Workshop organised to promote aromatic plant farming in Odisha

Angul: Over a hundred farmers and agri-entrepreneurs from eight districts, including Khurda, Puri, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Nabrangpur, Boudh, Angul and Dhenkanal attended a training-cum-workshop on promotion of aromatic plants for sustainable livelihood alternatives in crop depredation areas.

Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) in association with Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow organised the workshop in Pampasara near Satkosia Tiger Reserve Forest on Monday. Angul PD DRDA Amulya Campatiray inaugurated the event in the presence of CIMAP Principal Scientist Ajit Shasany, senior scientist Binita Satpathy, Angul Krushi Vigyan Kendara chief Swanpa Sarangi and NABARD District Development Manager Sarat Behera.

Several farmers who have been successfully cultivating aromatic crops for the past one year shared their experiences on the occasion.

Swapna Sarangi, expert on ecological restoration, said "After years of research and consultation with experts, it is found that cultivation of aromatic plant crops can discourage wildlife from consuming these plants as they have a distinct smell."

“Research reveals that cultivation of aromatic plants doesn’t require huge input costs like fertilisers and water and it can be undertaken in areas which are fallow. We encourage farmers to take up these crops as it has economic viability, long term cultivation potential and is the best solution for utilisation of fallow lands,” said Shasany.