Bandipora, March 18: A one-day Awareness cum Training Program on “Cultivation, Processing and Marketing of Aromatic Plants” was organized by CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu and Kashmir at Bandipora today.
The program organized under the patronage of Director, CSIR – IIIM, Dr. D. Srinivasa Reddy was held at Mini Secretariat, Bandipora. More than 250 farmers, entrepreneurs, students and other stakeholders attended the programme, a statement issued by CSIR said.
The programme was held in two main sessions, Inaugural and Technical session followed by interaction with local marginal farmers, other growers and young unemployed youth. The participants attending the event also had an opportunity to take part in a discussion about some queries, doubts and supporting help that IIIM and other government departments can provide for cultivation these high value cash crops.
Speaking to Ziraat Times, some of the attending farmers said that the training was very fruitful to them and that they have now a better idea about making better and productive use of their lands by cultivating aromatic plants.
Dr. Shakir P. Sultan welcomed all the guests, participants, media personnel and all associated
functionaries involved in this event. He apprised the participants about the objectives and focus
of the event. Dr. Muzamil Ahmad gave an overview of CSIR – IIIM mandate & activities and
highlighted the role of IIIM towards Research and development activities under Aromatic plants
sector.
Dr. Qazi Parvaiz Hassan, Co-Nodal Officer, Aroma Mission II, gave a detailed overview
of CSIR Aroma mission and its importance for cultivating medicinal and aromatic plants for
better returns and income generation. Dr. Qazi while conveying the message of the Director
CSIR – IIIM informed local farmers, growers, and entrepreneurs to actively participate in such
programs for skill development towards large scale cultivation of these high value cash crops as
an alternative source to boost their income and employment generation.
The Chief Guest of the event, Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Additional Deputy Commissioner – Bandipora paid thanks to CSIR IIIM and the organizers for conducting such training programmes to develop skill and interest among poor farming community. Chief Agriculture Officer, Bandipora, Mr. Rafiq Ahmad Kukru also inform the audience about the importance of Medicinal and Aromatic plant cultivation and its scope in revenue and income generation. Tareq Habib, District Floriculture Officer, Subject expert spoke at length about the medicinal and Aromatic plant cultivation and role in local economy and farmers income.
Dr. Tareq Habib praised the efforts of CSIR-IIIM for organizing the programme in the best possible manner and requested the farmers to take advantage of the support provided by CSIR IIIM for cultivation of these crops. Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Malik, Pr. Scientist, IIIM presented formal vote of thanks to all the dignitaries, participants, entrepreneurs, media houses for accepting our invitation to attend the event besides their busy schedule and engangement. Dr. Malik paid thanks to Reyaz Ahmad Shah, Raazdani Herbs and Herbal Development Society for their active role in smooth conduct of the event.