Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 21: Prof Pradeep K. Shrama, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST- Jammu inaugurated the Field Gene Bank of Harad (Terminalia chebula) by planting graft of its superior selection.
48 plants of four superior selections of Harad were planted in the Gene Bank with a future scope for addition of more selections.
Harad is a multipurpose tree species- its fruit is a constituent of ayurvedic formulation “Trifala” considered panacea for stomachic problems, leaves are used as green fodder during lean period in winters and species is used for fuel, wood and timber.
Large size fruit fetches more price due to its use in preserve (Murabba) industry, widely used in Pakistan and Gulf countries. Due to less water requirement and resistant to monkey menace, farmers are now laying emphasis on plantation of this specie especially in kandi region.
So, to conserve the superior germplasm and provide quality planting material to farmers and to make them aware about its cultivation practices, the field gene bank of the said species was established. The Vice Chancellor appreciated the effort of the division for establishing the much needed gene bank of harad for improving livelihoods of the farmers.
On the occasion, Director Research, Dr JP Sharma, Dean, FoA, Dr DP Abrol, Dr KK Sood, Head, Division of Agroforestry, Dr SK Gupta, Dr NS Raina, Dr LM Gupta, Dr Sandeep Sehgal, Dr Punit Choudhary, Meenakshi Gupta and students of the division also planted the seedlings in the gene bank.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel