In an inspiring move toward strengthening rural livelihoods, the Community Educational Centre Society (CECS), in collaboration with CSIR–North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST), Jorhat, Assam, organized a one-day training program on the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants at the Aitlenden Community Hall.
Dr. Mohan Lal, Principal Scientist of Plant Breeding (MAPs), CSIR–NEIST, Jorhat, and Dr. Dipankar Dutta, Senior Technical Officer for Agrotechnology and Rural Development, led the technical sessions.
Drawing on his extensive research and field experience, Dr. Lal provided participants with knowledge on the identification and cultivation of aromatic plants, essential oil extraction and processing techniques, commercialization strategies, and value addition practices.
Opening the program, Toshi Aier, Program Officer at CECS, set a hopeful tone, followed by an invocation by Bendangmongla. In his welcome address, CECS Director Subonenba Longkumer stressed the urgent need for farmers to diversify their agricultural practices to adapt to changing market demands and environmental challenges.
Throughout the day, farmers, Self-Help Groups, and local entrepreneurs engaged enthusiastically, discussing ideas and aspirations. Dr. Dutta emphasized that with careful cultivation and marketing, aromatic and medicinal plants could become key contributors to household incomes while promoting ecological balance.
By introducing innovative farming practices and market-linked approaches, the training, attended by around 100 participants, marked a meaningful milestone in CECS’s ongoing efforts to empower rural communities.