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Transforming Communities Through Aroma Mission

17/04/2024

A Collaboration between Ultra International Limited, Sant Sanganeria. Foundation for Health and Education (SSFHE) and CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow.

In a groundbreaking partnership between Ultra, SSFHE and CSIR-CIMAP the A programme which aims to promote the Cultivations of Aromatic Crops such as Lemongrass, Palmarosa, Vetiver, Rose, Jasmine etc. Aroma Mission has emerged as a transformative force in the landscape of rural development and sustainable agriculture. This unique collaboration combines corporate expertise with philanthropic vision, harnessing the power of innovation and community engagement to empower marginalized tribal communities across India.

The Aroma Mission, supported by Ultra International Limited and the Sant Sanganeria Foundation, is dedicated to bolstering essential oil production and promoting sustainable farming practices among tribal farmers. Through strategic investments and grassroots initiatives, the mission aims to uplift rural economies, enhance livelihood opportunities, and foster environmental stewardship in tribal regions.

At the core of the Aroma Mission's approach is a commitment to holistic development. With financial support from Ultra and the philanthropic vision of the SSFHE, the mission has been able to establish stainless steel oil distillery units in key regions such as Tamil Nadu's Annamalai Tiger Reserve and Ooty. These installations serve as catalysts for economic empowerment, providing tribal farmers with access to modern technology and infrastructure essential for essential oil production.

Beyond financial contributions, the Aroma Mission prioritizes community engagement and capacity-building initiatives. By partnering with local organizations and leveraging the expertise of CSIR-CIMAP scientists, the mission facilitates knowledge transfer and technical training for farmers.

Through awareness programmes and field training sessions, tribal communities are equipped with the skills and resources needed to adopt best practices for aromatic crop cultivation and oil extraction. One of the notable success stories of the Aroma Mission is its impact on lemongrass cultivation in the Annamalai Tiger Reserve. With support from Ultra and the SSFHE, tribal farmers have transitioned from traditional subsistence farming to commercial lemongrass cultivation, significantly increasing their incomes and improving their quality of life. Moreover, by engaging in sustainable agricultural practices, these communities contribute to biodiversity conservation and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts in the region.

The partnership between Ultra, SSFHE and CSIR-CIMAP underscores the potential of corporate-social collaborations in driving positive change and fostering inclusive growth. Through the Aroma Mission, these organizations are not only empowering rural communities, but also strengthening the domestic aromatic industry and promoting self-reliance in essential oil production.

As the Aroma Mission continues to expand its reach and impact, supported by Ultra International Limited and the Sant Sanganeria Foundation, it embodies the spirit of collaboration and collective action in addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing India's rural communities. Together, they are sowing the seeds of prosperity and sustainability, one community at a time.