CSIR-IHBT Team Visits Farmers Cultivating Aromatic Marigold in Kangra
On October 1, 2024, a team from the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, led by Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Senior Principal Scientist, visited the fields of farmers growing aromatic marigold in the villages of Deol, Kandkosari, and Lulani in Baijnath Tehsil, Kangra District, and Bala and Nagri villages in Palampur Tehsil. The visit also included Mr. Chuni Lal, President of Jan Kalyan Sabha Baijnath, and other members.
Under the CSIR Aroma Mission, the team provided training to farmers on cultivation techniques, agricultural activities during the crop cycle, and harvesting methods. Along with technical advice, the team also informed farmers about the potential of aromatic oils obtained from aromatic marigold. This crop is proving to be a profitable alternative to traditional farming, which is becoming less beneficial for farmers due to challenges from wild animals, stray cattle, and unpredictable weather.
The CSIR Aroma Mission, aimed at promoting the cultivation of aromatic crops on barren and fallow land, is now in its third phase. CSIR-IHBT Palampur is playing a significant role in this. Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director of CSIR-IHBT, stated that the institute is assisting farmers through capacity-building and skill development programs under the mission projects. Farmers are being provided with improved varieties of seeds and plants. He said, “Our goal is to revive the economy of the agricultural community and double farmers’ income through the cultivation of aromatic and industrial crops.”
Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Co-Nodal Officer of the CSIR Aroma Mission, mentioned that organic and industrial crops have presented profitable options for farmers in rain-dependent areas and regions affected by animal threats. Young farmers from Kandkosari and Lulani villages, Mr. Rajesh and Shani Kumar, shared that they have cultivated aromatic marigold on 200 kanals of land that had been lying fallow for the past 15-20 years. This crop was not damaged by wild animals or other cattle. They returned to their village from Solan during the COVID-19 pandemic. They started cultivating aromatic marigold on the barren land in June 2024, for which they were trained by CSIR-IHBT Palampur. They received the seeds for this crop from CSIR-IHBT through Mr. Chuni Lal, President of Jan Kalyan Sabha Baijnath, associated with the CSIR Aroma Mission.
The CSIR Aroma Mission is expected to further strengthen the cultivation of aromatic marigold in Kangra, providing farmers with a sustainable
