Two-day Kisan Mela Begins At CSIR-CIMAP

Lucknow, January 30 (TNA) A two-day Kisan Mela was inaugurated on Tuesday at CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow. The chief guest, Dr Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director, CSIR-NBRI inaugurated the program. Dr. Sanjay Kumar, the conveyor of the Kisan Mela briefed the activities for the two-day program of Kisan Mela to the dignitaries and the audience.

During the Kisan Mela, Dr Prabodh Kumar Trivedi, Director, CSIR-CIMAP welcomed the chief guest and guest of honour, industry representatives, media personnel, farmers, etc. On this occasion, he said that CSIR-CIMAP under its flagship program, Aroma Mission enabled the self-sufficiency of India in lemongrass essential oil, formerly which was imported from other countries.

He also said that on Wednesday UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be the chief guest and Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Sahi will be the guest of honour. Along with this, Dr Nallathambi Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR and Secretary, of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) will also be present.

Chief guest Dr A.K. Shasany addressed the gathering and appreciated the efforts of CSIR-CIMAP. He also stated that CSIR-CIMAP should publicize the farmers’ connect success stories so that new farmers and entrepreneurs can join the medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation. At the same time, efforts should be made to connect farmers and entrepreneurs so that the income of farmers can increase.

Pradeep Jain, General Secretary, the Essential Oil Association of India (EOAI), stressed that the government should declare the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for medicinal and aromatics plants, like in other crops so that farmers acquire the benefits. During the inaugural ceremony, the Mentha insect crop calendar along with herbal products and an essential oil kit was released by the dignitaries.

A nukkad natak representing the glimpse of Kisan Mela was also staged during the ceremony by the scholars of CSIR-CIMAP. Subsequently, Kisan Goshthi was held for brainstorming between industry representatives, farmers, and scientists. More than one thousand farmers registered in the Kisan Mela on the first day. At last, the vote of thanks was given by Dr Sanjay Kumar.