Empowering Fragrant Crop Cultivation: CSIR-IHBT’s Aroma Mission

CSIR-Himalayan Biopathy Technology Institute (CSIR-IHBT) in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, embarked on a mission to distribute 10,000 plants and 10 kgs of contained ball seeds of lavender rosemary to the ethnic areas of Pangi in Kangra and aspiring district Chamba under CSIR Aroma Mission Phase-3. Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director of CSIR-IHBT Palampur, highlighted the growing international demand for fragrant oils derived from aromatic plants. With India’s oil market estimated to reach 239.85 million USD by 2028, fragrant crop farming becomes pivotal, especially in regions where conventional crops face challenges due to wildlife interference.

The Aroma Mission Project aims to bolster the cultivation of fragrant crops, thereby enhancing India’s position in the production of essential oils and uplifting farmers’ livelihoods. Lavender and rosemary plants were distributed to Pangi Ayrian Farmers Producer Society of District Chamba, alongside ball seeds distributed to Jan Kalyan Sabha Society of Baijnath, District Kangda, Himachal Pradesh.

Lavender oil, sweet knot, commands a price of Rs 8,000-10,000 per kg, while fragrant ball oil is valued at Rs 10,000-12,000 per kg, and Rosemary oil at Rs 4000-5000 per kg. Farmers stand to earn a net profit of 1.5 to 2 lakh per year from these crops, driven by the biological properties found in their oils, which are in high demand across fragrance and pharmaceutical industries.

During the distribution of plant materials, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Nodal and Senior Chief Scientist of CSIR Aroma Mission Phase-3, enlightened farmers about extraction techniques, medicinal properties, crop processing, and value enrichment. This support is pivotal in enabling farmers to maximize their yields and improve the quality of extracted oils, thereby accessing profitable markets domestically and internationally.

Under CSIR Aroma Mission-3, CSIR-IHBT Palampur has established 62 processing units for various farmer groups nationwide, aiming to empower farmers to fetch better prices in the market and double their income. The institute aims to establish 3000 such units by March 2026, signaling a concerted effort towards sustainable agricultural practices and economic empowerment in the fragrant crop sector.