CSIR-IHBT Palampur hosts “Sustainable Aroma Farming: Industry, Farmer &Academia Meet”

CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, HP, India hosted the “Sustainable Aroma Farming: Industry, Farmer &
Academia Meet” under the CSIR-Aroma Mission on September 23, 2024. Over 100 farmers,
entrepreneurs and start-ups from Himachal Pradesh and various industrialists and scientists
participated in this event that aimed at promoting aromatic plant cultivation in the
Himalayan region. Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, CSIR-IHBT, presided over the event.
In his opening remarks, he highlighted the activities of the institute and the various
opportunities for farmers and industries. Chief Guest of the function, Dr. Manish Das,
Director of ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Research (ICAR-DMAPR),
Anand, Gujarat shared insights on sustainable medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation and
innovative technologies. Guest of Honour, Sh. Surender Mohan from Natural Biotech
Products, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh provided details on aromatic plants and their marketing
in Himachal Pradesh, while Dr Ramakant Harlalka, founder and chairman of Nishant Aroma
Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai, Maharashtra discussed the scope of potential aromatic plants, viz.,
damask rose, chamomile, scented geranium, aromatic marigold, rosemary, mushkbala,
jasmine etc. in Himalaya and their economic potential.
Dr. Sanatsujat Singh, Head of the Agrotechnology Division discussed about improved
varieties of aromatic crops developed by the CSIR-IHBT. Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Senior Principal
Scientist and Co-Nodal Officer of the Aroma Mission, stressed that crops such as citronella,
lemongrass and palmarosa are profitable in low altitude rainfed regions. He emphasised
that essential oil produced from these aromatic plants is used in the fragrance industry,
cosmetics, toiletries, food & beverages industry and aromatherapy. The global essential oil
market was valued at USD 8.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.8%
reaching a value $15.3 billion by 2027.
During the workshop, farmers engaged in discussions, raised queries about aromatic crop
cultivation and visited demonstration plots for hands-on learning. To further encourage the
adoption of these crops, seeds of marigold, chamomile, and palmarosa were distributed to
farmers. Progressive farmers of these crops Mr Pawan Kumar, Mr Om Prakash, Mrs Pooja,
Mrs Asha and Mr Deep Singh also expressed their views and apprised about their success
stories of aromatic crops and their products. The participants were also shown
demonstration plots at the Chandpur Farm, where they learned about cultivation, post-
harvest processing and storage techniques. Er. Mohit Sharma, Principal Scientist (Chemical
Engineer), gave a practical demonstration of essential oil processing to the farmers. This
event offered a critical platform for strengthening collaboration between industry, farmers
and academia, promoting the future of aroma farming in the Himalayan region.  
On the occasion, two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed to boost
collaboration, facilitate technology transfer, and create strategic partnerships.