On June 19, 2020 Researchers of Indian Institute of Technology(IIT) Mandi have developed a herbal infusion technology, as a source of income for local marginal farmers in the mid-Himalayas.
Major Highlights
i.The Researchers from the institute’s Botanical Garden and Medicinal Plant Lab have analysed a variety of herbs growing in the mid-Himalayan region in & around the villages around IIT Mandi, Kamand region to create value added products in the form of herbal infusions known for their health benefits (mainly rich in antioxidants).
ii.The technology is ready to license industries interested in working with Enabling Women of Kamand(EWOK)- a rural incubator at IIT Mandi, in the interest of empowering the Kamand Valley farmers.
iii.At present the researchers have successfully formulated 9 different herbal infusions with constituents such as tulsi, mint, rose, amla, bayleaf, turmeric, rhododendron and lemongrass.
iv.The researchers aim to create 100 Kamand Valley Infusion formulations and also establish a farmer-academia-industry-Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) network for the purpose of buying-back and sustainable market linkages.
v.The vacuum drying process is optimized for each herb to maintain quality.
vi.The lab is training local farmers in collaboration with EWOK with regards to farming of herbals, processing, packaging and marketing of the infusions.
Key Points
- EWOK has also received funding from NABARD to establish 3 farmer producer companies (FPCs).
- Among 3, one FPC focuses on the aromatic and medicinal plant farming, value-addition and market linkages.
Note– IIT Mandi & EWOK have signed a tripartite pact with the National Bank for Agriculture And Rural Development (NABARD) to set up 3 Farmer Producer Organisations(FPOs) in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district. Where NABARD has sanctioned an amount of Rs 35 lakhs to IIT Mandi and EWOK for this establishment in the next 3 years.
About IIT Mandi:
Chairperson– Subodh Bhargava
Director– Prof. Timothy A Gonsalves
