JAMMU: Under the Department of Science & Technology (DST) sponsored Science, Technology & Innovation (STI) Hub Project, the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu has successfully completed the Four-Day Hands-on Training Programme aimed at empowering tribal farmers through scientific training in aromatic crops, value addition, and sustainable livelihoods.
The program was a part of collaboration with CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML), Jamshedpur and Xavier Institute of Tribal Education (XITE), Gamharia.
Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM while speaking at the valedictory function said that CSIR-IIIM Jammu endeavoured to work in the pursuit of a game changer campaign “Start-Up India, Stand-Up India”, unveiled by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address on August 15, 2015, to promote entrepreneurship at grass root level which was further steered by Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy & Space and Vice President of CSIR.
The advanced in-field training Program is such an initiative that reaffirms CSIR-IIIM’s commitment to science-based rural empowerment and entrepreneurship in the agri-tech sector to support the startup.
Authorities revealed that the various activities under the training programme were conducted at CSIR-IIIM Jammu and its Chatha Field Station, combining technical sessions with live demonstrations and practical exposure to aromatic crop-based technologies.
The enthusiastic participation from tribal farmers representing six villages of Gamharia block, West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand was the highlight of the program. Over the course of four days at CSIR-IIIM Jammu, participants were trained in agarbatti and candle making using aromatic oils, soil testing methods, seed quality techniques, lemongrass cultivation, and distillation practices.
The sessions also highlighted entrepreneurship opportunities, product packaging, and market linkages to strengthen income generation in the aromatic sector.
An interactive session was also held, where dignitaries engaged with the participants, addressing their queries and encouraging them to apply their learnings for rural development. Certificates of participation were awarded to all attendees, marking the successful conclusion.
The programme was conducted under the overall mentorship of Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu, coordinated by Dr. Suphla Gupta, Sr. Pr. Scientist, Dr Sanchita Charaborty, Nodal Scientist STI Hub Project, CSIR-NML and collaborator Professor Sanchita Ghosh, XITE.
Dr. Rajendra Bhanwaria, Dr. Sabhajeet, Dr. V.P. Rahul, and Dr. Siya Ram Meena were the resource persons of various theoretical and practical sessions conducted during the period.
