ICAR-DMAPR, Anand Organises Training Program on Cultivation and Value Addition of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

18 September 2026, Anand, Gujarat

One-day training program on Cultivation and Value Addition of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants was organised under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) scheme at ICAR–Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, Anand. The objective of the program is to enhance knowledge and skills on scientific cultivation, natural farming, processing, value addition, biological inputs and market opportunities associated with medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). Dr Manish Das, Director, ICAR-DMAPR, Anand, Gujarat presided the inaugural function of the training program. 

Dr Manish Das, in his address highlighted the importance of medicinal and aromatic plants in sustainable agriculture, diversification of farm income and development of value-added products. The farmers were encouraged to adopt scientifically recommended production practices and make effective use of locally available biological resources.

The technical programme included a lecture on “Introduction to Medicinal and Aromatic Plants”, followed by a session on “Production Technology of Medicinal Plants and Natural Farming”. A session on “Processing and Value Addition in MAPs” was delivered, focusing on the importance of post-harvest management and value addition for improving the economic returns from MAP cultivation.

The programme also included practical demonstrations on biocontrol agents and bio-consortia, highlighting their application in sustainable crop production. A session on Farmers’ Rights and the role of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) was also organised.

A further practical demonstration on “Trichoderma-Based Bioformulations: Production, Enrichment, and their Field Applications” was conducted providing farmers with practical knowledge on the preparation and utilization of biological formulations.

The programme concluded with the distribution of farm inputs to participating farmers under the SCSP scheme. The inputs included spray pumps, garden pipes, seeds, bio-consortia, biofertilizers and decomposer, intended to support farmers in adopting improved and sustainable cultivation practices. Farmers also visited the technology demonstration block at the directorate.

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