ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Hosts 3-Day Kisan Mela in Anand, Gujarat

Anand:  The Kisan Mela organized by ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research (ICAR-DMAPR) in Anand, Gujarat, kicked off on January 22, 2024, with the inauguration by Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR. The event, spanning three days until January 24, 2024, encompassed a Herbal Expo, Farmers Training, and an Exposure visit.

Key Highlights:

1. Focus on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs): Dr. Himanshu Pathak emphasized the significance of cultivating Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) as a viable option for doubling farmers’ income. Acknowledging the growing demand for MAPs in the herbs-based industry, he urged farmers to adopt ICAR-DMAPR technologies and varieties for increased productivity and quality.
2. Massive Farmer Turnout: The event witnessed a substantial presence, with over 2000 farmers, including a significant number of women farmers. Dr. Pathak commended the Directorate for successfully organizing the Mela.
3. Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs): Two MoUs were signed during the Kisan Mela—one with M/s Vasu Research Centre and Healthcare, Vadodara, and another tripartite MoU with St. Xaviers College (SXCA)-Loyola Centre of Research and Development–Xavier Research Foundation (LCRD-XRF), Ahmedabad.
4. Educational Programs and Exhibition Stalls: More than 30 exhibition stalls from ICAR institutes, SAUs, KVK, and herbal industries showcased their work. Training programs covering various aspects of MAPs, along with demonstrations and conservation methods, were conducted.
5. Exposure Visit and Drone Demonstration: An exposure visit was arranged for farmers on January 24, showcasing live cultivation and conservation of MAPs. A drone demonstration was organized as a special event, benefitting the farmers. Three farmers—one each from Maharashtra, Bihar, and Gujarat—were felicitated during the drone demonstration.
6. Guests of Honor: Vice-Chancellor of Anand Agricultural University, Dr. K. B. Kathiria, and ADG (FVSM), ICAR Dr. Sudhakar Pandey, graced the occasion as Guests of Honor. They highlighted the importance of MAPs for long-term benefits and income doubling for farmers.
7. Encouraging Farmer-ICAR Connection: Dignitaries stressed the need for farmers to stay connected with ICAR-DMAPR to maximize the benefits of cultivating, processing, trading, and marketing medicinal plants. They suggested co-cultivating medicinal and aromatic plants with traditional crops to enhance farmers’ income.

The Kisan Mela concluded with three best stall awards and significant participation from farmers, school children, and visitors. The event acted as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, technology adoption, and fostering partnerships in the agricultural sector.