On 10 November 2025, under the Aroma Mission Phase-III of CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, a comprehensive training program was organized for farmers in Dharkot village, located in Kirti Nagar block, Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand.

The objective of this training program was to promote the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) and to create awareness among farmers about the economic potential and industrial applications of such crops. During the session, farmers received detailed information about the scientific cultivation techniques, post-harvest management, and value addition processes of high-value aromatic crops such as rosemary and lavender.

Experts from CSIR-IIIM Jammu explained the benefits of cultivating these crops in the hilly terrain of Uttarakhand, highlighting how they can serve as profitable alternatives to traditional farming practices. The training also covered topics related to the industrial extraction of essential oils, marketing avenues, and entrepreneurial opportunities associated with the aroma and phytopharmaceutical sectors.

Furthermore, farmers were guided on how the Aroma Mission Phase-III aims to strengthen the linkages between cultivation, processing, and industry, ensuring sustainable income generation and rural development. The program concluded with an interactive session, where participants shared their experiences and expressed enthusiasm for adopting aromatic crop cultivation in their fields.