CSIR has developed two flagship programs to support the flower and aroma sector in India. The CSIR Floriculture Mission was launched with a vision to elevate farmer’s income, develop entrepreneurship, and strengthen India’s floriculture sector. Currently, the mission is in the second phase, creating 32,44,000 man-days from the cultivation of floricultural crops. The mission has brought 2,208.63 ha of area under cultivation generating a significant socio- economic impact by directly benefiting 16,220 individuals in 399 clusters across 126 districts in 26 states and union territories of the country. Additionally, 17 technologies have been developed and transferred to entrepreneurs and industries. 144 capacity-building and training programmes conducted for 5,728 beneficiaries, including 1,615 women. In addition, the mission has adopted apiculture and has distributed 1,072 honey bee boxes which has benefitted 175 farmers through the integration of apiculture with floriculture.

Another flagship program of CSIR that started prior to the floriculture mission in the year 2017 is CSIR Aroma Mission. The mission aims to promote rural empowerment through the cultivation, processing, and value addition of aromatic crops. This initiative has significantly benefited farmers by providing higher incomes and has supported the aroma industry with quality raw materials and contributed to self-sufficiency (Atmanirbharta). More than 51,000 ha area is covered under aromatic crops. Over 4,500 aroma clusters have been developed in 28 states, including 20 cluster in tribal areas of the country. Till date, 52 varieties of aromatic crops and 82 region specific agro-technologies have been developed. For the processing of aromatic crops, 408 improved distillation units were installed in different states. Under skill development, 2,096 training cum awareness programs were organized which trained 1.22 lakhs manpower including 10,000 women. Additionally, over 110 entrepreneurs were supported in developing value-added products from aroma crops. Around 1 crore rural

employments were created in the rural areas. More than 6,000 tons of essential oil worth 600 crores produced under aroma mission as raw material for aroma industry.

CSIR Floriculture Mission has proved highly effective in enhancing farmers’ incomes by generating more than ₹262 crore in combined earnings from floriculture and apiculture, benefiting 22,137 farmers across the country. On an average, each participating farmer gained approximately ₹1.18 lakh, reflecting an estimated 2–3-fold increase in income compared with traditional cropping systems. The mission also created over 44 lakh man-days of rural employment, further strengthening livelihood security.

Under CSIR Aroma Mission, the cultivation of aromatic crops like Lemongrass, Palmarosa, Vetiver (Khus), Tulsi (Basil), Mentha was also introduced which can easily be cultivated with minimum requirement of water and nutrients. These crops can easily be cultivated in rain-fed condition which provides better option for farmers to adopt on their lands and increase the soil health and income compared to the traditional crops up to Rs. 60,000/- to Rs. 70,000/- per hectare. Crops like Vetiver were introduced in areas affected by cyclones, tsunamis, and flood is now profitable venture for the farmers.

CSIR Floriculture Mission has brought a significant impact on the Indian import–export of flowers, with its initial target of achieving about 15 percent reduction in flower imports. Also, CSIR Aroma Mission has aided the country in becoming the largest producer and exporter of lemongrass essential oil. CSIR’s continuous efforts in high yielding varieties has made India a Global Leader in Menthol Mint production. Palmarosa oil is also exported from India to many countries. Due to Aroma mission, cultivation of Vetiver crops is increased in UP, Bihar and Tamil Nadu which has reduced import burden of Vetiver oil from other countries.

The CSIR Floriculture Mission is actively developing new flower varieties to strengthen domestic floriculture and enhance farmers’ income. Under the mission, eight varieties have been released, including the lotus variety NBRI-Namoh 108 and four Chrysanthemum varieties (‘NBRI-Jagannath’, ‘NBRI-Saraswati’, ‘NBRI-Stuti’, and ‘NBRI-Padam’) developed by CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow. Three varieties of gerbera (‘Him Aruna-Maroon’, ‘Him Prabha-Yellow’ and ‘Him Kumud-Pink) have been developed by CSIR-IHBT, Palampur. The agro-technology of NBRI-Namoh 108 has already been transferred to entrepreneurs across several states for large-scale production. Research is ongoing for developing additional

varieties of gladiolus, gerbera, chrysanthemum, and lotus.