GUWAHATI: The Jorhat district of Assam has been selected as the district to produce Bhoot Jolokia also called Raja Jolokia (King Chilli) under the ODOP (One district, one product) scheme of the government.
As per the scheme, a product is identified as large-scale production and of world-class quality only in one district.
On Thursday 17 March, the DC (Deputy Commissioner) of Jorhat, Ashok Kumar Barman at a press meeting announced that Jorhat is selected to produce King Chilli.
The ODOP comes under PM Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (PMFME) that adopts the approach of one district one product to derive the benefits in obtainment terms of inputs, marketing and availing common services.
The Jorhat DC stated that ODOP is an Indian Government initiative, a transformational move towards realizing the actual potential of a district, rural entrepreneurship, economic growth, and generation of employment that takes the nation towards the objectives of Atma Nirbhar Bharat.
Barman informed that in view of this initiative, a total of 2000 farmers Teok, Nakachari and other regions of the district are employed for the production of the chilies on large scale.
Moreover, a logo and a mascot are also designed for creating awareness about this major initiative and turning it into a great success.
According to the DC, a mascot is made to be displayed on two by-passes at the entry and exit points of Jorhat and a logo of the chili will be showcased at public transport.
It may be mentioned that the Bhoot Jolokia with antioxidant properties is one of the hottest chilies across the globe with 1,001,304 SHU (Scoville Heat Units) and consists f the world's highest naturally occurring chemical component OI capsaicin which has numerous health benefits.
Notably, an ordinary green chili measures Scoville Heat Units of 15,000 to 30, 000. A hot and humid weather condition is important for the growth and production of Bhoot Jolokia.
Capsaicin in Bhoot Jolokia helps to cure various skin diseases and also proves to be beneficial in killing prostate cancer cells and in blocking breast cancer cells.
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