K'taka weighs drought-proof crops
KARUN IYER
TIMES NEWS NETWORK [ TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2004 10:34:01 PM ]

BANGALORE: The horticulture department of India's garden state of Karnataka is in a make-over mood. From merely being a provider of agricultural inputs, it is now looking at addressing critical issues vital for the growth of the state's horticulture sector.
It is even looking at promoting the cultivation of bio-fuel crops - leading auto manufacturers like Daimler Chrysler have evinced interest in bio-fuels which are non-polluting and environment-friendly.

The department's focus is on the availability of water, on reducing the use of pesticides in agriculture produce and on making the state's agriculture sector globally competitive.
It has forwarded a proposal to the state government to promote crops classified as "drought-proofing" horticulture.

Official sources told ET that "We plan to encourage crops like amla and bilva which can be grown as drought-proof crops. While the programme would be focusing on the entire state, special attention would be paid to areas like Kolar, Gauribidanur and Sira which have prolonged spells of dry weather."

Besides ensuring continuity of agriculture operations, horticulture department officials are confident that their policies will catalyse investment into the processing sector and stimulate demand for agro-produce. With the rising popularity of bio-fuels, the horticulture department is also examining the possibility of encouraging cultivation of Jetropha Curcus and Pungemia which have gained prominence as key bio-fuel crops.

"The department intends to commence cultivation of these crops on an experimental basis on its farms. Once we are able to commercialise the cultivation practices, we should be able to offer a package for the growers," sources said.

Another oilseed which the department intends to promote as bio-fuel is oil palm. Oil palm, which is grown in abundance in Malaysia, is commonly used as an edible oil. However, while it is popular in India as a cooking medium, cultivation of oil palm has not taken off in the country as domestic oil palm prices have not been remunerative. Bio-fuels have gained in importance as they are non-polluting and perceived as environment-friendly.

The state horticulture department has also commenced a programme for promoting pomegranate for the export market. "We plan to sell pomegranates grown here in the Gulf and Europe," sources added.