'Mint to Mint' conf at Kannyakumari on Jan 18

Chennai, Jan 6: In a bid to create awareness on Mint with specific emphasis on Carvone Rich Mint, the Indian Institute of Rural Development (IIRD) is organizing a National Conference at Kanniyakumari on January 18.

The conference titled ''Mint to Mint'' would present the potentials of Mint, existing practices of Mint and advantages of producing Mint in South India, an IIRD release here said.

Scientists in the field of Mint, expert in crop production, heads of departments of horticulture and agriculture, practitioners of Indian systems of Medicine, representatives from horticulture and agriculture departments, both from state and central governments, would address the conference.

The Regional Research Laboratory (RRL), Jammu Fragrance and Flavour Development Center (FFDC), Kanauj (UP) and Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Delhi, have consented to participate and preside over different sessions.

The conference would have three technical sessions dedicated to various aspects of Mint farming and production. While the technical session would deal with the basic concepts of ''Mint as best alternative crop,'' the other sessions would deal about ''Mint Oil Extraction and Processing'' and ''Potential of Mint in Commodity Marketing,'' the release added.

A Souvenir with compilation of technical papers relevant to Mint industry would be released in the National Conference. It would also highlight ''Project Challenge,'' a holistic project to be set up near Tirunelveli.

''The Project Challenge aims at encouraging rural Technocrats to grow Menthol Mint as product of commerce,'' the release added.

UNI