Empowering Meghalaya’s Farmers with Fragrance: CSIR-IHBT Brings Aroma Mission to Life

In a vibrant step toward rural empowerment, a team led by Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director of CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, visited Meghalaya from November 2–4, 2025. Their mission: to strengthen research and outreach under Phase III of the CSIR-Aroma Mission and forge new collaborations with state departments.

During the visit, the team engaged with officials from the Institute of Natural Resources, Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA), North Eastern Region Community Resource Management (NERCORMS), and scientists from BRIC-IBSD, Shillong. They introduced innovative CSIR-IHBT technologies tailored to Meghalaya’s unique agro-climatic conditions, aiming to uplift local farmers through sustainable aromatic crop cultivation.

A major highlight was the inauguration of a 500 kg capacity field distillation unit (FDU) in Phlangwanbroi village, Mawsynram block, East Khasi Hills. The event, graced by MLA Sh. Olan Singh Suin and attended by over 100 farmers, village leaders, and officials, marked a milestone in bringing essential oil extraction closer to the grassroots.

Dr. Yadav spoke passionately about the potential of aromatic plants—not just as crops, but as gateways to the perfumery, flavor, fragrance, and pharmaceutical industries. He reaffirmed CSIR-IHBT’s commitment to expanding aromatic crop cultivation and providing technical support to farmers in remote regions across India.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chief Scientist and Co-Nodal Officer of the Aroma Mission, explained how essential oils from crops like lemongrass, mint, geranium, patchouli, and damask rose are used in everyday products—from perfumes and cosmetics to food flavoring and household cleaners. With Meghalaya’s climate perfectly suited for these crops, the region stands poised to tap into the booming global essential oils market, projected to reach USD 56.25 billion by 2033.

Adding a hands-on touch, Er. Mohit Sharma, Senior Principal Scientist, demonstrated the lemongrass oil extraction process using the newly installed unit. The demonstration sparked enthusiasm among farmers, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to CSIR-IHBT and MBDA for their support and vision.

This initiative is more than just technology transfer—it’s a fragrant promise of prosperity for Meghalaya’s farming communities.