The five-day training and seed distribution programme on medicinal and aromatic plants under CSIR-Aroma Mission Phase-III inaugurated on 22nd August 2025 at Bhartoon, Sapotra, Rajasthan organized by CSIR-IIIM Jammu. The event was coordinated by Dr. Siya Ram Meena with his team members. A total of 50 participants took part in the programme. The inaugural session highlighted the objectives of the Aroma Mission, the role of CSIR–IIIM in promoting aromatic crop-based livelihoods, and the importance of sustainable practices. Experts delivered detailed sessions on state govt. schemes that can help in promoting cultivation and marketing of MAPs in the region also highlighted the benefits of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) for strengthening farmer groups. The first day of the programme encouraged active participation, knowledge sharing and open discussion, with all participants.

On the second day 23nd August 2025, Dr. Meena delivered a session on the importance and scope of tulsi (Ocimum sp.) crop in India and introduced medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). An interaction session followed, where farmers’ questions were addressed by Dr. Meena and local Ocimum growers. Village sarpanch has influenced the farmers to adopt the innovation in farming with examples of innovative farmers of the area. He discussed the importance of crop diversification in farming.

On 24th August 2025, the third day a total of 53 participants took part in the programme. Dr. Meena delivered a presentation on the importance and scope of tulsi (Ocimum sp.) crop in India and introduced medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). With the help of the presentation, he influenced the farmers by providing information related to soil health like soil sampling, soil health cards and also suggested a shift on organic cultivation of medicinal plants with examples of innovative farmers of the area. They shared the state horticultural schemes among the farmers and also discussed the state agricultural schemes to strengthen the livelihood of the rural areas.

On the fourth day of the training programme, a live demonstration on Ocimum seeds was conducted under Aroma Mission Phase-III, providing farmers with practical insights into quality seed handling and sowing techniques. More than 54 farmers participated in the programme. In continuation of the session, 8 kilograms of improved Ocimum seeds were distributed free of cost among the participating farmers to encourage large-scale adoption. An interactive session was then organized, where farmers actively shared their queries and concerns related to cultivation practices. The experts addressed their questions with practical solutions, motivating the participants to implement scientific methods in their fields for better returns.

On the fifth and final day of the program 26th August 2025, the farmers welcomed the Aroma Mission team by offering a safa (traditional turban) and expressed their gratitude for providing technical knowledge about new crops and for making improved seeds available. Dr. Siya Ram Meena gave a live field demonstration on the scientific methods of raising Tulsi seedlings. Progressive farmers shared valuable insights related to the marketing of Tulsi. They explained the importance of fertilizer management and introduced the farmers to new nano-fertilizer products. This was followed by an interactive session between farmers and agricultural experts, during which feedback from farmers was collected. Later, the participants were taken on a field visit to Tulsi farms, where they gained practical knowledge about commercial cultivation, crop care, harvesting, and post-harvest management of Tulsi. This exposure motivated them to adopt this profitable crop. Soil samples were also collected from the fields. The program concluded with a formal vote of thanks.