ICAR-DMAPR, Anand, Gujarat Organises Farmers' Training on Balanced Use of Fertilizers and Promotion of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

30 June 2026, Anand, Gujarat

ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, Anand, Gujarat organised a one-day farmers' training programme on "Balanced Use of Fertilizers and Promotion of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Cultivation" under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) scheme. The programme aimed to enhance farmers' knowledge on balanced nutrient management, sustainable cultivation practices, and income generation through medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). Dr Manish Das, Director, ICAR-DMAPR, Anand, Gujarat set the tone of the program.

Dr. Manish Das, in his address, highlighted the vital role of balanced fertilizer application in maintaining soil health, enhancing crop productivity, and ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability. He emphasized the need for integrated nutrient management and encouraged farmers to adopt scientific cultivation practices. Stressing the immense commercial potential of medicinal and aromatic plants, he urged farmers to diversify towards these high-value crops to improve their livelihoods and contribute to sustainable agriculture.

The technical sessions covered the balanced use of fertilizers and their impact on crop growth and soil fertility, production and field application of Trichoderma-based bioformulations for effective disease management, and the use of bio-consortia for enhancing plant growth and soil health.

Scientists also explained the importance of quality planting material produced through tissue culture, discussed the expanding market opportunities for medicinal and aromatic plants, and highlighted processing and value-addition technologies for increasing farmers' income through improved post-harvest management.

The programme concluded with practical demonstrations on bio-control agents, bio-consortia, and green manuring, followed by a visit to the institute's Demonstration Block and Herbal Garden, where the participants observed improved cultivation practices and interacted with scientists to clarify their field-related queries.

A total of 100 SCSP beneficiary farmers, including 20 women and 80 men, actively participated in the programme. As part of the SCSP support initiative farmers were provided with agricultural input kits and essential farm implements, including sprayer pumps, spades, seed kits, bio-consortia, and bio-fertilizers, to facilitate the adoption of the technologies demonstrated during the training.

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