The CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu organized Awareness cum Quality Planting Material (QPM) Distribution Program on October 4, 2025, at Chatra District, Jharkhand. The primary objective of the program was to educate and motivate local farmers to adopt the cultivation of lemongrass and rosagrass as profitable and sustainable crops. The initiative aimed to promote agricultural diversification, enhance farmers’ income, and support eco-friendly farming practices in the region.

The event was attended by 28 farmers from different villages of Chatra District. Experts from CSIR-IIIM, Jammu delivered detailed presentations on Agronomic practices and cultivation techniques for lemongrass and rosagrass. Economic benefits and potential returns from aromatic crop cultivation. Sustainable cultivation methods and their role in environmental conservation. Market opportunities and the scope of value-added products derived from essential oils.

The interactive session enabled participating farmers to clarify their queries and gain practical insights into crop management and marketing strategies. As a part of the program, a Quality Planting Material (QPM) distribution session was organized. During this session, the quality planting materials were distributed among the participating farmers which involve 4 lakh lemongrass plants and 2.9 lakh rosagrass plants.

The distributed planting materials were of superior quality and suitable for cultivation under local agro-climatic conditions. The initiative aims to facilitate large-scale cultivation of aromatic grasses in Jharkhand and contribute to the growth of the essential oil industry.