Farmers Embrace Aromatic Crops to Overcome Challenges
Farmers are increasingly facing difficulties such as reduced profits from traditional crops and damage caused by wild and stray animals. To address these issues, many are turning to aromatic and industrial crops as viable alternatives. In this context, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, organized an orientation workshop and seed distribution program under the Aroma Mission III on September 13, 2024. The event saw the participation of 60 farmers from Kangra and Chamba districts.
The chief guest, Prof. Shekhar C. Mande, Distinguished Professor at the Bioinformatics Center, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Maharashtra, and former Secretary, DSIR, Govt. of India, and Director General, CSIR New Delhi, interacted with the farmers. He highlighted that the Aroma Mission aims to double farmers’ incomes by promoting the cultivation of high-value aromatic crops and connecting their products with traders. Prof. Mande commended the collaborative efforts of CSIR laboratories in making the mission successful, noting the significant involvement of women farmers.
Dr. Sanatsujat Singh, Head of the Agrotechnology Division at CSIR-IHBT, informed the farmers about various high-yielding varieties of aromatic crops developed by the institute, such as marigold, citronella, chamomile, rosemary, damask rose, and lemon grass, which are well-suited for hilly regions. Mr. Ram Swaroop, Curator of the Palampur Science Center, provided insights into the popular science lecture series.
Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Senior Principal Scientist and Co-Nodal of the Aroma Mission, emphasized that aromatic and industrial crops have become profitable options for farmers in areas affected by animal menace and rainfed regions, due to their high international market demand. The essential oils derived from these crops are used in perfumes, aromatherapy, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, making them economically significant.
During the workshop, farmers discussed challenges related to the cultivation of aromatic crops. Progressive farmers from Kangra and Chamba districts, including Pawan Kumar, Chuni Lal, and Om Prakash, shared their experiences with cultivating aromatic marigold and lemon grass, and producing value-added products. These farmers have also formed societies, such as the Jan Kalyan Sabha Paprola Panthed in Baijnath, Kangra, with 1,000 members, and the Pragati Kalyan Kisan Samiti Sihunta in Chamba, with approximately 300-350 members.
The program included the distribution of seeds for marigold, chamomile, palmarosa, and clary sage, encouraging farmers to fully embrace aromatic crop cultivation. Additionally, farmers visited demonstration plots of aromatic crops at the Chandpur Farm of the institute, where they learned about post-harvest processing and storage. They also toured floriculture farms, flower cultivation areas, and the bamboo museum, and observed practical farming demonstrations.
Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director of CSIR-IHBT, reiterated the institute’s commitment to supporting the agricultural community by revitalizing the economy and doubling farmers’ incomes through capacity building and skill development programs under various CSIR mission projects.
