CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, on 28 January 2024, organised a Kisan Sammelan under CSIR Aroma Mission-III at Hiranagar, Kathua. Hon’ble Union Minister of State (MoS) Dr Jitendra Singh, holding independent charge of Science and Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space and Vice President, CSIR, was Chief Guest at the occasion. DDC Chairman Kathua, Mr Mahan Singh; Vice Chairman DDC Kathua, Mr Raghunandan Singh; DDC member, Mr Karan Attri; and Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, were among the prominent personalities.
Over 700 farmers from various villages of Hiranagar Tehsil of Kathua attended the day-long Kisan Sammelan. On the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh distributed quality planting material for Aroma crops like lemon grass among the area’s farmers. Addressing the farmers, the Minister said that those who have entered aromatic crop cultivation have increased their livelihood income to many folds. “Need of the hour is to give wider publicity and awareness among all stakeholders about these new opportunities of livelihood rolled out in recent years,” he said.
Dr Jitendra Singh also appreciated CSIR’s efforts to enhance farmers’ income through the CSIR-Aroma Mission, which also gave birth to the Purple Revolution in J&K. Dr Zabeer Ahmed expressed gratitude to the Union Minister for gracing the occasion in his address. He appealed to the farmers to take full benefits of the CSIR-Aroma Mission which created a strong connection between farmers and scientists. Dr Zabeer Ahmed highlighted the institute’s significant contributions to scientific accomplishments through research and innovation.
“The societal work carried out by the Institute through the implementation of two major mission projects, ‘CSIR Floriculture Mission’ and ‘CSIR Aroma Mission’, have immensely benefited the farmers and other stakeholders,” Dr Ahmed added.
The Kisan Sammelan was organised to generate awareness among farmers about the activities envisaged under the CSIR-Aroma Mission. Director, CSIR-IIIM, appreciated the successful conduct of the Kisan Sammelan where farmers from remote areas of Gujjar Chak, Sapalwan, Pansar, Haria Chak, Chanlaldin, Chabbay Chak, Khanpur, Parkhwal, Sitra Chak, Chhapaki, Chandatyal, Boiya, Mehsa Chak, devo Chak, Mandyal, Kotepunnu, Marheen, and Dhanni-Bera participated in large numbers. The distribution of quality planting materials aims to sensitise farmers of the region about the versatile and high-value aromatic crops. “The Lavender and Lemongrass varieties developed by the CSIR-IIIM offer immense potential for income generation and diversification of agricultural activities in the region,” he said.
