Core Support 2020-2023 (Phase-III)
1. Core support : Core Support programme has been extended from 2020 to 2025 with following activities :-
I. S & T Intervention : Aspirational Chamba Distt. : Parwai village, Bhatiyat block: Formed a network of 40 Farmers & linked to Himachal Gramin Bank, Lahdu, for further financial help.
1. Diversification in to aromatic oils from wild marigold (Tagetes minuta) : In June 20, about 19 farmers cultivated wild marigold on about 22 bighas (1.76 hac.) of land. Hands on trainings to farmers and core team members were given at IHBT, Palampur as well as in farmers’ fields by concerned scientists on agro-technology of wild marigold. Constructed work shed (600 sqft) and installed 250 kg capacity distillation unit at Parwai village. Training cum demonstration was conducted at unit in the village by concerned scientists on extraction of oil, packing and storage of oil. Now the core team of trained farmers is doing extraction of oil themself. Linkages have also been established with Mohan Sugandhim, Mandi (H.P.) for selling of wild marigold oil @ Rs. 8000/-kg.
2. Propagation & supply of quality planting material of Lavender (Lavendula officinalis) & Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) : As proposed 5 poly-tunnels (100 sqm. each) have been fabricated in farmers’ fields. Now we are in process to conduct hands on trainings to farmers at IHBT as well as in farmers’ fields. We are going to propagate about 22,000 plants of these plants through cutting in the ploy-tunnels.
3. Cultivation & drying of Matricaria : 15 farmers have been identified to grow matricaria in about 2.0 hac. of land in coming winter season This crop will be dried in indirect solar drier as well as oil will be extracted in distillation unit.
II. Development of nutraceutical/functional foods : Biscuits from nutritionally rich local Vegetable (Broccoli) in combination with flours of wheat & amaranthus (traditional millet) have been prepared. Storage & organoleptic study have been carried out for 6 months & found acceptable. For scientific validation physic-chemical and nutritional analysis was carried out at CFTRI, Mysore along with control sample. Prepared biscuits were found very rich in all minerals & vitamins as compared to control sample. For example prepared biscuit has Calcium, Potassium and Vit. C content, 347.8 mg/100 gm, 285.9 mg/100 gm and 24.9 mg/100 gm respectively whereas control sample has 43.9 mg/100 gm., 142.7 mg/100 gm and 12.9 mg/100 gm. We are manufacturing and selling this biscuit variant through FARMERS group under FSSAI license.
III. Technology improvement and scientific validation of traditional fermented beverages (SUR in Lag valley) in distt. Kullu of H.P. : A Group of ‘7’ farmers have been formed who will look after and sustain the enterprise after completion of project. Construction of work shed is in progress and completed in next couple of days. Medicinal plants to be used have been collected. Equipment’s are ready with manufacturer and shall be installed. Promotion of traditional crops like Kodra and amaranths etc to be carried out in the area.
IV. Design & fabrication of emulsion making unit for making creams : A prototype of 8 kg capacity have been designed and fabricated in consultation with RuTAG, IIT Roorkee. We are optimizing it for product making. After optimizing it we will go for up scaled unit of about 20-25 kg capacity in next 2-3 months.
V. Herbal Soaps based on wild apricot oil & natural saponins from soap nut using natural aromatics : We have prepared 3 variants of toiler soap using, Aloe vera, Derek leaf extract and Artemisia extract using natural essential oils of Lavender, wild marigold and lemon grass and one variant of washing soap using soap nut extract with quality certification through NABL lab. for their quality parameters. It shall be replicate among women SHG`S for production and selling. We shall have production through FARMERS group after licencing and SSI registration.