In light of the increasing number of cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, the Lucknow-based Central Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) has decided to allow only fully vaccinated farmers to attend the upcoming annual farmers' fair (Kisan Mela).
CIMAP is organizing the 10-day annual farmer fair from January 21 to January 31.
"Every day, around 200 farmers will participate. Farmers who are interested can register for the event online in advance. The fair will also be broadcast for the general public. We have made it necessary for all participants to be completely vaccinated in order to reduce the spread of Covid-19 infection," stated PK Trivedi, director of CIMAP.
Last year, the Kisan Mela was held for 20 days and drew over 4,000 farmers and aromatic oil industry representatives from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat.
According to the director, the main features of this year's farmers fair are market data on medicinal and aromatic plants, the sale of improved planting material and institutional publications, the display of improved varieties and CIMAP products, a live demonstration of distillation unit processing, training in making incense sticks and rose water, and the demonstration of advanced agricultural techniques.
"We will also provide high yielding mentha varieties, lemongrass slips, and other planting material of medicinal and aromatic plants to farmers attending the Kisan Mela," the director stated.
About CIMAP:
The Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, or CIMAP, is a cutting-edge plant research facility of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Founded in 1959 as the Central Indian Medicinal Plants Organization (CIMPO).
CIMAP is responsible for multidisciplinary high-quality research in biological and chemical sciences as well as extending technologies and services to farmers and entrepreneurs of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) through its research headquarters in Lucknow and research centers in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pantnagar, and Purara.
IMAP Research Centers are strategically located around the nation in various agro-climatic zones to permit multi-location field trials and research.
