Himachal: 40 received training in agriculture, processing techniques

Himachal Pradesh: A team from CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) in collaboration with Institute of Natural Resources (INR), Shillong, Meghalaya organized a two-day training-cum-awareness programme on agronomic and processing technologies of aromatic crops at Shillong. More than 40 tribal farmers from Phlangwanbroi village of Mawsynram block of East Khasi Hills district and Lasken block of West Jaintia Hills district attended the programme. During the programme, the farmers were given practical training on agronomic practices and post-harvest processing of aromatic crops, particularly aromatic grasses, which have great potential for improving livelihoods in the region. Apart from the training, the CSIR-IHBT team along with INR staff visited the farmers’ fields and assessed the current status of aromatic grass cultivation.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-IHBT and Co-Nodal Officer, Aroma Mission, Phase III provided an overview of the major aromatic crops suitable for the climate of Meghalaya. He highlighted that these low volume and high value crops have wide applications in industries such as perfumery, aromatherapy, food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, while providing profitable opportunities for both small and large farmers. “The global essential oil market will witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9 per cent from 2022 to 2030,” he said. The training programme also included a meeting between the scientists of CSIR-IHBT and the director and staff of INR, Shillong, during which future collaboration between the two institutions was discussed. Dr. Hygiena Siangbud, Project Scientist, INR, Shillong said, “INR has brought more than 600 hectares of area under aromatic crops in various parts of Meghalaya. However, the farmers of the region do not have adequate knowledge to grow aromatic crops and need capacity building and training.

Team member and Principal Scientist Mohit Sharma informed the farmers about essential oil extraction through proper handling, processing and distillation units during the training programme. He said that CSIR-IHBT has successfully designed, installed and commissioned processing units across the country. He said that CSIR-IHBT will set up processing units in Mawsynram and Lasken blocks to empower farmers to increase their income by adding value to their aromatic crop yield. Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, CSIR-IHBT said, “The Institute is supporting the farmers by conducting capacity building and skill development programmes under CSIR Mission Projects to revive the economy of the farming community and double their income through cultivation of aromatic and industrial crops Efforts are being made by scientists to make farmers aware of modern agricultural techniques, post-harvest processing, value addition of these crops and to reduce dependence on foreign countries for these products.”