“Value Chain Citrus Development” project at ICAR Research Complex for North-East Region at Jharnapani, Nagaland
Dr Harsh Vardhan was apprised about the preliminary study that has revealed that the quality of Ready–to–Serve (RTS) beverage and squash, prepared from Assam lemon following the protocols developed by IIT, Kharagpur, was of a very good quality and free from bitterness immediately after preparation. He was also informed that the steps for raising of rootstock seedlings in containerized nursery and wedge grafting in Khasi mandarin and Sweet orange have been standardized. Further, a large scale study of the enzymatic de–bittering of Assam lemon juice has also been successfully conducted. Fizzy drinks, Pectin Extraction, Juice concentrates by Flash Evaporation and Freeze Drying, Cold press and Hydro distilled peel oil have also been standardized by the facility and an innovative approach for preparation of carbonated drinks has been initiated.
The Minister, impressed with the research achievements under the project, encouraged the scientists to come up with new research ideas leading towards employment generation and development of North–East Region of India. He assured full cooperation of his Ministry for further enhanced R&D and extension initiatives in the region.