The ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Ernakulam) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute is selling curry leaf seeds in one-kg packets for Rs.1,100 a packet. Approximately 1,500 seedlings can be raised from one kilogram of seeds. Advance booking is open till August 16 at the CMFRI sales counter.
Seeds have to be planted approximately two cm deep in polyethylene covers measuring 15 cmx10 cm and filled with potting mixture. Germination takes 10 to 25 days and saplings will be ready for transplantation in two months. A statement issued by the KVK said the seedlings had been readied after reports on high pesticide residues in curry leafs available in market. There is growing interest among people to raise curry leaf plants for their own use at home.
However, saplings commonly available in Kerala raised from root splits do not establish well as tap roots do not develop in them. The KVK has identified that saplings raised from seeds develop tap roots and get establish easily. The curry leaf plant seedling sale is part of the KVK efforts to generate safe to eat vegetables.
