Date:14/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/14/stories/2005121415620200.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Plans to market aromatic plants aggressively

Staff Reporter

State association of growers mooted

HYDERABAD: Efforts are on to form Aromatic Plants Growers' Associations in all States to help growers find market for their produce. Disclosing this to mediapersons, convenor of the Aromatic Plants Growers Association of India, Shantanu Kumar, here on Monday said that State associations had been formed in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Orissa.

Mr. Kumar who came to enrol growers in the State said that though aromatic plants enjoyed good market abroad, growers in many States were not aware of the facilities being extended by the National Horticulture Board (NHB). Aromatic plants used in perfumes, medicines and in some oils were in good demand but the growers could not cash in on the potential, he said.

The vital link

The National Association which was formed at the instance of NHB would function as the link between the Board and the farmers and help the growers in approaching banks for loans with project reports and establishing market linkages besides adopting right practices and technology. A seminar would be held in city soon, he said.

Rajaram Tripathi, a successful grower in Chhattisgarh was the secretary of the national association, he said. Those interested in membership may contact office of Aromatic Plants Growers' Association, 39-A, Rohit Villa, Pachpedhi Chowk, Ring Road No.1, Raipur, Ph. No. 094252 58105 or Shantanu kumar, Ph.No. 098484 26764, email id: shantanu_1412@yahoo.com