CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, organized a ‘Five-Day Skill Development Training Programme’ for farmers and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under CSIR Aroma Mission Phase–III, aimed to empower them through value addition and entrepreneurship in aromatic crops. The event was jointly inaugurated by Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, Dr Sanjeev Khosla, Director, CSIR-IMTECH, Chandigarh and Dr Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur at its experimental Farm Chatha, Jammu. The inaugural day witnessed participation from progressive farmers, women-led SHGs, and stakeholders in the aroma sector. The programme is a part of the national-level mission being implemented by 11 CSIR laboratories, with CSIR–IIIM as the key institute known for Lavender cultivation.

The inaugural session featured technical sessions, a live demonstration of essential oil extraction and a value-added product display. Farmers and SHG of women from Phly Mandal, and Old Satwari participated in the inaugural day. During the five-day programme, participants will be trained in techniques for product development and post-harvest processing, with a special emphasis on women-led innovation and rural enterprise. Dr Sanjeev Khosla highlighted the importance of connecting scientific research with on-ground agricultural needs.

Dr Zabeer Ahmed emphasized the institute’s continuous efforts to support farmers under the guidance of the Government of India and the Ministry of Science and Technology, led by Minister Dr Jitendra Singh. CSIR–IIIM is now planning to initiate a long-duration advanced programme specifically for women entrepreneurs in the aroma sector, he added. Dr Sudesh Kumar Yadav stated that the success of any national-level mission depends on how effectively local farmers implement it for their livelihood and community well-being. The program is being coordinated by Dr Suphla Gupta, Senior Principal Scientist & Nodal Scientist, CSIR Aroma Mission Phase-III, along with her team including Dr Rajendra Bhanwaria, Dr Sabhajeet, Dr V P Rahul ( Senior Scientists) and Dr Siya Ram Meena, Senior Technical Officer, Jyotsna Sharma, Vanshika Bhagat, Neelisha Ambardar, Shiksha Sharma and Amulya Mansotra (Project staff).