The aroma entrepreneurs should update their knowledge and skills with the modern tools and techniques for advancement of aroma based entrepreneurship in the country. Forest Research Institute (FRI) director AS Rawat said this while speaking at the inauguration of a five-day training cum workshop on essential oils, perfumery and aromatherapy jointly organised by Chemistry and Bioprospecting division of Forest Research Institute (FRI) and Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre (FFDC), Kannauj, at the institute on Monday. Altogether 43 participants from different corners of India representing diverse fields are attending the training programme.Citing the resurgence of naturals in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals production, Rawat emphasised the role of forests and utilisation of their vast resources in aroma sector for development of employment and entrepreneurship, particularly, in the rural areas of the country.
Recognising the substantial share of aroma industry in strengthening Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector in India, he said that this training programme is appropriate for development of qualified workforce for expansion of this sector.Addressing the trainees as guest of honour, Rohit Seth, the president, of Sugandh Vypar Sangh and past president of FAFAI talked on challenges and prospects in aroma industry. He gave a brief account of global market scenario of aroma products and highlighted the need for standardisation of the essential oils and related products in consonance with the Indian conditions.
He emphasised the need for research and development interventions in aroma sector considering the traditional knowledge and practices.
The FFDC Training and Agro Tech head AP Singh spoke about the activities of FFDC and informed about the technical sessions of the training cum workshop.
He spoke on the global scenario, diverse business and career opportunities in the aroma sector. The training cum workshop will continue till June 14 and will provide a detailed exposure towards fundamental and applied aspects of processing, quality assessment and therapeutic benefits of essential oils and their applications in perfumery and aromatherapy for advancements of scientific knowledge, skills and entrepreneurship of the participants through lectures and practical demonstrations by experts from aroma industry, scientists and practicing aroma therapists.