Port Blair, Aug. 14: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra and CARI in collaboration with Directorate of Maize Research, New Delhi conducted a one day training cum Field Day on ‘Maize cultivation and value addition’ at Chouldari in Shri Madhus’ field on today i.e. dated 13/08/2012.

In the training Dr. Sai Kumar, Director, Maize Research, New Delhi was the Chief Guest and highlighted about the nutritive value of maize and its utility for human and livestock consumption.  He also informed the gathering that there is high demand of baby corn and other varieties of maize in the local market and there may not be any marketing problem if cultivation of maize is taken in large areas in the island.  Dr. R.K. Gautam, Head, Crop Science Division of CARI expressed his happiness and steps taken by KVK and his division for the promotion of maize cultivation in this island.  Dr. Ramesh Chand, described the varieties of maize and package and practices for cultivation of maize varieties  and Dr. V.K. Yadav, explained about the value addition products from Baby corn, sweet corn and High Quality Protein (HQP) maize and prepared the products involving the participating farmers.  At the last a field day was also organized for the farmers to demonstrate and popularize the cultivation of baby corn and other maize varieties  in the islands.  Sh. D.N. Madhu a farmer of Chouldari being the first farmer of the island for cultivation of baby corn shared his experiences for its cultivation and benefit  accrued after selling the produce in the market.

On the occasion Dr. Naresh Kumar, Scientist, CARI also spoken about the importance of maize cultivation in the Island.  Earlier, Dr. Nagesh Ram, Programme Coordinator, KVK, Port Blair welcomed the Chief Guest, Scientist  and farmers and vote of thanks proposed by Sh. L.B.Singh, SMS (Hort.), KVK, Port Blair.