CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, organized a one-day workshop on “Value Addition of Himalayan Essential Oils and Their Marketing Regulation” in collaboration with the Himalayan Phytochemicals and Growers Association, (HIMPA) on October 28, 2025.
The event brought together around 50 participants, including farmers, industrialists, HIMPA members, and scientists. In his opening remarks, Dr.Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director of CSIR-IHBT, emphasized the institute’s commitment to advancing the cultivation of aromatic and high-value crops across the northwestern Himalayan region. He assured farmers of full scientific and technical support from the institute to enhance their livelihoods through sustainable farming practices, value addition, and import substitution.
Dr. Yadav also congratulated the CSIR Aroma Mission team for receiving the RashtriyaVigyanPuraskarfor the year 2025.Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chief Scientist and Program Coordinator, presented an overview of aromatic crops suitable for the North-Western Himalayan region. He noted that these crops perform well under rainfed conditions, are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, and face minimal competition in cultivation.
Emphasizing their economic potential, he pointed out that low-volume, high-value crops such as damask rose, lemongrass, tulsi, mint, aromatic marigold, chamomile, and palmarosa are in great demand across industries including aromatherapy, cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals, toiletries, and fragrances. He encouraged farmers to utilize barren and marginal lands for aromatic crop cultivation.
The global essential oil market is growing at 9.0% CAGR from 2025- 2033. The EO market, which was 6.63 billion USD in 2016, reached 25.86 billion USD in 2024 and is projected to reach 56.25 billion USD by 2033. Mr. Surender Mohan, President of HIMPA, discussed the current status and future prospects of the essential oil industry in Himachal Pradesh. Participants were also briefed on improved processing technologies, marketing regulations for essential oils, and value addition techniques for cedarwood and other aromatic crops. Industrialist from J&K, shared insights on the opportunities and challenges in the essential oil industry of J&K. The workshop concluded with an engaging interactive session, where farmers and industrialists expressed appreciation for the insightful discussions on value addition and shared their enthusiasm for adopting innovative practices in the essential oil sector.
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