STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, successfully concluded the second ‘Five-Day Skill Development Programme’ in a series during this month under CSIR Aroma Mission Phase-III, with a focus on empowering women through scientific training in cultivation of aromatic crops, value addition, product development and rural entrepreneurship.
The five-day training Program featured technical sessions, live demonstration of essential oil extraction and hands-on training on value addition of aromatic oils to form products.
A total of 25 women from the Sakhi Saheli Self Help Group, Bakshi Kothe (Zone-Mandal) actively participated in the training participated in the initiative promoting science-based rural development and empowering women through inclusive, skill-based programmes in the aromatic sector.
The theme of the program was to create a sustainable value chain in the aroma sector and build capacity among stakeholders for long-term income generation.
Dr. Ritu Singh, founding Chairperson of FICCI FLO, Jammu Kashmir Ladakh, was the Chief Guest, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM and Dr. Suphla Gupta, Nodal Scientist, Aroma Mission, were also present. Dr. Ritu Singh lauded the role of CSIR-IIIM in promoting the startup and entrepreuership in the region.
During the interactive session, Dr. Singh offered insightful guidance to the prospective women farmers on branding, market linkages, and entrepreneurial opportunities in the aromatic sector.
Dr. Zabeer commended the participants for their enthusiastic involvement and urged them to apply their newly acquired skills toward livelihood generation and rural development.
He reaffirmed CSIR-IIIM’s commitment to supporting women-led Agri-based startups and promoting science-driven entrepreneurship in rural areas.
Dr. Suphla Gupta detailed the programme structure, which ran from August 4th to 8th, 2025, comprising two days of field training at the CSIR Research Farm, Chatha, and three days of hands-on practical sessions at CSIR-IIIM Jammu.
Participants received hands-on training in aromatic crop cultivation, distillation techniques, aroma candle making, incense stick and dhoop preparation, fragrance blending, product packaging, marketing, and value chain development. Practical sessions also covered dipping and packing of agarbatti and dhoop, perfume formulation, and the use of lavender oil in value-added products.
On the concluding day, the dignitaries interacted with the participants, addressed their queries, and provided mentorship on transforming the training into viable entrepreneurial ventures. Certificates of participation were awarded to all participants in recognition of their commitment and active engagement.
The program was organised under the mentorship of Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, coordinated by Dr. Suphla Gupta, with the support of team members, including Dr. Rajendra Bhanwaria, Dr. Sabhajeet, Dr. V.P. Rahul, and Dr. Siya Ram Meena. The Aroma project staff, including Dr. Jyotsna Sharma, Dr. Shifali Chib, Vanshika Bhagat, Neelisha Ambardar, Shiksha Sharma, Amulya Mansotra, and Sohail Khan, actively contributed to the successful conduct of the program.
