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.