NEDFi Haat being readied for Aroma 2004. Picture by S.H. Patgiri

Dec. 14: For those who would like to savour the spicy aroma of patchouli as well as scent the right business opportunities, Aroma 2004 would be the ideal place.

The North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) will organise a five-day Aroma 2004 Northeast Expo on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants at the NEDFi Haat from Thursday to forge linkages between growers, scientists, manufacturers, traders and exporters involved in cultivation and commerce of medicinal and aromatic plants.

NEDFi officials said the region is a storehouse of medicinal and aromatic plants. These have considerable export potential but stakeholders would not be able to benefit unless linkages are developed.

?The farmer who cultivates medicinal plants does not have any knowledge about the market. Such an event will help him obtain the right value for his product,? said deputy general manager P. Saikia.

According to experts, patchouli oil is a kind of essential oil used in current aromatherapy. It has been used for its healing properties. Patchouli?s essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from its leaves and is used for its anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral and sedative properties. It is also used in making body perfumes.

?The event should prove to be an eye-opener to the general public. They would learn more about the world of medicinal plants. These are used in day-to-day life but the common man knows little about it,? Saikia added.

NEDFi has established a research and development centre for medicinal and aromatic plants at Khetri. Special emphasis has been placed on patchouli, an aromatic plant yielding an essential oil with immense potential.

?We are also planning to introduce contract farming to develop markets and ensure the transfer of technical skills in a way that is profitable for both processors and farmers,? an official added.

The expo will include a couple of seminars, an exhibition and field visits to Khetri. The themes for the seminars are Development of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in North East Region and Bio-diesel respectively.

Another medicinal plant that has attracted attention worldwide is jatropha, a good source of bio-diesel. The seeds of the plant have around 35 per cent diesel content. Jatropha also possesses medicinal properties and other multiple uses. An added advantage is that it grows even on marginal, saline, acidic and alkaline soils. A state Medicinal Plant Board, currently functioning from the complex of the directorate of health, is seeking to identify the scope and diversity of medicinal plants. It is also working on jatropha and patchouli.