Govt testing Chia seed cultivation to boost farm income
KOTA: The agriculture department has cultivated Chia seeds on onehectare land area at in Jodhpur and in Tonk... PRABHULAL SAINI, Agriculture and animal husbandry minister
The agriculture department is trying to introduce production of Chia seeds in the state to boost farmers’ income.
Chia seed, a costly crop, is also known as runners or warriors food due to its high nutritional value. The seeds, which are full of fibre, magnesium, potassium, iron and are low in fat and are popular in Mexico.
Now, the agriculture department is cultivating the crop at both places in the state to see the results.
Agriculture and animal husbandry minister Prabhulal Saini said, “The agriculture department has cultivated Chia seeds on one-hectare land area at the Agriculture University in Jodhpur and Center of Excellence (CoE) for Guava in Tonk district during the Rabi season.”
He said that eight varieties of Chia seeds have been cultivated each at both the places. “Since Chia seeds are a high-value crop (with rates as high as Rs 1 lakh per quintal), its cultivation can significantly increase the income of our farmers.”
Speaking about the nutritional value of Chia seeds, Saini said, “Chia is known for its nutritious value since it is also known as warrior crop or runner’s food”. He said that Chia seed has the potential to help cure 13 types of diseases, including obesity, cancer, stress and bone diseases.
Chia has several kinds of vitamin, including Vitamin A, B, C, D. It also contains Omega 3 plus anti-oxidant.
The minister said that the results of the chia cultivation will be analysed after which it will be introduced in the state.
He said that Rajasthan has already cultivated another cash crop, Quinoa, in the state.