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Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat

Assam Agricultural University is the first institution of its kind in the whole of North-Eastern Region of India. The main goal of this institution is to produce globally competitive human resources in farm sectorand to carry out research in both conventional and frontier areas for production optimization as well as to disseminate the generated technologies as public good for benefitting the food growers/produces and traders involved in the sector while emphasizing on sustainability, equity and overall food security at household level. Genesis of AAU - The embryo of the agricultural research in the state of Assam was formed as early as 1897 with the establishment of the Upper Shillong Experimental Farm (now in Meghalaya) just after about a decade of creation of the agricultural department in 1882. However, the seeds of agricultural research in today’s Assam were sown in the dawn of the twentieth century with the establishment of two Rice Experimental Stations, one at Karimganj in Barak valley in 1913 and the other at Titabor in Brahmaputra valley in 1923. Subsequent to these research stations, a number of research stations were established to conduct research on important crops, more specifically, jute, pulses, oilseeds etc. The Assam Agricultural University was established on April 1, 1969 under The Assam Agricultural University Act, 1968’ with the mandate of imparting farm education, conduct research in agriculture and allied sciences and to effectively disseminate technologies so generated. Before establishment of the University, there were altogether 17 research schemes/projects in the state under the Department of Agriculture. By July 1973, all the research projects and 10 experimental farms were transferred by the Government of Assam to the AAU which already inherited the College of Agriculture and its farm at Barbheta, Jorhat and College of Veterinary Sciences at Khanapara, Guwahati. Subsequently, College of Community Science at Jorhat (1969), College of Fisheries at Raha (1988), Biswanath College of Agriculture at Biswanath Chariali (1988) and Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science at Joyhing, North Lakhimpur (1988) were established. Presently, the University has three more colleges under its jurisdiction, viz., Sarat Chandra Singha College of Agriculture, Chapar, College of Horticulture, Nalbari & College of Sericulture, Titabar. Similarly, few more regional research stations at Shillongani, Diphu, Gossaigaon, Lakhimpur; and commodity research stations at Kahikuchi, Buralikson, Tinsukia, Kharua, Burnihat and Mandira were added to generate location and crop specific agricultural production packages.

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20191
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Subject: Agricultural Economics × Author: Barman, Nabajit ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Post-harvest Management of Medicinal Plants in Assam: A Case Study of Assam Prakritik Udyog
    (AAU, Jorhat, 2019-07) Barman, Nabajit; Deka, Nivedita
    Medicinal plants, also called medicinal herbs, have been discovered and used in traditional medicine practices since prehistoric times. With its vast tract of hills and forests, Assam is the homeland of wonderful and precious medicinal herbs and plants such as Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina), Pippali (Piper longum), Amlakhi (Emblica officinalis), Hilikha (Terminalia chebula), Bhomora (Terminalia belerica), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna). About 50% of India’s entire plant biodiversity is contributed by the North Eastern States viz., Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura including Assam. Most of the medicinal plants used by local people and tribes of the state of Assam are indigenous and are not known to the vast world of phytochemical science and research. Proper and optimum utilization of those resources will help in employment generation and economic development of the rural poor of the region. Assam Prakritik Udyog (APU) is a herbal products manufacturer located in Tihu town of Nalbari District. The Company manufactures Skin care products, Home care products, Beauty Products, Medicine, Natural food Products etc. Assam Prakritik Udyog (APU) was founded by Mr Ghanashyam Medhi. The study was performed to know about APU and its organizational structure, examine the status of management of medicinal plants and their products, and problems faced by the entrepreneur. The study was conducted in period of six months i.e. from January to June, 2019. The area of the proposed study was Kamrup (Metro) and Nalbari District in Assam. The study was based on both primary and secondary data. The outcome of the study would give a picture of the status of post-harvest management of medicinal plants in the state. The study has helped to find out that there were several units in Assam which process medicinal plants and produce herbal products. However, these were not very well-structured and well-known as compared to the leading herbal brands. Assam Prakritik Udyog produced various personal care products by processing medicinal plants. As many as 53 Products were produced by Assam Prakritik Udyog by processing medicinal plants. The unit was run by the proprietor with the help of 9 employees. Three marketing channels were identified for the Assam Prakritik Udyog for their products. The unit was running at a profit as its annual return covered the cost incurred per annum. The consumers preferred their products as those were priced low and offered effective quality. However, the consumers stated that the packaging quality of the products was not up to the mark and the products were not easily available. There was good relation between the proprietor and the employees which had resulted in good management of the organization. However; the product packaging, promotional methods, hygiene and infrastructure of the organization can be improved. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants based Cottage Industry offers immense potential for economic activity, by providing income-generating opportunities to a large section of the rural population of the state. So the State and the Central Government should formulate policies for conservation and sustainable use of such important natural resources.