Monk fruit the wonder fruit for lifestyle diseases like Type-2 diabetes being cultivated in Himachal

<p>
<strong>Now some good news for those affected by diabetes. Monk fruit known throughout the world for its sweetness and use as a non-caloric natural sweetener, thus rendering it ideal for those affected by diabetics, is being grown in Himachal Pradesh.</strong></p>
<p>
The scientists of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, have planted monk fruit saplings for cultivation in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district.</p>
<p>
The cultivation was initiated on a trial basis, informed the IHBT’s Director Sanjay Kumar by initially planting just 50 seedlings. They have been planted in the fields of a farmer by the name Manav Khullar which is located at Raison in Naggar tehsil of Kullu on July 12.</p>
<p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qep9ZVtHj3k" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>
Once these plantations become a success, then monk fruit will be commercially grown.</p>
<p>
Originally grown in China where it is known as luohan guo, the scientific name of the monk fruit is Siraitia grosvenorii. It is small and resembles a green melon and was named after the Buddhist monks who originally grew and used it.</p>
<p>
Interestingly, Professor G W Groff in 20th Century had attempted to grow the monk plant but was unsuccessful as flowers did not appear.</p>
<p>
<strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/health-news/innovator-farmer-hariman-sharma-s-apple-variety-takes-root-in-states-91519.html">Innovator farmer Hariman Sharma’s apple variety takes root in 30 States</a></strong></p>
<p>
The monk fruit’s claim to fame internationally is that it is widely known for its sweetness and well as a non-caloric natural sweetener.</p>
<p>
Given the fact that monk fruit is beneficial for several medical conditions, including insulin resistance, Type-2 diabetes, liver problems, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease and is in great demand globally, it was cultivated in China only.</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="https://www.indianarrative.com/upload/news/Monk_fruit.jpg" style="width: 1200px; height: 667px;" /></p>
<p>
Explaining the reason to Hindustan Times as to why it was decided to grow monk fruit, Kumar said: <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/scientists-introduce-china-s-monkfruit-in-himachal-101626331206904.html">“Suitable agro-climatic conditions are also</a> available in India, particularly in Himachal Pradesh. Keeping in mind the importance and essentiality of non-nutritive natural sweeteners, we have introduced monk fruit in Kullu.”</p>
<p>
<strong>Monk fruit seeds arrive in India in 2018</strong></p>
<p>
Sharing the background as to how this fruit landed in India, Kumar said the seeds were brought to India from China through New Delhi’s based Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, in March 2018.</p>
<p>
Probir Kumar Pal, the Principal Scientist at CSIR-iHBT and his team worked hard to develop the technology for generating quality planting material, its basic agronomic cultivation practices, fruiting technique and post-harvest management.</p>
<p>
Currently, monk fruit is being grown with good quality fruits at IHBT under farm conditions. Kumar told HT: “The plant grows well in mountainous areas with an annual mean temperature of 16 to 20°C and humid conditions. Himachal Pradesh is suitable for its large-scale cultivation.”</p>
<p>
The initial phase of the project was financed by CSIR and at present the cultivation stage is being financially supported by the Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology and Environment, Shimla.</p>
<p>
<strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/culture-news/a-strange-tale-of-mangoes-trains-guards-and-dogs-sa-98156.html">A strange tale of mangoes, trains, guards, and dogs</a></strong></p>
<p>
Sharing further details about post-cultivation, scientist Pal said the plant began bearing fruit in eight months if the atmosphere is conducive. According to the experiments conducted the average life of the plant is between four to five years. The weight of the fruit varies between 60 and 65 grams while in some cases it may be 100 gm. Each plant generally yields nearly one kilogram of fruit.</p>
<p>
<strong>Alternative for sugar</strong></p>
<p>
The IHBT Director averred that cane sugar causes a number of lifestyle diseases, namely, insulin resistance, Type-2 diabetes, liver problems, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease. To curb and check these, monk fruit is a healthy alternative.</p>
<p>
Data in India shows that there are 6.24 crore people with Type-2 diabetes and so monk fruit as per Kumar, this could be a wonder fruit for them!</p>
<p>
Incidentally, the field trials commenced three years after CSIR-IHBT imported monk fruit seeds from China and grew it in the house.</p>