PROSPECTS OF NONI CULTIVATION IN NORTH EAST INDIA

Morinda citrifolia L. popularly known as 'Noni' is an important food and medicinal plant. It contains about 196 nutraceuticals and has good antioxidant potential. It is reported to have antidiabetic, anticancer, anti arthritis properties and help to reduce the blood pressure. Rain Forest Research Institute has introduced some elite planting materials of noni from Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), Port Blair in Assam, Mizoram and Tripura and they are showing promising results. North East India has a rich diversity of medicinal plants and a majority of the rural population depends largely on herbal medicines. As noni has huge market potential and health benefit, promoting its cultivation and consumption of noni juice will help the farmers to increase their income on the one hand and also gain health benefits.