40 attend training in agro, processing tech

A team from the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) here in collaboration with the Institute of Natural Resources (INR), Shillong, Meghalaya, conducted a two-day training-cum-awareness programme on agro and processing technologies of aromatic crops in Shillong.

Advertisement

The Institute of Natural Resources has brought more than 600 hectares of area under aromatic crops in different parts of Meghalaya. However, farmers in the region lack sufficient knowledge to grow aromatic crops and require capacity building and training. — Dr Hygina Siangbood, Project Scientist, INR, Shillong

More than 40 tribal farmers from Phlangwanbroi village in Mawsynram block of East Khasi Hills district and Laskein block of West Jaintia Hills district attended the programme.

During the programme, farmers received practical training on agronomic practices and post-harvest processing of aromatic crops, especially aromatic grasses, which hold great potential for improving livelihoods in the region. Besides training, the CSIR-IHBT team, accompanied by INR staff, visited farmers’ fields to provide hands-on demonstrations and evaluate the current state of aromatic grass cultivation.

Dr Rakesh Kumar, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-IHBT, and Co-Nodal Officer, Aroma Mission, Phase III, provided an overview of key aromatic crops suitable for Meghalaya’s climate.

He highlighted that these low-volume and high-value crops had wide-ranging applications in industries such as perfumery, aromatherapy, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, while offering profitable opportunities for both small and large-scale farmers.

He said, “The global essential oil market would witness a 7.9 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2022 to 2030.”

The training programme also included a meeting between the CSIR-IHBT scientists and Director and staff of the INR, Shillong, during which discussions were held on future collaborations between the two institutions.

Dr Hygina Siangbood, Project Scientist, INR, Shillong, said, “The INR has brought more than 600 hectares of area under aromatic crops in different parts of Meghalaya. However, farmers in the region lack sufficient knowledge to grow aromatic crops and require capacity building and training.”

Mohit Sharma, Principal Scientist, and a member of the team, apprised farmers about proper handling, processing and essential oil extraction through distillation units during the training programme.

He said the CSIR-IHBT had successfully designed, installed and commissioned processing units across the country. He said the CSIR-IHBT would set up processing units in Mawsynram and Laskein blocks in order to empower farmers to increase their income by adding value to their aromatic crop produce.

Dr Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, CSIR-IHBT, said, “The institute is supporting farmers by organising capacity building and skill development programmes under the CSIR mission projects to revive the economy of the farming community and double their income through the cultivation of aromatic and industrial crops. Efforts are being made by scientists to make farmers aware of modern agro techniques, post-harvest processing, value additions of these crops and to reduce dependence for these products on foreign countries.”