PAMPOLI, 14 Sep: Fifty-two farmers participated in a training programme on 'cultivation, processingand marketing of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs)', conducted at the East Kameng Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) here on Monday.

The programme was organised by Jorhat (Assam)-based NEIST, in collaboration with the KVK, with the objective of creating awareness among farmers about the potential of MAPs as an alternative and economically viable agricultural practice.

The programme was coordinated by KVK agronomist Dr W Purnima Devi, who acknowledged CSIR Aroma Mission 4.0 Scientist-F Dr Mohal Lal and the technical support team for providing plant materials.

She also conducted a technical session on medicinal plants suitable for cultivation in the East Kameng region, and the scope and prospects of cultivating medicinal plants based on the local agro-climatic conditions. She emphasised the importance of adopting scientifically recommended cultivation and management practices.

As part of the technical sessions, project consultants Dr MH Rehman Ansari and Raghu Tamang delivered informative lectures on chamomile distribution. The speakers highlighted the importance of scientific cultivation practices, suitable agro-climatic conditions, post-harvest processing, value addition, and market opportunities associated with chamomile cultivation.

The session also focused on the potential of aromatic crops to enhance farmers' income and promote diversification of agricultural practices in the region.

As part of the programme, seeds of medicinal plants as well as seasonal rabi vegetables were distributed to the participating farmers to encourage crop production and strengthen agricultural activities during the upcoming season.