Jamshedpur: A specialized training and awareness program on the cultivation, processing, and value addition of aromatic crops was held in Village Gamharia, Saraikela Kharsawan Block, West Singhbhum District, Jharkhand.
The event was a collaborative effort by CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) Jamshedpur, XITE Gamharia, and CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) Jammu, under the Department of Science and Technology’s (DST) Science Technology and Innovation Hub project.
Dr. Sanchita Chakravarty, Chief Scientist at CSIR-NML Jamshedpur, led the program, providing insights into the DST project aimed at enhancing the living standards of tribal communities through improved agricultural practices. She detailed how CSIR technologies could benefit local farmers. The Principal of XITE Gamharia played a crucial role by introducing the scientists to the farmers and translating the program’s technical aspects into the local language, facilitating better understanding.
Scientists from CSIR-IIIM Jammu conducted a survey of the local fields to evaluate conditions and assess the feasibility of the project. Dr. VP Rahul, Senior Scientist at CSIR-IIIM Jammu, discussed the cultivation of aromatic plants, with a particular focus on lemongrass and rosagrass. He outlined the cultivation packages and best practices for these crops.
Dr. SR Meena, Senior Technical Officer at CSIR-IIIM Jammu, conducted a live demonstration on lemongrass cultivation directly in the farmers’ fields. The hands-on demonstration was met with enthusiasm, and several farmers set up their own demonstration plots. The program also educated the farmers on various products derived from aromatic plants and their benefits. The farmers expressed their appreciation for the new knowledge and the practical applications of the training.
Dr. Animesh from CSIR-NML Jamshedpur and Dr. Sanchita Ghosh Chowdhury from XITE Gamharia were also present at the event, contributing to the program’s success.