On 11/09/2024, CSIR-IIIM Jammu, in collaboration with Shanti Sewa Nidhi Trust and Technocraft Industry India LTD., Murbad, under the guidance of Shri Sharad Kumar Saraf, conducted an awareness-cum-training program on the cultivation, processing, value addition, and marketing of aromatic crops under the CSIR Aroma Mission Project Phase 3 at NTTF Technical Training Institute, Murbad, Thane, Maharashtra. More than 55 farmers actively participated in the program.The inaugural speech was given by Mr. Ajay Panwar (Advisor, CSR), who introduced the IIIM officers to the farmers. Dr. Siya Ram Meena (Agronomist, IIIM Jammu) elaborated on the Aroma Mission Project Phase 3, providing details about the scientific cultivation, processing, value addition, and marketing of aromatic crops. Farmers showed keen interest in these new crops for their area and raised several questions regarding marketing and further support from the institute. All queries were addressed, and the participants expressed satisfaction with the responses.
On the second day of the program (12/09/2024), officials from CSIR-IIIM conducted an awareness-cum-training program on the cultivation, processing, value addition, and marketing of aromatic crops under the CSIR Aroma Mission Project Phase 3 at Thane, Maharashtra, as a continuation of the previous day program. Dr. Siya Ram Meena (Agronomist, IIIM Jammu) delivered a detailed lecture on the cultivation and handling of aromatic grasses, along with sowing samples of different aromatic grasses and essential oils derived from them. Pens, diaries, and folders were provided to the farmers. More than 45 farmers actively participated in the program. After the lunch break, officials from CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, visited the farmers fields along with the farmers at Pasheni, Maharashtra. Dr. Siya Ram Meena and Akash Verma demonstrated scientific techniques for field preparation, obtaining QPM (Quality Planting Material), transplanting aromatic grasses, as well as harvesting technologies and the oil distillation process to the farmers. They also provided techniques for the careful management of crop production, including proper irrigation scheduling and weed management in aromatic crops.Soil samples were also collected from different locations in Thane, Maharashtra, for testing various soil properties.