ASSAM, Dima Hasao: In a significant initiative aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods and promoting sustainable agriculture in the North Eastern Hill (NEH) region, a specialized training programme on “Promotion of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants Cultivation for Livelihood Security” was organized at Haflong on 21 September and Langting on 22 September 2026. The programme was jointly organized by ICAR–Directorate of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants Research, Gujarat, in active collaboration with the AICRP -MAPB, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dima Hasao.
The initiative focused on introducing farmers, particularly tribal farming communities, to the potential of high-value medicinal and aromatic crops as sustainable income-generating enterprises suited to the agro-climatic conditions of the hill district. A total of 200 farmers from different parts of Dima Hasao participated in the two-day training programmes.
The Haflong programme was graced by Shri Manjoy Langthasa, Executive Member, Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC), as the Chief Guest, while Smt. Probita Johori, Executive Member, DHAC, attended as Guest of Honour. Shri Somendra Longmailai, Chief Trustee, Keshav Smarak Nyas, and Smt. Boichitra Hakmaosa, Senior Agricultural Development Officer, were also present. Dr. Ardhendu Chakraborty, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Dima Hasao, addressed the participants and highlighted the importance of integrating medicinal plant cultivation with livelihood diversification and natural resource conservation. At Langting, Shri Dhriti Thaosen, MAC and Vice-Chairman, District Planning Board, graced the programme as the Chief Guest along with other dignitaries and invited guests.
The technical sessions provided farmers with practical knowledge on the identification, selection, cultivation, crop management, plant protection, harvesting and economic potential of medicinal and aromatic plants. The sessions were delivered by Dr. Manish Mittal, Scientist, ICAR-DMAPR; Dr. Pranjal Kaman, Junior Scientist, AAU, and a team of experts from KVK Dima Hasao, including Dr. S. H. Gogoi, Shri Baosring Nunisa, Smt. Rashmita Saikia, Smt. Darshana Chetia and Dr. N. Manoranjan Singh.
Addressing the farmers, Dr. Ardhendu Chakraborty emphasized that medicinal and aromatic plants can offer new avenues for income diversification while also contributing to the conservation and sustainable utilization of valuable plant resources. He encouraged farmers to adopt scientific cultivation practices and maintain close contact with KVK scientists for technical guidance. The distinguished guests appreciated the various technology-based agricultural interventions and farmer-oriented initiatives of KVK Dima Hasao and encouraged the farming community to adopt scientific methods of cultivation. They also urged farmers to make regular use of the expertise and services available through KVK for improving productivity, profitability and sustainability.
As part of the programme, seed kits, biopesticides and organic manures were distributed among participating farmers to encourage the adoption of sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices. The programme provided an important platform for bringing together research institutions, agricultural scientists, development agencies and tribal farmers, with a shared objective of exploring the untapped potential of medicinal and aromatic plants in Dima Hasao.
The training programme was coordinated by Smt. Parkey Gogoi and Shri Baosring Nunisa, Scientists, KVK Dima Hasao, with active support from the entire KVK team. The initiative marks an important step towards creating new livelihood opportunities, promoting crop diversification and building climate-resilient and sustainable farming systems in the hill district of Dima Hasao.
