In a significant stride towards sustainable agricultural development, a specialized training and awareness program on the cultivation, processing and value addition of aromatic crops was successfully conducted in Gamharia Village, Saraikela Kharsawan Block, West Singhbhum District, Jharkhand on 4th September 2024. The program was a collaborative initiative by CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) Jamshedpur, XITE Gamharia (Autonomous), and CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) Jammu, under the prestigious Science, Technology, Innovation (STI) Hub project funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) – Seed Division.
The aim of the program was to introduce modern agricultural techniques and sustainable practices to the local tribal communities, empowering them to cultivate high-value aromatic crops such as lemongrass. Aromatic crops hold the potential for improving livelihoods through the sale of essential oils and other by-products, providing an alternative and profitable source of income for the farmers in the region.
Empowering the Community: The Focus of the Training
The training introduced the community to nine different varieties of lemongrass, with over 30 saplings of each variety planted during the event. These aromatic crops have been identified as viable options for the region, given their adaptability to the local climate and soil conditions.
Dr. Sanchita Chakravarty, Chief Scientist at CSIR-NML Jamshedpur and Principal Investigator of the DST project, led the training program by providing the farmers with in-depth insights into the importance of sustainable farming practices. She highlighted how this initiative is designed to improve the living standards of local communities by offering them the technical know-how to cultivate aromatic crops and enhance their agricultural output. Dr. Animesh Jana, Co-Principal Investigator (NML), emphasized the need for community engagement and technological intervention to uplift the region’s agrarian economy.
Dr. V.P. Rahul, Senior Scientist at CSIR-IIIM Jammu, contributed his extensive expertise on the cultivation, management, and potential market benefits of aromatic plants like lemongrass and rosagrass. He spoke at length about the global demand for essential oils and how farmers can tap into this market to improve their economic standing.
Hands-on Learning and Demonstrations
A key highlight of the event was a live demonstration conducted by Dr. S.R. Meena, Senior Technical Officer at CSIR-IIIM Jammu, on the proper techniques for lemongrass cultivation. The live field demonstrations provided the farmers with the practical skills necessary to implement the cultivation techniques on their own farms. Dr. Meena’s interactive approach allowed the farmers to ask questions and directly participate in the planting process, making it an invaluable learning experience.
The farmers expressed great enthusiasm for the hands-on approach and many showed interest in establishing their own demonstration plots. The program also included educational sessions on the various products that can be derived from aromatic plants, such as essential oils, and the potential market value of these products. By focusing on both cultivation and commercialization, the program aimed to give farmers a comprehensive understanding of how to make aromatic crop farming both sustainable and profitable.
XITE Gamharia’s Role in the Project
XITE Gamharia (Autonomous) has been instrumental in translating the project’s technical aspects into the local language to ensure that the farmers fully understand the benefits and techniques being taught. Dr. (Fr.) E.A. Francis, S.J., Principal of XITE Gamharia and Co-Principal Investigator of the DST project (XITE), expressed his pride in the success of the program and reiterated XITE’s commitment to contributing to the development of rural Jharkhand. He acknowledged the technical partnership with CSIR-IIIM Jammu and the close collaboration with CSIR-NML Jamshedpur, which has been crucial in making the project a reality.
Dr. Sanchita Ghosh Chowdhury, another key member from XITE, also played a significant role in bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and practical application, ensuring the smooth facilitation of the training program.
A Future Built on Innovation and Sustainability
The STI Hub project, funded by DST – Seed Division, is designed to promote sustainable agricultural practices and empower local communities by providing them with access to advanced technologies. Through initiatives like these, the project aims to improve the livelihoods of farmers in tribal areas by diversifying their agricultural practices and introducing high-value crops that can be marketed both locally and globally.
The successful implementation of this program marks an important milestone in the project’s ongoing efforts to support and uplift the agrarian communities of Jharkhand. With the continued support of CSIR-NML, XITE Gamharia, and CSIR-IIIM Jammu, the project is well on its way to achieving its goal of fostering sustainable economic development through innovation in agriculture.
This training program is a testament to the transformative power of science and technology when combined with community engagement and hands-on learning. By providing farmers with the tools and knowledge to cultivate aromatic crops, the program is laying the foundation for long-term agricultural success in the region. The collaboration between XITE Gamharia, CSIR-NML Jamshedpur, and CSIR-IIIM Jammu underscores the importance of such partnerships in driving forward sustainable development and ensuring that the benefits of scientific advancements reach even the most remote communities.
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