Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 17: Under CSIR-Aroma Mission Phase-2, a day long training programme for farmers followed by distribution of quality planting material was held at CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu (IIIM) here today.
More than 150 farmers and other stakeholders, including more than 50 women from Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Reasi, Rajouri, Jammu, Samba, Ramban, Kathua, Pulwama, and Udhampur districts of J&K attended the program.
They were apprised of the Cultivation, Processing, Value Addition, and Marketing of Aromatic Crops. Quality planting material of high-value aromatic crops like Rosemary (1, 00,000 plants), Wild Marigold (250 Kg seeds), and Clary Sage (10 kg seeds) for cultivation on more than 250 acres area was distributed free of cost to more than 100 farmers.
Chief guest of the program was Prof Yashpal Sharma, Rector Udhampur Campus, University of Jammu, who appreciated the efforts of IIIM and motivated women and young entrepreneurs of the region to take full advantage of opportunities being provided under Aroma Mission. He stressed the collaboration between various stakeholders, including scientific institutions, state machinery, industry, entrepreneurs, and FPOs.
Er Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist, IIIM Jammu said that the CSIR-IIIM would ensure the progress of farmers and entrepreneurs through scientific and technological interventions. He informed that the focus of IIIM is on the development of Agri-Entrepreneurship through skill development and value addition of Medicinal and Aromatic Crops.
Dr Zabeer Ahmad, Chief Scientist, IIIM Jammu, appreciated the efforts of progressive farmers of the region who have become role models for other farmers across India. He suggested that each progressive farmer should train hundred other farmers so that this revolution could reach every nook and corner of the country.
Dr Dhiraj Vyas, Head Plant & Agrotechnology Division, IIIM Jammu, explained how the CSIR-Aroma Mission is transforming the lives of farmers across J&K through Lavender cultivation. He said that there is a huge potential of growing other aromatic crops like Rosemary and Wild Marigold in J&K.
Earlier, Dr Sumeet Gairola, Nodal Scientist, CSIR-Aroma Mission (IIIM) conveyed the message of Dr D Srinivasa Reddy, Director, IIIM Jammu. Many progressive farmers and entrepreneurs shared their success stories with the participants. Dr Rajendra Bhanwaria, Senior Scientist presented the vote of thanks. Several senior scientists of the Plant Sciences & Agrotechnology Division were also present.
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