CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) Jammu today successfully concluded ‘Five-day Skill Development Programme’ under CSIR Aroma Mission Phase-III, aimed at empowering women through scientific training in aromatic crops, value addition and rural entrepreneurship. Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director-IIIM was chief guest and Abdul Rahim, Head Srinagar Branch of CSIR-IIIM along with Dr. Suphla Gupta, Nodal Scientist, Aroma Mission were in presidium. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed announced to install free of cost the incense sticks making machine in the women farmers cluster enabling them to impart further trainings and start their small businesses at their places. He also offered incubation support to upcoming women Agri-stratup and expressed hope that they would use the opportunity to spread the knowledge within their areas, thereby becoming agents of change and inspiration for self-reliance to other women in their area.

Earlier Dr. Suphla Gupta shared the detail of the technical and live demonstration and hands on training session conducted during the last five days. More than 100 farmers including SHG of 40 women from Mandal Phallain and old Satwari participated in the initiative promoting science-based rural development and empowering women through inclusive, skill-based programmes in aromatic sector.,A handout stated that the participants were given hands-on training on aroma candle making, incense sticks making, basics of perfume making and packaging of handmade aroma products. The concluding day also featured an interactive session, where all dignitaries interacted with the women participants, addressing their queries and offering guidance on practical implementation of their learning to emerge as start-up.

Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist and Head of RMBD & IST Division, CSIR-IIIM, encouraged the women participants to continue refining their skills for self-reliance. The programme concluded with the distribution of certificates to all women participants. The programme was organized under the mentorship of Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, coordinated by Dr. Suphla Gupta, with the support of team including Dr. Rajendra Bhanwaria, Dr. Sabhajeet, Dr. V.P Rahul and Dr. Siya Ram Meena. The Aroma project staff including Jyotsna Sharma, Vanshika Bhagat, Shifali Chib, Neelisha Ambardar, Shiksha Sharma, Amulya Mansotra and Sohail Khan actively contributed to the successful conduction of program.