Inauguration of a Five-Day Training Programme on Advanced Cultivation, Processing and Marketing of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants at CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow for Farmers from Saran (Chapra), district of Bihar
Lucknow: A five-day training program on cultivation, processing, and marketing of medicinal and aromatic plants commenced at CSIR–Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, for farmers selected by the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Saran (Chapra), Bihar. A total of 30 participants from Saran district are attending the program. The main objective of the program is to create awareness among farmers about the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic crops along with technologies related to value addition and product development so that they can obtain direct economic benefits.
During the inaugural session, Aroma Mission Project Coordinator and Scientist-G Dr. Sanjay Kumar addressed the participants and stated that CSIR-CIMAP has been encouraging farmers for more than 60 years to adopt medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation by providing improved varieties, quality planting material, and modern agro-technologies. As a result, millions of farmers have benefited directly and indirectly. Adoption of institute-developed technologies has helped India achieve the top global position in mentha and lemongrass oil production. He expressed confidence that the trainees will disseminate the gained knowledge among farmers in their respective districts and promote crops such as vetiver, palmarosa, and other aromatic plants, thereby strengthening self-reliance and export potential. He further added that during the next four days scientists will provide detailed training on cultivation practices, primary processing, and marketing.
In the technical sessions, Dr. Ram Suresh Sharma briefed participants about the institute’s activities and services. Earlier, Mr. Deepak Kumar Verma conducted a field visit for the participants, introduced them to various facilities, and helped them to identify different medicinal and aromatic plants. Dr. Rajesh Kumar Verma shared improved agronomic practices of vetiver, while Dr. Ram Suresh Sharma explained advanced cultivation techniques of tulsi. Dr. Rakshpal Singh demonstrated improved organic production technologies for medicinal and aromatic crops. Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Dr. R. K. Srivastava, Dr. Ram Suresh Sharma, and research scholars from CSIR-CIMAP participated in the program.
