Question : CULTIVATION OF MAHUA TREE

(a) whether the Government is aware that the scientists at the Forest College and Research Institute (FCRI) of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Mettupalayam have conducted research of an alternative edible oil from `Mahua` seeds which is very useful for human beings, fish, cattle and the Mahua tree has the potential of enhancing rural income;

(b) if so, whether the Government has taken any steps to promote the cultivation of Mahua tree and any incentive is proposed to be given to the planters;

(c) if so, the details thereof; and

(d) if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)

(a) Yes, Sir. Forest College and Research Institute of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University has conducted research on Mahua to identify and popularize potential oil yielding tree as a source of alternate edible oil. Accordingly, this institute has conducted intensive research and identified 30 potential genotypes based on oil content which ranged between 26.48% and 51.50%. The institute has also standardized the clonal propagation method using cleft grafting approach for mass multiplication of high yielding and high oil content varieties.

(b) & (c): To strengthen the current research and popularize Mahua as a source of oil yielding tree, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research has recently funded a network project to the Forest College and Research Institute (FCRI), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu for improvement of Mahua tree and establishment of potential progenies suitable for various locations and their popularization as a Tree Borne Oilseeds.

(d) Does not arise.