Lucknow | The valedictory session of the five-days training programme on “Economically Important Medicinal and Aromatic Plants for Bihar” was successfully organized today at CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow. The programme was organised during 16–20 February 2026 under the CSIR Aroma Mission. This program was sponsored by Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Saran, Bihar.
A total of 27 progressive farmers from Chapra, Saran district, Bihar participated in the training programme aimed at promoting scientific cultivation, processing, and value addition of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs).
The valedictory online address was delivered by Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine and Director, CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow. He elaborated on the impact of the Aroma Mission in aspirational districts, Himalayan regions, and flood-prone areas.
He emphasised how the Mission effectively connects scientists, farmers, industry, and other stakeholders on a single platform to strengthen the Indian economy. He also underlined the critical importance of value addition in enhancing farmers’ income.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Training Coordinator and Principal Investigator, CSIR Aroma Mission, in his address emphasised the growing importance of medicinal and aromatic plants in Indian agriculture, highlighting their role in crop diversification, sustainable growth, and doubling farmers’ income.
Dr. R. K. Srivastava, Head, Business Development Unit, spoke on post-harvest management practices, business opportunities in the medicinal and aromatic plants sector, and the institutional support extended by CSIR-CIMAP in establishing agro-based enterprises.
Dr. R. S. Sharma, Nodal Officer (Bihar), CSIR Aroma Mission, discussed the immense scope and suitability of aromatic crops in Bihar, particularly in view of the state’s agro-climatic conditions.
The session was coordinated by Dr. Rushikesh N. Bhise, who also proposed the vote of thanks. Participating farmers shared their feedback, appreciating the scientific exposure and practical insights gained during the training.
The programme reaffirmed CSIR-CIMAP’s commitment to empowering farmers through technology dissemination, entrepreneurship development, and strengthening the medicinal and aromatic plants sector under the CSIR Aroma Mission.
