Uttarakhand: In a major boost towards bolstering the welfare of farmers, Uttarakhand's Chief Minister, Dhami Dehradun, has unveiled plans for the development of six Aroma Valleys in the region. This pioneering move aims to create more than 70,000 job opportunities in the realm of medicinal farming, as reported by ANI.
Highlighting the pivotal aspects of this initiative, the CM stated, "Six Aroma Valleys are in the works within the state, benefiting over 37,000 farmers and paving the way for over 70,000 employment prospects."
Why the Emphasis on Aromatic Valleys in Uttarakhand?
The Aroma Valleys project in Uttarakhand seeks to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts by fostering the growth of aromatic plants. Species like monkeys, bears, sheep, and elephants, notorious for ravaging crop fields, will be deterred by the strong fragrance emitted by plants like Damask rose, lemongrass, or Japanese mint, causing discomfort to these animals.
Beyond conflict resolution, the cultivation of aromatic plants is anticipated to yield greater profits for farmers compared to traditional crops such as wheat and pulses. There exists a robust demand for aromatic products, particularly in the luxury market, presenting an opportunity for farmers to cater to this demand through aromatic farming.
It's worth noting that states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, owing to their favorable geographical and climatic conditions in the hilly terrains, serve as hubs for emerging aromatic start-ups. Additionally, the elevated regions facilitate the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants that can be harnessed for Agri-tech enterprises.
Pioneering India's First Aroma Park in Kashipur
Earlier this year, Uttarakhand's Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, laid the foundation stone for India's inaugural Aroma Park in Kashipur and earmarked land for the project's expansion.
Addressing the occasion, Dhami highlighted Uttarakhand's distinction as the first state in the country to establish a dedicated institution, the 'Aromatic Plant Center' (CAP), at the state level to foster the aromatic sector's development.
The country's first Aroma park was established by CAP, in collaboration with Selaqui, the Fragrance Trade Association, Delhi, the Essential Oil Association of India, Noida, and SIDCUL.
"Over the past two decades, the state government, through CAP, has significantly propelled the aromatic sector's growth, engaging more than 24,000 farmers in aromatic farming. The government has also formed clusters dedicated to promoting the aromatic sector within the state," emphasized the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand during the ceremony.
Uttarakhand has embraced the Aroma Park Policy, 2018, following proposals from the FTA and the Essential Oil Association of India (EOAI). In December 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for 46 aroma and perfumery industries in the Kashipur industrial area.
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