One day seminar on management of parkia, agar tree plantation held

DIPR
Imphal, Aug 17: A one day seminar on management of Parkia (Yongchak) and agar was organised by the Forest Department at the Hotel Imphal today. Resource persons including various scientists discussed the various methods to reduce the mortality of yongchak (Parkia timoriana) and Agarwood induction technology.
Speaking as the chief guest of the function, Forest and Environment Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar said that number of parkia trees, whose fruit (Yongchak) is a popular delicacy in the State, is declining due to 'some diseases'. Stating that Yongchak is imported from the neighbouring countries due to high demand, he said that those grown in the soil of the State has a unique flavour.
He further said that Parkia trees, which take about 7 to 10 years to mature,  can attain maturity within 3 years using modern methods. He appealed farmers to follow the methods experts suggest at the seminar.
Regarding Agar tree, he identified Jiribam, Moreh and Kamjong as best suitable places for its plantation. He opined that with the knowledge shared by the experts, jhum cultivation can be controlled in the State with agar plantation. It can be another source of livelihood for the farmers, he added.
He also opining that  widespread Parkia and Agar tree plantations will surely help conserve environment.
Suhel Akhtar, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest and Environment) opined that Yongchak and Agar tree plantations can be source of income of farmers.
Market value of an agarwood tree ranges between USD 5,600 to 10,000, he said  and informed that the tree is grown in certain climatic condition, not beyond 1,000 meters above sea level. "Planters/farmers have to wait for a minimum of 8 years so that artificial induction can be done and after that harvesting is done," he said.
K Angami, PCCF and HoFF said that the non-scientific management and extraction of agarwood oil has reduced the population of the Agar trees which was once grown naturally in the State. Agar tree plantation is a good option for farmers to improve their socioeconomic condition, he said.
The seminar was also attended by many scientists including Dr RK Borah, Scientist, Rain Forest Research Institute (RFRI), Jorhat, scholars from different institutes, NGOs, progressive farmers and officials of the Forest Department.