Basohli, Feb 25: CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine Jammu organised an awareness, training and lavender quality planting material (QPM) distribution programme under CSIR Aroma Mission at Basohli here today. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, and Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space and Vice President, CSIR was the chief guest and inaugurated the program. While speaking on the occasion, Union Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the Agri-startup from the region is the outcome of CSIR-IIIM activities under Aroma Mission which now takes root in Basohli thus empowering the Farmers for Sustainable future.
Appreciating the efforts of CSIR-IIIM achievement under Aroma Mission, he mentioned that the lavender cultivation now has been spread to Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand and other north-eastern states. He further mentioned that such initiatives not only promotes sustainable farming practices but also creates new income opportunities for the community.
The successful launch of the Aroma Mission Awareness program in Basohli, Kathua signifies the institute’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and its collaborative approach with the government and farmers.
This initiative has the potential to create a ripple effect, inspiring other communities to adopt eco-friendly farming practices and contribute to a more sustainable future for the region.
The program, aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices, drew a crowd of enthusiastic farmers and dignitaries, marking a significant step towards a greener future for the region. Prominent among others present were Col. Mohan Singh, Chairman, DDC Kathua, Tajinder Singh, Reeta Thakur and Narayan Dutt Tripathi (All DDC members).
Earlier, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu in his welcome address said that CSIR-IIIM, Jammu besides doing cutting edge Science has been actively involved in the CSIR Aroma Mission and CSIR Floriculture Mission which have far reaching impact on the economic development and rural prosperity.
In the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, assuring full support from CSIR-IIIM, he appealed the farmers, who are real stakeholders of these missions to effectively join with the institute to take forward the activities under such societal projects.
In a statement issued here it was informed that more 750 farmers drawn including the women from self-help groups of NRLM from various areas of Basohli and Bani participated in the event and received the quality planting material of lavender from the chief guest for cultivation in their fields.
In the technical sessions coordinated by Dr. Suphla Gupta, Nodal Scientist Aroma Mission and Dr. Saurabh Saran, Principal Scientist also provided valuable guidance on cultivation techniques, timing, and potential uses and practical insights into planting techniques and cultivation practices. Dr. Rajinder Bhanweria, Dr. V.P.Rahul, Er. Ankush Varma also delivered expert talk in the technical session.
