Pecan nut nursery comes up in Nainital
HALDWANI: With an aim to make barren land cultivable in hilly areas and increase income of hill farmers, a nursery of pecan nut is coming up in Nainital district. This nursery, first of its kind in the state, is being set up by Uttarakhand Council of Biotechnology at Patwadangar.
According to officials, to promote integrated ecological development research programmes in Himalayan region, a project “Study and Promotion of Pecan Nuts” funded by GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Kosi-Katarmal Almora.
These plants will be ready in two to three years. After this the council will hand it over to GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment. From there along with developing it through the institute, surrounding villagers will also be made aware of its production, officials said.
Pecan nuts are sold at two to three times the price of walnuts, which will increase income of farmers, the officials said.
Dr Sumit Purohit, in charge of Uttarakhand Council of Biotechnology, said: “Pecan nut is an American nut species. At present, a total of 55 plants have been prepared in the nursery in Patwadangar. Ecological conditions in Uttarakhand are much better for pecan nuts, which occur at an altitude of 750 to 1,500 metres above sea level.”
“This species of nut is very beneficial not only from the economic but also from environmental point of view. Along with this, if their plants are planted in the barren land in the state, then in future they can become a big source of rural economy. Planting of its plants is a kind of long- term investment. Their trees start bearing fruit from the seventh year” he said.
The pecan nut is smaller in size as compared to walnuts grown in Uttarakhand and is quite tasty and nutritious in comparison to that. Due to its long big roots, this tree can also withstand drought conditions, so this tree can be planted in dry areas also.