Budgam December 21 (KNS) : A One day Awareness cum Training program on “Cultivation, processing and marketing of Aromatic plants” was organized by CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu and Kashmir under the patronage of Director, Dr.D.S Reddy and Head CSIR – IIIM Srinagar, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed.
Interested farmers, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders attended the programme. The programme was held in two main sessions, Inaugural and Technical session followed by interaction with all participants including growers and young unemployed youth. The participants attending the event also had an opportunity to take part in discussion about some queries, doubts and supporting help that IIIM and other government departments can provide for cultivation these high value cash crops.
Dr. Qazi Parvaiz, Co Nodal, CSIR Aroma Mission welcomed all the guests, participants, media personnel and all associated functionaries involved in this event. He apprised the participants about the objectives and focus of the event. Dr. Qazi also gave an overview of CSIR – IIIM mandate & activities and highlighted the role of IIIM towards Research and development activities under Aromatic plants sector.
Dr. Shakir P Sultan, Organizer of the event gave a detailed overview of CSIR Aroma mission and its importance for cultivating medicinal and aromatic plants for better returns and income generation. Dr. Shakir while conveying the message of the Director CSIR – IIIM informed local farmers, growers, and entrepreneurs to actively participate in such programs for skill development towards large scale cultivation of these high value cash crops as an alternative source to boost their income and employment generation.
The Chief Guest of the event, Fayaz Ahmad War, SDAO, Chadoora paid thanks to CSIR IIIM and the organizers for conducting such training programmes to develop skill and interest among poor farming community. Shakeel Samon (Range Officer, Budgam) as Guest of Honour informed the audience about the importance of Medicinal and Aromatic plant cultivation and its scope in revenue and income generation. Mr. Ubaid Lanker , AFO Budgam , as Subject Expert spoke at length about the medicinal and Aromatic plant cultivation and role in local economy and farmers income. Dr. Padma Lay, Scientist IIIM presented formal vote of thanks to all the dignitaries, participants, entrepreneurs, media houses for accepting our invitation to attend the event besides their busy schedule and engagement.
Meanwhile school management extended their gratitude to the jury for recognizing their efforts. Our efforts will be place to ensure children's are being given quality education in safe and friendly environment, adds school body.(KNS)