On 30 October 2025, a farmer training program was conducted in Village Gyanjha, Tehsil Bhatwari, District Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, under the Aroma Mission Phase-III of CSIR–IIIM Jammu. The program was designed to raise awareness among farmers about the cultivation, development, and commercialization of medicinal and aromatic plants, with a focus on high-value crops such as rosemary, lavender, and other aromatic species suited to the local climate and soil conditions.

During the training, experts provided comprehensive guidance on scientific cultivation practices, covering key aspects such as land preparation, nursery management, irrigation, pest and disease management, and post-harvest handling. Emphasis was also placed on the establishment of value-addition units, methods of essential oil extraction, and strategies to develop market linkages for these crops, highlighting opportunities for income enhancement.

The program further educated participants about the economic potential and livelihood benefits of medicinal and aromatic plant farming, showing how these crops can offer better returns than traditional crops and serve as a sustainable source of income. Interactive discussions encouraged farmers to adopt these practices on a larger scale and take advantage of the technical guidance and government support available under the Aroma Mission initiative, thereby promoting rural development and economic empowerment in the region.