One-Day Hands-On Training on Value Addition and Post-Harvest Practices in Medicinal Plants
A one-day hands-on training program on value addition and post-harvest practices in medicinal plants was organized by RCFC NR-1 at Gram Panchayat Aurangabad, District Palwal, Haryana. The event was conducted in collaboration with progressive farmers Mr. Ramesh Chauhan, Mr. Rakesh Chauhan, and Mr. Dipesh Chauhan. The program was inaugurated by Mr. Vijendra Singh Dalal, Chairman of Pragatisheel Kisaan Sabha, and witnessed participation from farmers, women self-help groups, entrepreneurs, and faculty members of Manav Rachna International University.
Dr. Sweta Thakur, Consultant (Technical) at RCFC NR-1, addressed the gathering and underscored the core mandates and focus areas of RCFC NR-1, emphasizing the importance of organizing training programs to strengthen the medicinal plant value chain.
Dr. Tara Devi Sen, a domain expert from RCFC, delivered an informative lecture on value addition through traditional recipes derived from wild medicinal plants. Dr. Anuja Shukla from Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida, provided insights into packaging and marketing strategies for medicinal plant-based products, with a special focus on market-driven approaches.
A highlight of the program was the demonstration by Mr. Dharamveer Kamboj, a renowned innovator, who showcased his multi-purpose machine. He demonstrated the preparation of various value-added products such as amla juice, aloe vera gel, turmeric ark, and guava juice. His practical demonstration inspired participants to adopt innovative product development techniques.
The program concluded with the distribution of certificates to participants. It successfully highlighted the significance of value addition, advanced technologies, and effective marketing strategies in the medicinal plant sector. Participants expressed their appreciation to RCFC NR-1 for organizing the training and extending support to enhance their practices and explore entrepreneurial opportunities.
A one-day hands-on training program on value addition and post-harvest practices in medicinal plants was organized at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), DUVASU, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, on January 18, 2025.
The event was conducted by RCFC NR-1 in collaboration with the Farmer Directors of Tribakeshwar Brij Kishan Farmer Producer Company, Mr. Mahesh Kilanot, Mr. Khajaan Singh, and Mr. Kartar Singh.
The program was inaugurated by Mr. A. K. Upadhyay, Project Director, Mathura, who highlighted the significance of value addition in medicinal plants for boosting farmer incomes and encouraging entrepreneurship. He applauded the efforts of the organizers in creating a platform for farmers to learn and implement innovative practices. Dr. Y. K. Sharma, Incharge of KVK, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the role of such initiatives in promoting knowledge and skill enhancement for the farming community.
More than 100 farmers, along with women from self-help groups, entrepreneurs, and students, actively participated in the training. Dr. Sweta Thakur, Consultant (Technical) at RCFC NR-1, provided an insightful overview of the mandates and focus areas of RCFC NR-1. She stressed the importance of adopting innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and value-added product development to unlock entrepreneurial opportunities in the medicinal plant sector.
Following her session, Mr. Dharamveer Kamboj, a renowned innovator, demonstrated his multi-purpose machine and showcased the preparation of various value-added products such as amla juice, aloe vera gel, turmeric ark, giloy juice, honey lollipop, neem karela juice and guava juice. His insoirational story, engaging and practical demonstration provided participants with affordable and efficient methods for product development, motivating them to incorporate innovation into their practices.
Dr. Tara Devi Sen from Vallabh Government College, Mandi, conducted a session on the value addition of wild medicinal plants through traditional recipes. She shared practical examples of how locally available ingredients could be transformed into high-value products while retaining their medicinal properties. Dr. Anuja Shukla from Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida, shared her expertise on packaging and marketing strategies. Her lecture focused on branding, packaging design, and marketing approaches to enhance the market appeal of medicinal plant products.
The program concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participants, acknowledging their active involvement. The event highlighted the importance of value addition, post-harvest practices, and effective marketing strategies in empowering farmers and fostering entrepreneurship in the medicinal plant sector.
A one-day training program was organized at Kangar Village, Nurpur Bedi, Punjab, by the Regional Cum Facilitation Centre, Northern Region-1 (RCFC NR-1), National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH, located at Joginder Nagar, Himachal Pradesh.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Sweta Thakur, Consultant (Technical), RCFC NR-1, highlighted the centre’s commitment to bridging gaps and creating opportunities in the medicinal plant supply chain.
The event, hosted by the Suhavi Farmer Producer Company, saw active participation from around 65 individuals.
The program featured a live demonstration by Mr. Dharmveer Kamboj, who showcased his innovative multi-purpose food processing machine. He demonstrated the preparation of essential oil from curry leaves and Dalbergia sissoo (Tahli), along with value-added products such as amla pickle, jam, amla supari, honey turmeric, aloe vera gel, curry leaves cream, amrood juice, ark (distilled essence) etc. His machine’s efficiency and versatility, capable of producing multiple products in a short time, especially resonated with women, inspiring them with possibilities for empowerment. He also introduced his latest creation, the honey lollipop, which drew significant interest from the audience.
Adding to the program, Dr. Tara Devi Sen demonstrated the preparation of traditional recipes using locally available wild medicinal plants. Highlights included biscuits made from Konch Beej and Ashwagandha and laddus prepared from Giloy, Shatavari, and Ashwagandha, crafted by a Himachal-based self-help group. These healthy recipes were distributed among participants and received widespread appreciation.
The program was graced by Mr. Naresh kumar, Director of Suhavi Farmer Producer Company, Mr. Premji Singh Chopra along with prominent business leaders, community members especially women participants from the region.
The event concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, leaving attendees motivated and informed about the potential of food processing and traditional recipes.
