An annual event of CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow, Kisan Mela-2024, was organised from 30 to 31 January 2024 at its campus at Lucknow. On the first day of the event, Dr Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director, CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow, inaugurated the programme as a Chief Guest. While Dr Shasany and Dr Prabodh K Trivedi, Director, CSIR-CIMAP, addressing the farmers, students, and industry representatives, said that CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow, under its flagship programme ‘Aroma Mission,’ helped India become self-sufficient in producing lemongrass essential oil, which was earlier imported from other countries. During the inaugural ceremony, the Mentha Inspect crop calendar and herbal product kit, along with the essential oil kit, were released by dignitaries.

On the second day of the event on 31 January 2024, Shri Yogi Adityanath, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh, was the Chief Guest; Shri Surya Pratap Shahi, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Finance, Agriculture, Agricultural Education and Agricultural Research, Government of Uttar Pradesh; and Dr N Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, Govt of India were Guest of Honours.

Director, CSIR-CIMAP Dr Prabodh Kumar Trivedi welcomed all the guests and apprised about institute’s R&D activities and major progress and said that by adopting the mentha variety developed by CSIR-CIMAP, farmers have taken India to the top level in the production and export of mentha. Today, 80% of the world’s mentha is produced in India, and 80% of India's mentha is produced only in Uttar Pradesh. He further said that due to the efforts of CSIR-CIMAP scientists and farmers, India has exported more than 600 tonnes of lemongrass oil this year. In the end, Dr Trivedi said that CSIR-CIMAP will continue to make continuous efforts with the country’s farmers to make the country self-reliant.

Welcoming everyone, Dr N Kalaiselvi apprised about the CSIR major programmes. She also highlighted CSIR Aroma Mission and Floriculture Mission activities organised by different CSIR laboratories in different states. She further mentioned how farmers benefit from these mission programmes.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Surya Pratap Shahihighlighted the importance of CSIR-CIMAP in producing medicinal and aromatic plants. He praised the contribution of CSIR-CIMAP to the farmers of Uttar Pradesh and said that due to the institute’s efforts, the country had reached the top level in the production and export of mentha, increasing the income of more than 5 lakh farmers, and he is seeking collaboration with CSIR-CIMAP for further enhancement of farmer's income in the area of medicinal and aromatic plants. Furthermore, by adopting proper crop rotation, farmers should cultivate food grains and cash crops, including medicinal and aromatic plants, which will increase their income.

Shri Yogi Adityanath in his address, said that farmers across the country are embracing agriculture diversification, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary approach, consequently doubling the income and highlighting the PM’s transformative vision. He further added that the state capital is lucky to have four CSIR labs, including CSIR-CIMAP and we all should strive together to tap their full potential. The existence of four central laboratories is an opportunity for us as their scientists and staff are so proactive and ready to extend help to farmers, he added.

 Hon’ble CM addressed a crowd of over 5000 farmers hailing from 15 states, highlighting the fertile land and abundant water resources in UP and outlined the state’s pivotal role in agriculture production, contributing over 22% of the country’s food grains despite having 11% cultivation land.

During the event, ChiefGuest and Guests of Honour also launched the Aroma Mission App for farmers and user industries, herbal product (Aloe Roma Gel), AUS Gyana Souvenirs booklet. Hon’ble CM also visited the stalls and interacted with industry people and women entrepreneurs in the field of making incense sticks.

On this occasion, Dr Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director, NBRI; Dr Radha Rangarajan, Director CSIR-CDRI; and Dr Bhaskar Narayan, Director, CSIR-IITR and scientists, employees and researchers of CSIR-CIMAP were present.

In the rural technology gallery, stalls of CSIR-NBRI, CSIR-CDRI, CSIR-IITR, CSIR-CFTRI, CSIR-CCMB, SMPB, Horticulture and agriculture departments of UP, women entrepreneurs, different industries, entrepreneurs’ were displayed in Kisan Mela. Besides, representatives from Aroma industries, the Essential Oil Association of India (EOAI) and herbal industries also participated in the Kisan Mela and interacted with the farmers in Kisan Gosthi, which was organised on both days.

Convenor of Kisan Mela-2024, Dr Sanjay Kumar, Senior Principal Scientist CSIR-CIMAP, concluded the event with a vote of thanks.