MP to introduce vegetarian

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Shajapur, MP, Jan 17 (UNI) Even though the markets are flooded with chemical ' (vermillion)', an effort is underway to introduce natural and vegetarian '' by cultivating the plant on large scale in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh.

Climatic conditions and soil in Shajapur district had been found to be conducive for the cultivation of 'Bixa Orellana L' -- locally known as 'Raktbeeja' or 'Karchhanda' -- and seeds had been procured from Jabalpur and Vadodara for the purpose.

Presently, commercial cultivation of the plant was being done in South India and Maharashtra.

''The nursery would be developed on one acre land within the agricultural farm of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra and later the seeds would be distributed among the famers,'' Kendra's agriculture scientist Rajeev Umat told UNI here.

''Waste and barren land could be used for its cultivation and the '' derived from its seeds could be sold for Rs 4,000-4,500 per kg,'' Dr Umat claimed.

The shrub, normally 3-10 metres in height, starts flowering in the third year of planting.

The leaves of the plant are evergreen with reddish veins and a round, heart-shaped base and a pointed tip. With a thin, long stem, the leaves are between 8-20 cm long and 5-14 cm wide, while the twigs are covered with rust-coloured scales when young and bare when older.