J&K: Scientist-Farmer-Industry interface organised in Pulwama

Jun 14, 2022

Pulwama(J&K), June 14 (ANI): CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu organised a “Scientist-Farmer-Industry” interface at its Field Station in Pulwama of South Kashmir. The stakeholders of the Aroma Industry viz, Farmers, Entrepreneurs, Krishi Sakhis from National Rural Livelihood Mission, PG Scholars from IUST, Awantipora, J&K, and eminent Industrialists from Essential Oil and Agro Chemical Industry participated in this program. During the day-long program, deliberations and brainstorming on opportunities in cultivation and processing of aromatic crops, utilization, and value chain of indigenous aromatic oils and products were conducted. The experts informed that the essential oil industry offers huge demand for the essential oils and other raw materials from crops like Lavender, Rose, Rose Scented Geranium, and other aromatic plants for their utilisation in the production of high-end cosmetics, perfumery, therapeutics, food, and beverage industry. Speaking on the occasion, eminent industrialist and CEO of Sankhu Baba International, Ramakant Harlalka appreciated the role of CSIR-IIIM in supporting the stakeholders in the sector through various initiatives and congratulated them for convening the Scientist-Farmer-Industry interface that would aid in forming a network and value chain in the sector. Dr. Shahid Rasool, Senior Scientist and Incharge CSIR- IIIM Field Station Pulwama informed that CSIR has contributed significantly to the development, nurturing, and positioning of the essential oil-based aroma industry in the country. Participants lauded this step taken by the organisers for convening the event sought the support of CSIR-IIIM in capacity building and training of new entrepreneurs for value addition and product development utilising indigenous essential oils and raw materials.