Port Blair Sept 26: Gardener-both seasoned and amateur—have a new reason to celebrate. Researchers at the ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), here have developed a patented ‘Air Layering Bag’, a simple yet game-changing tool that promises to transform the way perennial trees are propagated.
Air layering, a specialised horticultural technique for multiplying woody plants, has traditionally been the domain of trained professionals because of the precision it demands. But with growing urban interest in gardening and home nurseries, the need for a more accessible method has been rising steadily.
Stepping up to meet this challenge, CIARI’s scientists—Dr. Ajit Arun Waman and Dr. Pooja Bohra, under the guidance of Institute Director Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar—have created a ready-to-use Air Layering Bag that makes the process nearly fool-proof. “This invention bridges the gap between professional horticulturists and everyday plant lovers,” said a CIARI spokesperson. “Even hobbyists with minimal training can now propagate fruit trees, spices and ornamentals with ease.”
The bag drastically reduces the time, skill and effort usually needed for air layering, making it ideal for farmers, nursery operators and gardening enthusiasts alike.
The successful registration of the innovation at the Indian Patent Office marks yet another milestone for CIARI, reinforcing the institute’s reputation for practical, community-focused research that empowers local growers and green-thumbed citizens.
By simplifying a once-tedious task, the Air Layering Bag is expected to accelerate the propagation of valuable tree species while nurturing the islanders’ growing passion for home gardens and sustainable horticulture.
