.CSIR IHBT Palampur : *”Beyond Traditional Farming: Meghalaya’s New Chapter”*

.CSIR IHBT Palampur: *”Beyond Traditional Farming: Meghalaya’s New Chapter”*

Meghalaya, a hilly state in Northeast India, is witnessing a shift in its agricultural landscape as traditional farming becomes increasingly non-remunerative. Farmers in the region face difficulties due to Meghalaya’s mountainous terrain, unpredictable weather, and heavy rainfall, all leading to soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and diminished soil fertility. In response, many are turning to aromatic and industrial crops as a viable and lucrative alternative. A team from CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, in collaboration with the Institute of Natural Resources (INR), Shillong, Meghalaya, conducted a two-day training-cum-awareness program on agro and processing technologies of aromatic crops during September 3-4, 2024. The program saw the active participation of more than 40 tribal farmers from Phlangwanbroi village, Mawsynram block in the East Khasi Hills district, and Laskein block in the West Jaintia Hills district. During the program, the farmers received practical training on agronomic practices and post-harvest processing of aromatic crops, especially aromatic grasses, which hold great potential for improving livelihoods in the region. In addition to the training, the CSIR-IHBT team, accompanied by INR staff, visited the farmers’ fields to provide hands-on demonstrations and evaluate the current state of aromatic grass cultivation. Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-IHBT and Co-Nodal Aroma Mission Phase III, provided an overview of key aromatic crops suitable for Meghalaya’s climate. He highlighted that these low-volume, high-value crops have wide-ranging applications in industries such as perfumery, aromatherapy, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, offering profitable opportunities for both small and large-scale farmers. The global essential oil market is experiencing a growth rate of 7.9% CAGR from 2022 to 2030. The event also included a meeting between the CSIR-IHBT scientists and the Director and staff of INR, Shillong, to explore future collaborations. Dr. Hygina Siangbood, Project Scientist, Institute of Natural Resources, Shillong, Meghalaya, said that INR has covered more than 600 hectares of area under aromatic crops in different parts of Meghalaya state. However, the farmers in the region lack sufficient knowledge and require capacity building and training. Discussions focused on implementing CSIR-IHBT’s cutting-edge technologies in Meghalaya, ensuring that tribal farmers in the region benefit from sustainable farming practices and improved market opportunities for aromatic crops. Er. Mohit Sharma, Principal Scientist, and a member of the team, informed the farmers about the proper handling, processing and essential oil extraction through distillation units. He also mentioned that CSIR-IHBT has already successfully designed, installed & commissioned processing unit across pan India and will set up processing units in both Mawsynram and Laskein blocks, empowering farmers to increase their income by adding value to their aromatic crop produce. Last year, CSIR-IHBT distributed plants such as damask rose, rosemary, geranium, and lemongrass to farmers in Meghalaya. This ongoing support aims to reduce reliance on foreign products and ensure that tribal farmers benefit from sustainable practices and improved market opportunities. Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, CSIR-IHBT, said that our institute is supporting the farmers through organizing capacity building and skill development programs under CSIR mission projects to revive the economy of the farming community and double their income through the cultivation of aromatic and industrial crops. Efforts are being made by the scientists to make the farmers aware of modern agro techniques, post-harvest processing, and value additions of these crops and to reduce dependence for these products on foreign countries.