CM inaugurates ‘India’s first’ Aroma Park

RUDRAPUR: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami marked a momentous occasion as he performed Bhoomi Pujan ceremony for the nation's first Aroma Park in Kashipur of Udham Singh Nagar district on Tuesday.

Collaborating with the Center for Aromatic Plants (CAP) in Selaqui, Fragrance Trade Association (FTA) in Delhi, Essential Oil Association of India (EOAI) in Noida, and State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (SIDCUL), the park stands as a testament to Uttarakhand's commitment to the aromatic sector. As many as 24 persons were handed over the possession letters of the land to establish their production units. CM Dhami said, “Today, we establish Uttarakhand's Aroma Park, a centre of excellence that will shape our economy through aromatic farming. Over the past two decades, over 24,000 farmers have embraced aromatic farming, significantly increasing our turnover from 2 crores to over 86 crores.”

He added, “The Uttarakhand Government has embraced the Aroma Park Policy, 2018, following a proposal from FTA and EOAI. PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for 46 aroma and perfumery industries in Kashipur industrial area on December 30, 2021. Six aroma valleys will be developed across Uttarakhand to ensure a steady supply of raw materials.”

Damask Rose Valley will be developed in Chamoli and Almora Districts, Timur Valley in Pithoragarh, Cinnamon Valley in Champawat and Nainital, Lemongrass and Mint Valley in Haridwar, Mint Valley in Udham Singh Nagar, and Lemongrass Valley in Pauri, covering an area of 14,000 hectares.

With an investment of 300 crores, the aroma park will host 46 aroma and perfumery industries, generating abundant employment opportunities. The chief minister also emphasised the positive impact of aromatic industries on markets as it would “cultivate new farming options, ensuring improved livelihoods.”