Lucknow: Improved technologies and plant varieties developed by CSIR-CIMAP have potential to enhance the income of farmers and thus can play an important role in doubling of their income in due course of time. These views were expressed by the experts in Annual Kisan Mela organized by CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) today at CIMAP campus which was attended by thousands of farmers and entrepreneurs from different parts of the country.
Dr. Panjab Singh, President, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) and Former Director General, Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR), New Delhi and Former Vice Chancellor BHU, Varanasi was the Chief Guest and inaugurated the Kisan Mela in which about six thousand farmers scientists and representatives from non-government organizations and industries were present. Prof. Arun Tiwari, Former Programme Director at DRDO and co-author of ‘Wings of Fire’ written by Former President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Production Commissioner Shri Pradeep Bhatnagar were the guests of honor.
Dr. Panjab Singh stressed upon the conservation and sustainable utilization of available resources. He also said that post harvest technologies for the agricultural crops should also be developed. Prof. Arun Tiwari in his address said that chemical based herbal products especially mosquito repellent sprays should be banned as these are very hazardous to people. APC Shri Pradeep Bhatnagar in his address called upon the farmers to grow the medicinal plants used in traditional system of medicine. Prof. Anil Kumar Tripathi, Director, CSIR-CIMAP welcomed the guests and presented the progress report of last one year about the major work done by the institute in the area of development and dissemination of medicinal and aromatic plants related technologies for peoples’ welfare. Prof. Tripathi told that CSIR-CIMAP is trying to disseminate its technologies in newer areas of Bundelkhand, Odisha, Tamilnadu and Gujarat, besied, NorthRast and other states of the country.Empowering women and tribal people is our major focus , Prof. Tripathi added. Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director IHBT, Palampur, Dr. S.K. Barik, Director, NBRI, Lucknow and Dr. Alok Dhawan, Director, IITR, Lucknow were also present.
An interaction on production and marketing of medicinal and aromatic plants, sale of quality planting materials and publications, demonstration of improved plant varieties and herbal products, distillation/ processing live demonstration, training on rose water and agarbatti making, demonstration of ‘Early Mint Technology’, live demonstration of soil sampling and analysis techniques and exhibition of CSIR technologies for rural development were some of the main highlights of the Kisan Mela. The women trained by CSIR-CIMAP earlier also displayed the products made by them.
A special CSIR pavilion was also arranged on this occasion in which several laboratories of CSIR including CDRI, NBRI, IITR, IHBT, CCMB, CMERI, CSMCRI, NEERI, NEIST and CIMAP displayed their technologies, products and services.
Representatives from various industries such as IPCA Lab, Jindal Drugs, Herbochem, Biotech Park, Arshi Essential oils and several buyers of medicinal and aromatic plants and FFDC, Kannauj (UP) also participated in the event. An improved variety named ‘CIM-Snigdha’ of Ocimum basilicum developed by CSIR-CIMAP possessing higher amount of methyl cinnamate (about 78%) was released by the chief guest. The oil of this variety has better potential of utilization in aroma, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The variety matures in about 80-90 days and can be incorporated well in existing cropping system.
Dr. Alok Kalra, Chairman of the organizing committee told about the programmes of Kisan Mela and Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Convener conducted the proceedings.
