Udaipur : Udaipur Efforts are being made to change the fortunes of the farmers of the tribal area by increasing the production of custard apple, which is found in large quantities in southern Rajasthan. On the demand of Udaipur MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi has given approval to start research work to increase the quality and yield of Custard Apple in the Aravalli mountain range area. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Deputy Director of the Council, told MP Dr. This information has been given in the letter sent in response to Rawat. He told that a team of agricultural scientists from the Indian Horticultural Research Institute, Bangalore will do this research work. National Agricultural Development Scheme, Ministry of Agriculture and Welfare will provide financial assistance for this research work. Last month, MP Dr. Rawat had written a letter to the Union Agriculture Minister and the Director General of Agricultural Research in this regard, demanding to increase the yield of custard apple, which is grown in lakhs in the Aravalli mountain ranges of southern Rajasthan. Along with this, a demand was made to grant approval to run a big scientific project to improve the quality of Custard Apple plants and convert them into more profitable crop and forest produce. Here, a plant has been developed to separate pulp and seeds from custard apple. Plants for preserving and packing them for several days are also available. Which are installed at places like Chittorgarh, Gogunda, Jhadol etc.
Can get recognition as Mewari brand
MP Dr. Rawat told in the letter that Custard Apple is found naturally in abundance in the Aravalli mountain ranges of Mewar. Custard apple is grown in very few places in the country. Among these, most of the custard apple is found in southern Rajasthan. Sitaphal found in Chittor, Rajsamand as well as tribal areas of Southern Rajasthan like Jhadol, Gogunda, Salumber etc. has some deficiencies due to various reasons. If they are improved through scientific methods then its yield can be doubled. Sitaphal can be given a unique identity as a Mewari brand at the national and international level.
Expert: There will be a revolutionary change in the economic situation
Entomologist Professor Manoj Mahala of Maharana Pratap Agricultural University said that this research project can bring a revolutionary change in the economic condition of farmers in the tribal area of southern Rajasthan. The size of farms in Mewar region is small, due to which the income of farmers is also low. In such a situation, local tribal families lack means of livelihood, which is a major reason for migration. With this improvement, it can become a major source of livelihood at the local level, which can change the lives of millions of people. In this region, the custard apple plant grows easily in the hilly and rocky areas. It requires very less water. The new research project will enable the size of its fruit to increase. The amount of pulp inside will also be quite high. Which is in great demand in the national and international market.
