Dehradun: Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan visited the Aromatic Plant Centre located in Selakui, Dehradun district. On this occasion, the Chief Secretary took detailed information about the work being done by the Aromatic Plant Centre. He said that the production and processing of high-value crops can significantly improve the economic condition of the state’s farmers. He directed the Aromatic Plant Centre to provide doorstep assistance to the farmers of the state. He emphasized the need to further strengthen the Aromatic Plant Centre so that it can expand its activities throughout the state.
The Chief Secretary said that aromatic crops should be selected in all districts according to their climate and geographical conditions, and as many farmers as possible should be included in this initiative. He said that farmers should be provided with the necessary support in the production of aromatic crops. He also directed that the six satellite centers being prepared as Centers of Excellence should be started soon. He also directed that diploma and certification programs should be conducted under higher education and skill development in the perfumery and aromatic sector.
The Chief Secretary reiterated his earlier instructions, emphasizing the need for senior officers to continuously visit the districts to review and take feedback. He directed that livelihood schemes related to fruits and vegetables run by other departments should also be included in this. He said that training and awareness programs should be conducted in all districts so that more and more farmers can join this aromatic plant production and processing work. Reiterating that the annual action plan for the financial year 2026-27 should be completed by January, he said that targets should also be set for the districts so that the work can be completed within the stipulated time.
On this occasion, the Director of the Aromatic Plant Centre, Dr. Nirpendra Chauhan, informed that the Aromatic Plant Centre has been developed as a successful model for the commercialization of aromatic crops, providing all facilities under one roof. He said that it acts as a business incubator, supporting farmers, entrepreneurs, and the essential oil industry, including cultivation, processing and distillation, marketing, quality analysis and standardization training, and other promotional schemes to promote the aromatic sector. He said that free planting material is being provided to farmers with up to 5 nali (a unit of land measurement) of land, while a subsidy of up to 50 percent is being given for 9 aromatic crops.
Director Dr. Chauhan informed that a subsidy of up to 75 percent is being provided for distillation units and dryers in the hilly districts and up to 50 percent in the plains districts (maximum Rs. 10 lakh). A minimum support price has been fixed for 27 essential oils and aromatic products to assist farmers. District Magistrate Dehradun, Savin Bansal, was also present on this occasion.
