Under CIMAP's Aroma Mission, new Rosemary & Damask varieties to soon spread fragrance in Uttarakhand

Under the Aroma Mission by CSIR-CIMAP and USCOST (Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology), new varieties of high-value crops of Rosemary and Damask will soon bloom in Uttarakhand, the pilot project location.

The aim is to tackle irrigation problems and other challenges faced by farmers, empower local farmers and elevate state economy. The initiative will also help resolve wildlife menace and consequential crop loss, and, in turn, boost the income of farmers.

The project poses high hopes, on account of the cluster of Lavender aromatic flowers seen flourishing in Uttrakhand's Satyun and Jammu and Kashmir by Council Of Scientific And Industrial Research–Indian Institute Of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIM).

Herein, the state farmers will be trained by Central Institute of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) in cultivating the two varieties, which will be provided to them by the institute. As per scientists, Rosemary and Damask Rose produce essential oils that are of high economical value and soaring in demand. The essential oils can be extracted to produce high-quality perfumes and can be used in aroma therapy and food.