Aromatic Plants | Agriculture Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

The Aroma Mission is an initiative launched by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) with the objective of supporting the welfare of farmers. The primary goal of this mission is to encourage the growth of aromatic crops used for essential oils and expand the cultivated land area by an additional 30,000 hectares. Furthermore, the Aroma Mission seeks to introduce fresh innovations in the agricultural sector.

The overarching aim of this mission is to accelerate the advancement of the agricultural industry in India, ultimately benefiting the dedicated farmers of the nation.

What is Aroma Mission?

The Aroma Mission, established by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), is a specialized program designed to elevate the agricultural sector in India. Its principal goal is to enhance the financial well-being of farmers by adopting modern agricultural technologies to augment production.

About CSIR

• CSIR, which stands for the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, is an autonomous research and development organization based in India.
• The primary objective of CSIR is to facilitate and enhance socio-economic development within the nation.
• CSIR is the driving force behind initiatives like the Aroma Mission, which was launched with the aim of accelerating the growth and development of the agricultural sector in India.

Why was the Aroma Mission Launched?

The Aroma Mission has brought substantial relief to farmers and cultivators across 17 Indian states.
Here are some of the reasons that led to the launch of this mission:

• Farmers have grappled with the challenges of frequent and unpredictable weather events, resulting in substantial losses.
• This, in turn, has led to a rise in the incidence of farmer suicides.
• Since its initiation, approximately 4,000 farming families have directly benefited from the Aroma Mission.
• The mission serves as a motivating factor for farmers, enabling them to generate increased income.
• Additionally, it offers significant employment opportunities for female farmers, thereby promoting inclusive growth.

Objectives of Aroma Mission

In 2016, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) launched the Aroma Mission with the intent of improving the cultivation of aromatic plants possessing medicinal properties, such as Lavender, Rosemary, Aloe Vera, Mint, Musk Bala, Menthol, and others. This mission was first rolled out in Jammu and Kashmir in 2016 and gained recognition as the Lavender or Purple Revolution.

• The core objective of the Aroma Mission is to introduce innovative strategies within India's agricultural sector to stimulate the economic prosperity of farmers.
• Furthermore, the Aroma Mission has set a target to expand the cultivated land area by an additional 30,000 hectares.
• It primarily focuses on industries including pharmaceuticals, perfumery, and cosmetics.

Aroma Mission Coverage

• The Aroma Mission encompasses a range of 14 aromatic crops that are both high in value and in demand, covering an expansive area of 3,247 hectares. 
• These aromatic crops include Lavender, Rosemary, Aloe Vera, Mint, Musk Bala, Damask Rose, Mehndi, Menthol, and various other medicinal aromatic plants.
• This mission has proven advantageous to farmers across 17 states, including Rajasthan, Vidarbha, Gujarat, Odisha, Bundelkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Marathwada, and more.
• The benefits have extended to over 3,100 farmers, providing them with various significant advantages.

Aroma Mission Significance

The Aroma Mission holds immense significance as it plays a pivotal role in augmenting the earnings of cultivators and farmers through the cultivation of aromatic crops in high demand. This mission not only benefits farmers in India but also extends its advantages to the aroma industry and potential entrepreneurs, enabling them to emerge as global leaders in the production and export of aromatic oils.

• The Aroma Mission is dedicated to promoting the cultivation of high-demand aromatic crops, primarily to boost the production of highly sought-after essential oils.
• It implements an efficient buy-back mechanism to elevate the income of both farmers and growers.
• Moreover, the mission offers valuable perks to these individuals, including crop protection, profit maximization, and the utilization of previously unproductive land.
• The Aroma Mission contributes value to farmers and growers throughout the nation by furnishing them with essential infrastructural and technical support for distillation processes.
• Additionally, it expands the area under captive cultivation of aromatic crops through the interventions of CSIR, further bolstering its impact.

Why Does the Aroma Mission Target the Aroma Industry?

The Aroma Mission serves as an excellent avenue to promote the cultivation of fragrant crops and increase the income of farmers and growers. The aromatic industry is known for its high value and lucrative opportunities, which is why this mission focuses on it.

• This initiative aims to enhance the production and export of essential oils and aromatic ingredients on a global scale, thereby contributing to the global trade economy. 
• As a result, the Aroma Mission successfully achieves its goal by benefiting farmers and positioning India as a top exporter of aromatic oils.
• Additionally, the Aroma Mission enhances the value of aromatic ingredients and essential oils, further solidifying India's position as a global leader in the production and export of aromatic oils.