Capacity Building and Training 

 Stakeholder Meets/Conferences/Workshops   

 

n  On May 17, 2023, the RCFCNR-1, in partnership with Govt. Degree College, Shahpur, hosted a Multi-Stakeholder Consultation Meeting at the HP Central University Campus, Shahpur, in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. The hybrid event, themed “Role of Medicinal Plants Sector in Promoting Livelihood in Himachal Himalayas,” saw 302 attendees, including 118 online and 194 in-person participants. The focus was on discussing the impact of the medicinal plants sector on enhancing livelihoods in the region, with an emphasis on addressing the challenges in the wake of COVID-19.  The meeting featured esteemed speakers, including Prof. (Dr.) S. P. Bansal, Vice Chancellor of Central University, as the Chief Guest, and Sh. Kulbhushan Upmanyu, an environmentalist and President of Himalayas Neeti Abhiyan, as the Keynote Speaker. Dr. Sachin Kumar, the Convenor, highlighted the need to bridge research, practice, and policy for sustainable development. Dr. Arun Chandan, Regional Director, RCFCNR-1, spoke about initiatives focusing on a value chain approach to medicinal and aromatic plants. Discussions revolved around policy frameworks, cultivation, collection, processing, quality assurance, marketing linkages, and innovation. Key speakers, including Prof. D. R. Nag, Dr Sunil Kumar Nodal Officer SMPB, Dr Tarasen, Sh. Anup Vasisth, and Dr. Saurabh Sharma, contributed insights on these topics. Exhibitions showcased work from Self-Help Groups (SHGs), an All-Women Farmer Producer Company (FPC), and others involved in medicinal plant cultivation and value addition. The event concluded with a call for collaborative efforts to address the challenges in the sector.

 

n  RCFC NR1, in partnership with the Department of Pharmacology at PGIMER, Chandigarh, hosted a two-day Stakeholders Meet and National Conference on Natural Products/AYUSH System of Medicine on June 20th and 21st, 2023. The event, held at PGI Chandigarh, Professor Bikash Mehdi. PGIMER Chandigarh the Organising Chairman of the Conference, stressed the importance of natural products in healthcare and the need for clinical trials, FDA approvals, and validation of Traditional Knowledge. The conference featured notable speakers, including Dr. Garidh Sahini, Dr. Dulal Panda, Prof. Tanuja Nesri, Prof. Dinesh Kumar, Dr. Arun Chandan, Prof. D. R. Nag, Prof. S. S. Sharma, and Dr. Ajay Prakash. Dr. Arun Chandan highlighted the challenges in the medicinal plants sector and RCFC NR1’s efforts to address them through a comprehensive value chain approach with traceability and certification. Key discussions centered on traditional treatments and their modern validation. Prof. Mahesh Dadich shared insights on traditional plant-based therapies, while Dr. S. S. Samant explored the medicinal plant diversity in the Western Himalayan region. Prof. Bikash Mehdi introduced herbal formulations derived from Seabuckthorn. Other sessions focused on the safety and efficacy of AYUSH drugs, preclinical studies, and the benefits of yoga. The conference concluded with a consensus on the need for scientific validation of traditional knowledge, citing healers like Rang Bahadur Singh of Amoura Village in Uttar Pradesh, known for treating chronic ailments. The event provided a comprehensive platform for exploring the role of natural products and AYUSH systems in healthcare and research.

 

n  A two-day Technical Training cum Regional Workshop focused on the “Promotion of Herbal and Medicinal Plants Cultivation and Creation of Model Herbal Gardens” was held in collaboration with Vidya Bharti, North Zone, and the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training & Research (NITTTR) at its Chandigarh campus. The workshop, attended by 68 participants, aimed to promote awareness among schoolteachers regarding the benefits of herbal plants and encourage the establishment of school herbal gardens. Prof. U. N. Roy, the Organizing Chairman, led the discussions, outlining the global and Indian market positions for herbal and Ayurvedic products. Participants included Shri Om Parkash from Vidya Bharti, representing Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Himachal Pradesh. The workshop produced several positive outcomes, including plans to disseminate the learned knowledge to students, resolve space constraints for herbal gardens, organize field visits for teachers, establish eco-clubs in schools with parental participation,

and stress the importance of labeling plants with both botanical and local names. Dr. Arun Chandan, RD, RCFC NR 1, highlighted the rising demand for medicinal plants and the need for awareness campaigns. Dr. Bhupender Dutt spoke about the business opportunities and importance of herbal gardens, while Shri Dev Raghavendra discussed the conservation of Himalayan herbal resources through the Mixed Forest Model. Additional speakers like Prof. D.R. Nag shared insights on medicinal and herbal plant cultivation. Shri Rajpal Singh Gandhi recounted his journey into Stevia cultivation, encouraging others to follow suit. Mr. Sahil Sandhu presented “Jadi Buti Bazaar,” an online marketing platform under pilot testing for medicinal plant products. The workshop concluded with a presentation by Dr. Rajiv Kapila on the commercial uses of medicinal plants and their health benefits.

 

n  “Training cum Awareness Program on Medicinal Plants” was held in Naushera Majja Singh, District Gurdaspur, Punjab, on 28.2.2024 in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Punjab and was attended by 482 farmers. The event, with the local MLA as the Chief Guest, aimed to promote awareness and provide training on medicinal plant cultivation. Moringa seeds were distributed among 150 farmers. The queries and concerns of the participants were addressed by the  RCFC Team

 

n  A two-day farmer training program in Irgah, Tehsil & District Jind, Haryana, drew 101 participants, primarily women, and was organized in collaboration with Kisan Sanchar Jeerakpur. Prof. D. R. Nag and Dr. Sheetal Chandel, Consultants from RCFC NR 1, were key facilitators. Prof. Nag explained the role of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) in promoting medicinal plant cultivation among farming communities, discussing various schemes designed to support farmers. Dr. Chandel focused on the importance of organic methods in cultivating medicinal plants and the critical steps for successful growth. Dr. Rajesh Arya from Haryana Agriculture University (HAU) outlined the health benefits of medicinal plants, providing a detailed guide on cultivating Ashwagandha, well-suited to the region’s conditions. Dr. Ishwar Yadav discussed local wild medicinal plants like Akarkara, Giloe, and Safed Musli, which hold significant trade value. Dr. Pritam Kumar shared his success with Ishwgol cultivation, recommending that farmers seek technical guidance from scientists at Hissar Agri University. Vijay Kumar Kaushik highlighted the industrial demand for Moringa, offering quality seeds and buy-back arrangements for farmers. Social activist Sh. Jaglan encouraged women’s involvement in medicinal plant cultivation, recognizing their crucial contributions. Sh. Kamal Jeet discussed integrating medicinal plant cultivation into Kishan Sanchar’s networking activities. The program included a question-answer competition, rewarding participants with Rs. 50 for correct answers, and two women received Rs. 2100 each for composing songs about the medicinal plants discussed. Sh. Manbir Redu expressed gratitude to all participants and guests for attending. Overall, the program offered valuable insights and encouraged farmers to embrace medicinal plant cultivation for economic and health benefits.

 

n  On January 11th, 2024, Bachat Bhawan at the DC Office Complex in Chamba hosted a Stakeholders’ Meeting on Medicinal Plants. The meeting, organized in collaboration with the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) and the DC Office, attracted about 150 participants from various Development Blocks across District Chamba. The central theme revolved around creating livelihoods through the value addition of Medicinal Plants, aligning with sustainable development goals. Mr. Om Prakash Thakur, Project Officer of DRDA Chamba, highlighted the agency’s ongoing initiatives to promote Medicinal Plants in the district, underscoring the local government’s key role and drawing inspiration from Mission Dhanvantri, a successful project in District Kangra. Esteemed experts like Prof. D. R. Nag and Dr. Saurabh Sharma provided insights into activities supported by the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), enhancing the depth of discussion.  A notable feature of the meeting was a live demonstration by farmer innovator Mr. Dharambir Kamboj, showcasing semi-processing and value addition in the Medicinal Plants sector. His demonstration illustrated practical approaches to sustainable practices. Dr. Sunil, in his presentation, emphasized the success of Mission Dhanvantri in Kangra, suggesting it as a model

for replication in District Chamba. Community engagement was evident through diverse participants, including farmers, traders, and social activists. Contributions from stakeholders like Mr. Munish Jamwal, advocating for local culture and Medicinal Plants through “JUST CHAMBA,” and insights on Holistic Himalayas by Mr. Riaz Mohamad added valuable perspectives to the discussions. 

 

n  The two-day Stakeholders Workshop on “Promotion of Medicinal Plants Sector in the Northern Region: Planning and Strategies for Effective Implementation,” held on 31st January-1st Feb 2024 in collaboration with NITTTR Chandigarh, focused on critical issues in the medicinal plant sector and discussed strategies to drive its progress. Organized by Prof. Dr. UN Roy and Prof. A K Bhatt, the event highlighted the role of medicinal plants in healthcare and their impact on society.  Dr. Arun Chandan presented the extensive scope of medicinal plants, emphasizing their potential in the global herbal industry. Ms. Reeva Sood shared her journey from social work to entrepreneurship, inspiring attendees to embrace new opportunities. Farmer and innovator Sh Dharambir Kamboj encouraged participants to explore value-adding processes. The second day of the workshop featured discussions on cultivation techniques, value addition, herbal garden development, and marketing strategies. These sessions, led by experts like Prof. D R Nag, Sh Om Prakash, Dr. Vipan Guleria, and Mr. Riyaz Mohammad, provided practical guidance and insights for sustainable practices. Participants engaged in an open discussion, allowing farmers to ask questions and receive expert advice. The workshop concluded with Prof. Dr. UN Roy expressing gratitude to all participants, speakers, and organizers for their valuable contributions. This event served as an important platform for exchanging knowledge, fostering collaboration, and developing effective strategies to promote medicinal plants in the Northern Region, empowering farmers to achieve sustainable cultivation and economic growth.

   

   Training programs (Non-funding) 

 

The following non funded programs encompasses a diverse range of training sessions, workshops, and awareness initiatives centered on medicinal plants, spanning various regions and with a total of 1,141 participants:

 

n  Starting with the earlier programs in April, the “Training Program on Medicinal Plants” on April 17th, 2023, at Jaach, Himachal Pradesh, under the MEHAK scheme, attracted 30 participants. A similar training program focused on cultivation in high-altitude areas was conducted on April 12th and 13th at Omsinghmal, Matikochar SHG, Kullu, engaging 15 participants. Later in April, another program under the MEHAK scheme on the 28th and 29th saw 30 participants returning to Jaach.

 

n  In May, a significant one-day workshop under “Mission Dhanvantri” took place at GP Lanj Khas, with 90 attendees. The State Level Workshop on International Day of Biodiversity in Shimla, on May 22nd, 2023, attracted 78 participants. A Half-Day Interaction with Farmers at Amoura (Gazipur), Varanasi, on June 9th, 2023, had 10 participants.

 

n  In June, two significant events took place: a one-day trade fair on Medicinal Plants at Nagrota Bagwan, with 50 attendees on June 17th, and an interaction with local people and farmers of Gram Panchayat Baleda, attracting 21 participants on June 25th.

 

n  Moving into July, a training program on the cultivation of medicinal plants took place at Jandru, Hamirpur, with 16 participants on July 12th. On July 28th, a training program/fair focused on medicinal plants cultivation and entrepreneurship development at Dev Bradhta, Sarkaghat, Mandi, gathered 61 participants.

 

 

 

n  In November, a workshop on “Medicinal Plants: Conservation through Cultivation, Post-Harvest Management & Marketing” at Udaipur (L&S) had 30 attendees on November 24th December programs included the following: a training program on MAPs for farmers of Pragpur Block at Research Station Jaachh with 25 attendees on December 5th, a “Good Field Collection Practice” training for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants on December 12th with 70 participants

 

n  On December 13th, 2023, a training program on “Responsible and Ethical Trading in Medicinal & Aromatic Plants” was held at Chamba in the conference hall of DRDA, organized by PRAGYA. RCFC NR-1 supported the event by coordinating participants, resource persons, and practitioners. Dr. Saurabh Sharma, as a Resource Person, shared his knowledge and expertise during the program. The All-Women Farmer Producer Society (FPS) from Salooni Chamba, nurtured by RCFC NR-1, displayed their products and discussed the intricacies of Good Farming Collection Practices (GFCP) in high-altitude medicinal plants. The training attracted 35 farmers, offering them valuable insights and practical advice on ethical trading practices in the medicinal and aromatic plant sector.

 

n  On GFCP aspects of Medicinal Plants, a Training Program was organised at  Amlela, on March 24, 2024 with the collaboration of State Biodiversity Board Shimla which was attended by 80 beneficiaries. 

 

These events reflect a significant level of interest and participation across multiple regions and highlight the efforts to promote medicinal plants through training, awareness, and collaboration.

 

 Expert lectures on Medicinal Plants Sector Supply Chain Management by Dr. Arun Chandan:

The Team RCFC NR-1 delivered expert lectures on various aspects of the medicinal plant sector upon invitation from different organizations. Here’s a date-wise summary:

n  December 23, 2023: spoke at Rajiv Gandhi Degree College, Joginder Nagar, interacting with 90 students and teachers about medicinal plant cultivation and its career prospects.

n  February 15, 2024: addressed 80 college students and faculty at the Government Senior Secondary School for Girls in Joginder Nagar, emphasizing the inclusion of medicinal plants in school curricula for skill development.

n  February 16, 2024: presented at “Agri Start-up Stakeholder Connect” at UHF, Nauni, Solan, H.P.

organized by MANAGE Hyderabad, engaging with over 100 participants, including incubatees, progressive farmers, and students.

n  The 3rd International Arogya event, held at Avadh Shilpgram in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, from February 22nd to 25th, 2024, was organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). RCFC NR-1, following the direction of NMPB New Delhi, actively participated in the event. The team engaged with visitors to discuss the benefits of medicinal plants and addressed queries related to cultivation, such as which plants are best suited for specific climates like Lucknow. They also provided information on training programs for medicinal plants and distributed a list of 140 medicinal plants. Approximately 300 visitors attended the RCFC NR-1 stall, where the team interacted with 150 companies to gather information on their demand for raw herbs. During these interactions, they highlighted issues farmers face after cultivation, particularly regarding the selling of raw materials, and discussed potential solutions.

n  A keynote speaker at the National Conference at the Central University, Jammu, which attracted around 200 participants. At the “Nursing Day Function” at Netaji Nursing School, Palampur delivered a lecture to 300 attendees.

n  As part of the ICAR Directorate Medicinal Plants Research DMAPR Entrepreneurship Program, addressed 50 farmers and small entrepreneurs in the start-up ecosystem in the medicinal plants sector.

n  Participated in International AROGYA 2024 in Lucknow, focused on Stakeholders of medicinal plants, supported by Ministry of AYUSH, G.O.I. also spoke at a function for faculty members at Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, attended by 86 participants, including the Agriculture Minister of Punjab.

Cultivating Diversity:  Women in Medicinal & Aromatic Plant sector

 

On International Women’s Day, a Special Workshop, SHEMAP-2024, (where She stands for women and MAP stands for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants) was organized on March 6-7, 2024, emphasizing the role of women in promoting the medicinal plant sector and entrepreneurship. The workshop, held in hybrid mode, was unique as it was organized and attended exclusively by women. The event highlighted women’s crucial roles in cultivating, researching, and marketing medicinal plants.

 

SHEMAP-2024 recognized 23 outstanding women for their achievements. Among the resource persons was Dr. Tara Sen, who discussed the status and potential of medicinal wild food plants. Dr. Shivani Ghildiyal traced the scientific journey of Herb Gojhiva from Ethano-medicine to Tech-medicine. Dr. Nidhi Didwania delved into the role of women in medicinal plants education and research, while Dr. Neelima Jairath shared her personal exploration of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge. Other key speakers included Dr. Divya Nair, Mrs. Reeva Sood, and Mrs. Punam Gupta, who shared insights from their professional journeys.

 

Several SHGs were honored for their contributions to the medicinal plant sector. Mrs. Usha Dhiman from Badoli leads a group that creates Amla-based products, while Mrs. Suresh Bala from Khubar is known for her unique soap variants. Mrs. Madhu Bala, President of Hari Om Self Help Group, was recognized for cultivating Sarpagandha and yellow shatavari. Mrs. Pooja Chauhan, President of Vikaspujita Gram Sangthan, was commended for her cultivation and marketing of Tulsi-based products.

 

Shri Dharambir Kamboj, a renowned farmer-innovator, conducted a live demonstration with his multipurpose processing machine, highlighting its ability to create value-added products from medicinal plants. The demonstration showcased the production of herbal juice, soap, shampoo, and camphor. Kamboj’s journey from rickshaw puller to successful entrepreneur inspired participants to explore value addition and innovation in the medicinal plant sector. SHEMAP-2024 served as a powerful platform to honor women, promote their contributions to the medicinal plant sector, and encourage sustainable practices for broader market success.