Winter School- Diversified Farming with Medicinal and Aromatic Crops in Doubling Farmers Income

18th December 2023, Anand

A 21-day winter school on “Diversified Farming with Medicinal and Aromatic Crops as an Important Component in Doubling Farmers Income” organised by the ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, Anand from 18th December 2023 to 7th January 2024 was inaugurated today.

The winter school was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Dr. S.K. Malhotra, Director, ICAR-Directorate of Knowledge Management in Agriculture. and Dr. Manish Das, Director & Patron, ICAR-DMAPR, Anand presided over the programmes.

Dr. Malhotra, in his inaugural remarks, mentioned that over the last 2 decades, there has been tremendous growing interest in the traditional system of medicines mainly because of the advantage that they are natural and have no side effects. There is a shift from treatment to prevention, therefore health for all is the agenda of the Government of India where sickness to wellness is to be ensured for countrymen, he added. Dr. Malhotra emphasised that winter schools are important to sharpen the skills of participants on new concepts, tools & developments. He said these efforts will bring qualitative improvement and an enhanced capacity to resolve contemporary problems. Dr. Malhotra appreciated the efforts made by the Directorate in the recent past in research, extension, and education in MAPs.

Dr. Manish Das explained in brief about the Directorate and the kind of work done here. He also emphasized the importance of MAPs in changing climatic conditions where MAPs are known to perform better in adverse conditions.

Dr. P.L. Saran, Course Director, briefed about the objectives of the winter school. He said that the programme will comprise 62 lectures by the experts including insightful discussions, Group Discussion for GAP analysis, hands-on practical sessions, visits to industry/ farmer’s field/ tribal areas, and feedback from trainees.

A total of Nineteen trainees from State Agricultural Universities and ICAR institutions participated in the programme.

(Source: ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, Anand)