Himachal to cultivate Peruvian apple

SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh has decided to initiate earnest measures to produce 'Ground Apple' known as 'Yacon' or 'Peruvian Ground Apple' which is low in calories and also have medicinal values. With the help of scientists from Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Solan state government would create awareness among people to increase its cultivation.
Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said that technique of cultivation would be discussed with the scientists of Dr Y S Parmar Horticulture University and every effort would be made to make aware the people to grow the fruit. He said that since the research centers of the University were also located on the higher reaches and tribal belts of Himachal Pradesh, efforts could be made to grow the Peruvian ground apple in the state which will besides adding to the economy of the hill people will also fetch them good amount by marketing their leaves as they have potential as a forage crop for animals and have a high protein contents. He said that the fruit is also easy to lift and harvest.
Virbhadra Singh said this after inspecting the longitudinal bulb like brown coloured tubers in Shimla on Wednesday which were produced by Satyajeet Negi in his orchards at Reckong-Peo, Poari and 'Kandas' (high hills) of district Kinnaur. Negi has produced as much as 40 to 50 kilograms of Ground Apple and was in Shimla to show sample of the same.
Satyajeet Negi said that it was a resident from Nepal who had brought the bulb of tubers from Nepal and gave the idea of producing applesfrom under the ground. "Ground Apple grows in a height ranging from 5000 feet onwards and also requires less space. It can be grown underground in the apple orchards itself and in return can yield better returns in terms of money," he said.
Negi said this was for the first time that he had sown ground apple in Kinnaur and it can also be used for extracting Juices and as being 'sugar free' can be treated in chocolates. The vegetable apple fruit having resinous taste can also be mixed with veggies and they weigh on average around 300 grams but can reach up to two kilograms and price will range between Rs 200 to Rs 300 kg, Negi added.