Srinagar, March 28: A three-day hands-on training programme on downstream processing of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) concluded at the CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Srinagar branch, bringing together 20 participants from across the country under the CSIR Integrated Skill Initiatives.
The programme focused on intensive modules covering extraction technologies, Gas Chromatography (GC) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), reflecting the growing demand for industry-oriented training in natural product processing and quality analytics.
Director, CSIR-IIIM, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, who presided over the valedictory function, distributed certificates to the participants and highlighted the strategic importance of downstream processing in converting biodiversity into validated, market-ready products. He emphasized that extraction science and chromatographic analytics form the backbone of quality assurance, safety and efficacy in herbal and aroma-based value chains.
Dr. Ahmed underlined the need for standardization, traceability and robust analytical characterization to strengthen India’s leadership in the MAP sector and meet domestic and global regulatory standards. He said such hands-on programmes are essential for building a skilled workforce capable of translating scientific knowledge into scalable solutions for farmers, entrepreneurs and industry.
Linking the initiative to the national vision of “Viksit Bharat,” he noted that science-enabled value addition in MAPs can enhance rural livelihoods, strengthen agri-based enterprises and support innovation-driven growth. He also stressed the importance of generating rigorous evidence and leveraging advanced analytical platforms to improve the safety, acceptance and integration of plant-based interventions across healthcare systems.
The training was structured to provide end-to-end exposure to downstream processing workflows, from raw material overview to extraction, separation and analytical profiling.
On the first day, Dr. Phalisteen Sultan delivered an overview of the scope and significance of MAPs, followed by a technical session on the role of chromatography in phytochemical separation and quality control by Dr. Syed Khalid. The afternoon session featured hands-on training in oil extraction techniques conducted by Dr. Qazi Parvaiz, focusing on process parameters and best practices.
On the second day, participants received demonstrations on chromatographic techniques, with emphasis on method principles, sample preparation and interpretation of chromatograms to ensure product consistency and quality.
The third day included an intensive hands-on module on HPLC techniques conducted by Dr. Younis Rather, Scientist at Government Medical College Srinagar, covering analytical workflows relevant to natural products and herbal matrices. Participants also visited the Gene Bank facility at CSIR-IIIM Srinagar to gain exposure to conservation and characterization of biological germplasm.
Earlier, Dr. Nasir Ul Rasheed, Nodal Officer for Skill Development, briefed participants on the CSIR Integrated Skill Initiatives and its focus on application-driven capacity building. He informed that CSIR-IIIM has launched job-oriented and job-role-based skill development programmes approved by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) and the Life Sciences Sector Skill Development Council (LSSDC), aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), to enhance employability and workforce readiness.
At the valedictory session, Dr. Qazi Parvaiz delivered the welcome address, Dr. Phalisteen Sultan presented the programme outcomes, Dr. Khalid Yousaf conducted the proceedings, and Dr. Fayaz Malik proposed the vote of thanks.
The programme reaffirmed CSIR-IIIM Srinagar’s commitment to developing skilled human resources in natural product processing, analytical chemistry and quality assurance, contributing to science-led value addition and sustainable bio-economy growth.
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