The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) Jammu organised a two-day technical and entrepreneurial skill development workshop at its Field Station in Bonera, Pulwama.
The event aimed to empower women through scientific cultivation, processing, and value addition of aromatic crops as part of the Institute’s CSIR Aroma Mission, which translates research and technologies into grassroots impact.
The workshop equipped 100 women farmers and self-help group (SHG) members from the National Rural Livelihood Mission with hands-on training and entrepreneurial knowledge to enhance income, create livelihood opportunities, and foster the Agritech startup ecosystem. The program featured practical demonstrations and expert sessions on scientific cultivation of aromatic crops, post-harvest handling and processing, value-added product development techniques, and business model creation.
Participants interacted with successful women entrepreneurs previously trained under Aroma Mission initiatives, gaining insights into market opportunities and business challenges. At the conclusion of the workshop, 70,000 quality Lavender and Rosemary plants were distributed free of cost to the trained beneficiaries.
Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR-IIIM Jammu, told reporters, “Women are at the heart of our rural economy. By imparting scientific knowledge and entrepreneurial skills in aromatic crop cultivation and value addition, we are not only enhancing incomes but also nurturing a new generation of women-led agritech startups.” He added that the Institute is dedicated to developing and disseminating technologies based on medicinal and aromatic plants, emphasizing entrepreneurship, innovation, and societal impact.
Dr Shahid Rasool, Senior Scientist and Incharge Field Station Pulwama, informed participants that the Mission’s activities align with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 for women’s empowerment and are being personally mentored and monitored by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister for Science and Technology.
“Through the CSIR Aroma Mission, we aim to bring scientific knowledge and entrepreneurship to the grassroots. This capacity-building initiative is expected to serve as a model for community-led development, creating new opportunities in the natural product value chain and helping integrate women more fully into India’s bioeconomy,” he said.
