, who actively engaged with the experts to refine their understanding of cinnamon production. The event reflects KVK Sippighat’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices and equip local farmers with the skills needed to tap into lucrative markets.
Such initiatives are expected to boost the cultivation of cinnamon in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, offering farmers new opportunities for economic growth.