Dehradun, Uttarakhand – Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has officially launched the Aroma Revolution Policy 2026-36, a comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming Uttarakhand into a leading hub for aromatic crop cultivation and processing. The policy envisions a substantial increase in the state's revenue from the aroma industry, targeting a turnover of Rs 1200 crore over the next ten years.
The Aroma Revolution Policy 2026-36 aims to promote the large-scale cultivation and processing of aromatic and medicinal plants in Uttarakhand. The initiative, also known as 'Mahak Kranti' (Fragrance Revolution), seeks to establish a robust aromatic cultivation sector in the state. This will be achieved by creating a complete ecosystem for aromatic crops, establishing Uttarakhand as a recognized brand for aromatic products at both national and international levels.
A key component of the policy involves bringing 22,750 hectares of land under aromatic crop cultivation in the first phase, which is expected to benefit 91,000 farmers. To encourage participation, the government will provide substantial subsidies to farmers, covering 80% of the cultivation cost for up to one hectare of land and 50% for areas exceeding one hectare. Eligible applicants include committees, self-help groups, and companies that own or lease land for at least 10 years and cultivate a minimum of 0.1 hectares.
The policy will focus on specific crops in designated regions to maximize production and efficiency. These include damask rose in Chamoli and Almora, timru in Pithoragarh, cinnamon in Champawat and Nainital, lemongrass in Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri, and mint in Udham Singh Nagar and Haridwar.
The government plans to establish seven aroma valleys and five satellite centers to support the growth and development of the aroma industry. These centers will likely provide resources and support for cultivation, processing, and marketing of aromatic products. The Centre for Aromatic Plants (CAP), established in 2003 in Selaqui, Dehradun, will play a crucial role in the Aroma Revolution Policy. CAP serves as a business incubator center, equipped with facilities for survey, training, research, quality planting material production, extension, distillation, and marketing.
The Aroma Revolution Policy aligns with the state government's vision of "Sashakt Uttarakhand" (Empowered Uttarakhand) and is projected to have a wide-ranging positive impact. It is estimated that the policy will generate 2.27 crore man-days of employment and lead to the establishment of around 500 processing and distillation units. The initiative is also expected to provide opportunities in carbon trading, promote biodiversity conservation, and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
In addition to the Aroma Revolution Policy, the Uttarakhand cabinet has approved several other initiatives to support various sectors. These include creating eight new posts for educational TV channels under the PM e-Vidya program, releasing funds for affordable housing projects, and amending service rules for primary education teachers to include special education. The state government is also providing financial incentives for marriages involving differently-abled individuals.
