CSIR–Aroma Mission
Context:
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, recently addressed a Stakeholder-cum-Awareness Meet in Mizoram, organised by CSIR-NEIST
He called for replicating the Purple Revolution (success in Jammu & Kashmir) in the Northeast to boost aroma and floriculture-based entrepreneurship in North East.
About the CSIR Aroma Mission
The CSIR-Aroma Mission is being implemented by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and was first started in Jammu and Kashmir that aimed to boost India’s Aroma Industry.
India’s aroma industry by enhancing the cultivation of aromatic crops and production of essential oils. It is popularly known as the Lavender Revolution.
Aromatic Crops include Lemongrass, Rosagrass, Lavender, Rosemary, Rose Scented Geranium, Jammu Monarda etc.
Aforesaid crops will provide an assured benefit to the farmers including farmers from Vidarbha, Bundelkhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, J&K and North Eastern region, which are frequently affected by frequent episodes of weather extremes and account for maximum suicides.
Key Achievements in the Northeast
It aims to leverage the rich biodiversity and unique agro-climatic conditions of the Northeast to create a hub for high-value plant-based industries
Over 3,000 hectares of land have been brought under aromatic crop cultivation
It enhanced income for farmers (Rs. 40,000 - Rs. 60,000/ha/year) by shifting from traditional crops to high-yielding aromatic varieties and essential oil production
Over 140 training programs have been conducted, benefiting more than 10,000 farmers
90 essential oil distillation units have been installed across the Northeast. This bridged the gap between farm production and industry
The mission has led to significant employment generation (10 lakh man-days) in farming and post-harvest processing
It empowered about 25 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) by providing planting material and infrastructure support.