By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 8 May: Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd), the Governor of Uttarakhand, visited the Center for Aromatic Plants (CAP) in Selaqui, Dehradun, on Wednesday. During the visit, the Governor toured the Seed Development and Germination Room established in the Center of Excellence area, various high-tech greenhouses, and various modern laboratories and gardens located in the centre, and obtained information about the cultivation of bay leaf and cinnamon being developed by the centre. The Governor also planted saplings of Agarwood in the Center of Excellence.
On this occasion, the Governor said that Uttarakhand, the land of gods, has natural resources available for the cultivation of aromatic plants, and these crops do not harm wild animals, so the cultivation of aromatic plants should be promoted and disseminated more in Uttarakhand. He said that apart from increasing the income of farmers here, aromatic plant cultivation will also boost the economy of the state. The Governor said that fragrance holds a special place in the whole world, and there will be a demand for perfumes and fragrances made from Uttarakhand’s herbs, flowers, and plants globally.
Lt Gen Singh said that the quality of cinnamon produced in Uttarakhand is good, and the efforts being made under Mission Cinnamon by CAP are commendable. He said that CAP’s plan named ‘Mahak Kranti’ to promote aromatic plant cultivation will benefit not only the farmers but also the general public. The Governor said that the ‘Timaru Perfume’ developed by CAP and all other products are truly attractive, and CAP should promote its products domestically and internationally.
The Governor said that we should make the packaging and branding of our products fit for the global level. He said that CAP officials should make efforts to showcase the diversity and grandeur of Uttarakhand in the branding of our products. The Governor said that CAP should integrate AI and agriculture in its research by adding new technologies to its research. He said that through the use of technology and innovation, new opportunities will be created in the agricultural sector, and avenues for success and prosperity will open up for aromatic plant cultivation.
During his visit, the Governor set a target for CAP’s Director, Dr Nripendra Chauhan, to obtain 108 patents and sign 108 MoUs with aromatic institutes located in the country and abroad in the next two years.
On this occasion, Dr Pankaj Bijalwan, the manager of the centre, presented information based on CAP’s activities and upcoming plans. Dr Hema Lohani, scientific advisor to CAP, and senior scientists like Dr Sunil Shah were also present along with other scientific and administrative staff of the center.
