Eyeing two-fold objectives of augmented supply and increased employment, herbal sanitiser production centres shall be set up across rural areas of Uttar Pradesh. Proposed to be established with the help of Lucknow’s Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, the intervention carries the potential to boost local industry. This development is a part of the Aroma Mission, launched to accelerate the cultivation and usage of aromatic and medicinal plants throughout the nation.
24 new centres to provide employment to 300 people
The employees and researchers at CIMAP had worked out a plan for the production of herbal sanitisers last year. Thereafter, the institute shared its scheme with a private entity and also signed an agreement to facilitate large-scale manufacturing of the product. As per the latest developments, the private company is working on a project to establish 24 centres across different parts of the state, in collaboration with the institute. Further, it is expected that the units will bring employment opportunities for nearly 300 educated individuals from rural backgrounds.
Manoj Semwal, the principal scientist at CIMAP, said: “The plan is to provide technological help to youngsters living in village areas so that they could convert it into an employment opportunity. We will also share the expertise about the process so that they could expand their business in coming days.” He also mentioned that the active farmers from the state who have been in contact with the institute previously, will be benefitted from preferential treatment under this scheme.
Rural areas near Lucknow, Kanpur & 3 UP cities selected under 1st phase
Under the first phase of implementation, rural areas around Lucknow, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, Agra and Aligarh will get the new production units. While 8 plants are planned for this phase, it is expected that they will be ready by August. It has been stated that that CIMAP will help with technical expertise and the firm will be responsible for establishing these plants and procuring raw materials for production.
Further, the farmers employed at these facilities will be permitted to sell the produce from their fields, to be used for production. Additionally, CIMAP is also planning on initiatives to educate and upskill farmers across the country for ameliorating the cultivation of aromatic plants.
– With inputs from IANS
