Question: Consider the following statements:
(1) The first sapling of heeng has been planted in Himachal Pradesh’s Kwaring village in Lahaul valley.
(2) Asafoetida is extracted from roots.
Of the above correct statement/s is/are:
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1&2
(d) None of the above
Answer: (c)
Related facts:
- CSIR constituent laboratory, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, recently made history by introducing asafoetida (Heeng) cultivation in Indian Himalayan region.
- The first sapling of heeng has been planted in Himachal Pradesh’s Kwaring village in Lahaul valley.
- Asafoetida, or heeng, is a high value spice crop in India commonly used in Indian Kitchens. It is not cultivated in India.
- India imports about 1,200 tonnes of raw heeng worth Rs 600 crore from Iran, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.
- About Heeng:
- Ferula asafoetida is a herbaceous plant of the umbelliferae family.
- It is a perennial plant whose oleo gum resin is extracted from its thick roots and rhizome. The plant stores most of its nutrients inside its deep fleshy roots.
- The plant takes about five years to produce the extractable olego gum resin.
- Asafoetida is endemic to Iran and Afghanistan, the main global suppliers.
- Conditions essential for Heeng cultivation:
- Heeng thrives best in dry and cold desert conditions.
- The plant can withstand a maximum temperature between 35 and 40 degree, whereas during winters, it can survive in temperatures up to minus 4 degree.
- Regions with sandy soil, very little moisture and annual rainfall of not more than 200mm are considered conducive for heeng cultivation in India.
- During extreme weather, the plant can get dormant.
- Future of Heeng cultivation in India:
- By the end of this year, the target is to cover one hectare with heeng cultivation.
- In the next five years the cultivation is to be extended to 300 hectares.
By-Amar Mani Upadhyay