By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 10 Jun: A 5 day Training cum Workshop on “Essential Oils, Perfumery & Aromatherapy” jointly organised by Chemistry and Bioprospecting Division, Forest Research Institute (FRI), here, and Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre (FFDC), Kannauj, commenced, today. Altogether, 43 participants from different corners of India representing diverse fields are attending the training.
Inaugurating the Training cum Workshop in the Board Room of FRI, Chief Guest AS Rawat, Director, FRI, called upon the aroma entrepreneurs to update their knowledge and skills with modern tools and techniques for advancement of aroma based entrepreneurship in the country. Highlighting the resurgence of naturals in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals production, he emphasised the role of forests and utilisation of their vast resources in aroma sector for development of employment and entrepreneurship, particularly in the rural areas of the country. Recognising the substantial share of aroma industry in strengthening Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector in India, he said that this training programme was very appropriate for development of qualified workforce for expansion of this sector and FFDC and FRI held great promise in supporting and facilitating the aroma industries in the country. This training is the 9th in the series since 2010.
Addressing the trainees as ‘Guest of Honour’, Rohit Seth, President, Sugandh Vyapar Sangh and Past President, FAFAI, spoke on challenges and prospects of the aroma industry. He gave a brief account of the global market scenario in aroma products and highlighted the need for standardisation of the essential oils and related products in consonance with the Indian conditions. He emphasised the need for R&D interventions in the aroma sector considering the traditional knowledge and practices.
AP Singh, Head, Training & Agro Tech, FFDC, spoke about the activities of FFDC and gave an account of technical sessions at the workshop. He informed the gathering that the course curriculum of the training had been designed to meet the expectations of a diverse group of participants.
The programme started with a welcome address by Dr Vineet Kumar, Head, Chemistry and Bioprospecting Division. Welcoming the guests and participants, Dr Kumar highlighted the impressive record of Chemistry and Bioprospecting Divisions in the area of essential oils during yesteryears which paved the path for development of essential oil industries in India. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Pradeep Sharma, Scientist-B and Convener of the training programme. The inaugural function was attended Dr AK Pandey, Dr VK Varshney, Dr YC Tripathi, Scientists of Chemistry and Bioprospecting Division; Group Coordinator (Research), Heads of Divisions, FRI, and other officers and research scholars of FRI.
Presenting an overview of the aroma industry, AP Singh spoke on the global scenario, diverse business and career opportunities. Sitaram Dixit, Independent Consultant, Mumbai, talked about the sources, importance and national and international market potential of essential oils. Introducing the perfumery and aromatherapy industry to the participants, he also highlighted the past and present practices of aroma usage in Ayurveda and discussed its future perspectives from health and business point of view. Further, Dr Shailesh Pandey, Forest Pathologist, delivered a lecture stating fungi as a novel and non conventional source of aroma. Dr Pradeep Sharma lectured on essential oil extraction techniques.
The Workshop will continue till 14 June and provide a detailed exposure on fundamental and applied aspects of processing, quality assessment and therapeutic benefits of essential oils and their applications in perfumery and aromatherapy for advancements of scientific knowledge, skills and entrepreneurship.There will be practical demonstrations by experts from aroma industry, scientists and practicing aroma therapists.
