A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram, and Mrs. R. Karthika Devi, a young entrepreneur from South Andaman, on March 4, 2025, for the licensing of the patented technology “Dweep CinnRub.” This cinnamon bark rubbing tool is user-friendly and helps save time and energy in the process of harvesting true cinnamon. Currently, no specialized tools are available in the market for rubbing cinnamon bark, and traditional methods often lead to quality loss in most cases. The process of harvesting cinnamon involves scraping off the outer layer of bark, rubbing the stems, and carefully removing the inner bark from the stem of the tropical species Cinnamomum verum. Since this operation requires skill, only a few individuals are familiar with the technique of bark extraction in production areas, which increases the cost of harvesting.
To address this issue, a team of researchers from ICAR-CIARI, namely Dr. Ajit Arun Waman and Dr. Pooja Bohra, developed this innovative tool. It is expected to be a boon for existing cinnamon cultivators in coastal and island states of India, as well as in regions where cinnamon cultivation is expanding. To ensure the technology is accessible in both local and national markets, it was licensed to Mrs. R. Karthika Devi, who aims to mass-produce the tool so that it reaches the stakeholders who need it most. Dr. Eknath B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, expressed his happiness that a young woman entrepreneur from these islands has shown interest in taking up this initiative and extended his best wishes for her venture.