New Delhi, Nov 30 (KNN) Eyeing to empower the tribal population, Micro Small and Medium Enterprise  department is planning to set up a model farm of around 20 acres in Jhargram to produce vetiver, lemon grass and essential oils.

A high-level team comprising officials from MSME department, Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre (FFDC), Kannauj, Paschimanchal Unnayan Affairs department and District Administration conducted a meeting with KVK scientists and farmers to discuss the project.

Vijay Bharti, director, MSME said the land is being utilized for cultivating vetiver, lemon grass, citronella and mint to produce essential oils which would generate income  for tribal population.

The training of farmers and technical persons will be handled by FFDC (Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre), Kannauj, an autonomous institute under ministry of MSME, Government of India.

Shakti Vinoy Shukla, director, FFDC, said that the large scale cultivation of lemon grass and vetiver would generate jobs for tribals in the aroma industry as the industry already employs 50,000 people. (KNN/AG)