MAHAK KRANTI : Aroma Revolution Policy

The fragrance of aromatic crops will smell on the barren land in Uttarakhand. The state government has approved the country's first important revolutionary policy. With this policy, the plan of the Aroma Valley and Satellite Center will land on the ground. At the same time, farmers will get rid of the loss of monkeys and wild animals from aroma farming.

It may be noted here that discussions on the policy had been underway for a considerable period, primarily owing to the continuous research being carried out by the Centre for Aromatic Plants (CAP) in Selaqui, Dehradun, which has been at the forefront of developing aromatic products. The centre had recently prepared a perfume from Timur or Timru (Zanthoxylum armatum) commonly known in English as Nepalese pepper, which had drawn appreciation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Encouraged by this, the state government has resolved to promote the production and utilisation of aromatic crops in Uttarakhand by formulating the ‘Mahak Kranti’ policy to establish a robust sector of aromatic cultivation.

The Aroma Revolution Policy will be implemented for the next 10 years. Under the policy, farmers will be given 50 and 80 percent subsidy for cultivation of aromatic crops. This policy is estimated to cost Rs 1127 crore on aroma farming. With this, the business of the aroma sector in the state can reach 1,050 crore. Under the policy, Demask Gulab in Chamoli and Almora, Cinnamon in Nainital, Timur Valley in Pithoragarh, Haridwar and Pauri Lamangrass, Udham Singh Nagar and Mint Valley will be developed in Haridwar.

At present, 22 thousand farmers are cultivating aromatic crops in about 10 thousand hectares area. The government believes that the cultivation of aromatic crops will reduce human wildlife conflict. At the same time, farmers will get relief from the loss of monkeys and wild animals. 

Key Features of the Aroma Revolution Policy

• In its first phase, the policy targets bringing 22,750 hectares of land under aromatic crops, directly benefiting around 91,000 farmers across the state.
• Farmers will receive an 80% subsidy for cultivating up to one hectare and a 50% subsidy for cultivation beyond one hectare, making aromatic farming more accessible and profitable.
• The policy covers eligible individuals, self-help groups, committees, and companies with land ownership or lease of at least 10 years. The cultivation must cover a minimum of 0.1 hectares.
• Over the next decade, the policy expects to raise turnover from aromatic crops from ₹100 crore to around ₹1,179 crore, generating 2.27 crore man-days of employment and establishing about 500 processing/distillation units.

Goals and Expected Impact

1. The project aims for sustainable agricultural development, eco-conservation, enhanced income for farmers, and new business opportunities in the aromatic sector.
2. The policy is also expected to help reduce human-wildlife conflict and encourage the use of barren land for productive purposes, leveraging the state’s diverse geography.
3. Significant emphasis is placed on biodiversity conservation, carbon trading opportunities, and promotion of local entrepreneurship through involvement of cooperatives and startups.

Broader Context

• This policy is regarded as a “game changer” for Uttarakhand’s rural economy, positioning the state as a leading aromatic farming hub in India over the next decade.
• It builds on earlier central government initiatives like the Aroma Mission, which has had a notable impact in other parts of India such as the North East and Jammu & Kashmir.

The Aroma Revolution Policy is thus a comprehensive, long-term plan with substantial subsidies and ecosystems support, aiming to transform both incomes and land use in Uttarakhand’s rural landscape.

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