Farmers trained on aromatic and medicinal plant cultivation in Tuli

Resource persons and participants pose for a photograph after the training programme on the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants in Tuli on April 26.

• DIMAPUR — In an effort towards strengthening rural livelihoods, Community Educational Centre Society (CECS), in collaboration with CSIR- North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST) in Jorhat, Assam, organised a one-day training programme on the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants on April 26 at Aitlenden community hall in Tuli town under Mokokchung district.
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• An update from CECS stated that Dr. Mohan Lal, principal scientist of plant breeding (MAP) at CSIR- North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST), Jorhat, and  Dr. Dipankar Dutta, senior technical officer of Agrotechnology and Rural Development, led the technical sessions.
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• It stated that Dr. Lal provided participants with knowledge on the identification and cultivation of aromatic plants, essential oil extraction and processing techniques, commercialisation strategies and value addition practices.

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• Toshi Aier, CECS programme officer, said the opening remarks, followed by an invocation prayer said by Bendangmongla.
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• In his welcome address, CECS director, Subonenba Longkumer, stressed the urgent need for farmers to diversify their agricultural practices to adapt changing market demands and environmental challenges.
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• Also speaking on the occasion, Dr. Dutta emphasised that with careful cultivation and marketing, aromatic and medicinal plants could become key contributors to household incomes while promoting ecological balance.
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• It stated that farmers, self help groups (SHG) and local entrepreneurs enthusiastically participated in discussing ideas.
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• The training was attended by around 100 participants.