RCFC NR-1 as Single Stop Solution 

 

Regional-cum-Facilitation Centre (Northern region-1) under the aegis of National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India stationed at RIISM, Joginder Nagar, District Mandi (H.P.) covers all the diversified activities related to medicinal plants promotion in States/UTs of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. It is a common service window for the growers/collectors of medicinal plants to support herbal cultivation and handholding to stakeholders in terms of technology dissemination, agro-techniques, upskilling, capacity building, training, authentication, identification (of species data), compilation & market linkage etc. Besides, RCFC NR1 also caters to the collaborations for stakeholder engagements, provide inputs on conservation and sustainable collection, PHM efforts for value addition. It supports NMPB in monitoring its sanctioned projects and facilitate the incubation centre to promote entrepreneurship etc.  

RCFC NR1 receives & responds to queries on the above aspects from different stakeholders, comprising growers, collectors, FPOs, NGOs, SHGs, clusters, sellers, buyers, academicians, enthusiasts, researchers, line departments and educational institutes. It facilitates in resolution of the concerns regarding supply & sourcing of Quality Planting Material (seeds, saplings etc.), guidance for nursery raising & cultivation, clientele development for herbal produce. It also aids in formulating project proposals, spot survey for new plantations, skill based capacity building training & value additions.

The RCFC team responds with practical/feasible solution(s) to the seekers through off-line & online consultations. RCFC NR1 seeks to establish a direct linkage among the herb producers, collector/gatherers or cultivators with the market forces (traders, manufacturers, mandis, retailers, industries etc.). RCFC NR1 encourages these stakeholders by facilitating the selling of their material through B2C interactions and by on-boarding in jadibutibazar and e-charak portals. For the convenience of growers, mandi rates of crude herbal material are updated regularly and communicated.  Stakeholder meets are regularly organized to provide a common platform for discussing the problems and mutual concerns of stakeholders. 

Medi Flora Himalayas: Preserving Nature’s Pharmacy

The proliferation of adulterated, substituted, misidentified, and mislabelled herbal products in both national and international markets has raised significant concerns regarding the quality, safety, and efficacy of traditional medicinal systems. The Himalayan medicinal plants face a spectre of extinction on account of rampant unscientific over-exploitation. Therefore, RCFCNR-1 has taken up an initiative to create a Raw Drug Repository of Himalayan Medicinal Plants named as Medi flora Himalayas. In the second phase the similar repository will be created for the Tropical Medicinal plants of Commercial importance.

The primary objective of this repository is to educate the stakeholders and to access the standardized and authenticated raw materials. The repository aims to enhance quality control measures and ensure the authenticity of herbal products. Besides, this unique repository also serves as an educational tool inculcating awareness about the importance of raw drugs and their traditional as well as modern applications.

At present, the repository houses an extensive collection of 54 samples representing various plant species, including roots, stems, leaves, fruits, seeds, bark, whole plants, and gum/resins. Each sample is meticulously labeled with pertinent information such as the Ayurvedic Name, Botanical Name, Family, Part Used, and Main Action of the crude drug. Display boards further provide detailed insights into the Ayurvedic name, trade names, botanical names, habit, habitat, distribution, part used, uses, substitutes, adulterants, and conservation status of each plant species.

Accessible to a wide range of stakeholders, including collectors, traders, medicinal practitioners, researchers, students, and academicians, the repository functions as a trusted reference library for authenticating raw drugs and offers comprehensive information on individual plants. This Centre is committed to expanding and updating the repository with new high-quality raw materials. Plans include enhancing accessibility through digital platforms linked to its website, as well as establishing mechanisms for ongoing evaluation and improvement based on feedback and evolving needs. 

The species preserved are: Aconitum heterophyllum – Ativisha, Acorus calamus – Vacha,  Albizzia lebbeck – Shirisha, Althaea officinalis – Khatmi, Anacyclus pyrethrum – Akarkara, Angelica glauca – Choraka, Arnebia benthamii – Ratanjot, Artemisia maritima – Chauhar, Baliospermum montanum – Danti,  Bauhinia variegata – Kachnar, Berberis aristata – Daruharidra, Bergenia ligulata – Pashanbheda, Betula utilis – Bhurja, Bryonopsis laciniosa – Shivlingi, Butea monosperma – Palash, Carum bulbocastanum – Ajmoda,  Cedrus deodara – Devadaru, Commiphora mukul – Guggul, Curcuma longa – Haridra, Curcuma zedoaria – Karchur, Fagonia cretica – Dhamasa, Ficus glomerata – Udumbara, Fritillaria roylei – Jangli lahsun, Gentiana kurroo – Kuru, Gmelina arborea – Gambhari, Habenaria edgeworthii -Ridhi, Hedychium spicatum – Kapurkachri, Hemidesmus indicus – Anantmool, Heracleum candicans – Gandir, Holarrhena antidysenterica – Kutaja,  Inula racemosa – Pushkarmool,  

Juniperus communis – Hauber, Jurinea macrocephala – Dhoop, Lilium polyphyllum – Kakoli, Melaxis muscifera – Jeevak, Mimosa pudica – Lajjalu, Moringa oleifera – Shigru, Nardostachys jatamansi – Jatamansi, Nelumbo nucifera – Kamal, Oroxylum indicum – Shyonak, Plantago lanceolata– Ishabagol, Polygonatum cirrhifolium – Medohar,

Prunus cerasoides – Padmak, Quercus incana – Baan, Quercus infectoria – Mayaphal, Roscoea procera – Kakoli, Smilax china – Chopchini, Taxus baccata – Bihrmi, Terminalia arjuna – Arjuna, Terminalia bellirica – Vibhitaki, Terminalia chebula – Haritaki, Thymus serpyllum– Banajwain, Tinospora cordifolia – Guduchi, Uraria picta – Prishanparni.

 

Facilitating and Formulating Farmer Producer
Companies (FPCs)

RCFC has facilitated creation and formation of Farmer
Producer Companies (FPCs) within clusters to strengthen collective processing
activities. This initiative is proposed to be supported through the credit
guarantee scheme  via the Small Farmers’
Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), SBI. SUAHVAI Nurpur Bedi, HIM2HUM Una, All
Women FPC in Changar in Khundian, FPC of Rohru (HP), Gazipur FPC (UP),
Saharanpur FPC(UP), Holistic Himalayas-Women FPC Chamba(HP) are some those have
been facilitated. A network of over 20 FPOs in Uttar Pradesh was facilitated to
submit proposals for strengthening the medicinal plants sector under the
Integrated Scheme of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB). 

Research and Development Initiatives 

 

Haryana Agriculture University (HAU): Explored Mulethi germplasm for large-scale cultivation.  The objective is to identify high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties of Mulethi to support large-scale production as it has been identified as potential crop in the region.

Eternal University: An MoU is proposed to be signed with Eternal University having only girl students in Badu Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, focusing on research, cultivation, and utilization of medicinal plants. This partnership aims to advance sustainable practices and contribute to local economic empowerment of the farmers and women. The University has submitted and project for setting up collection centre. This centre has facilitated projects under Research and development of medicinal plants Sector to this University. The University trust runs more than 100 schools in the Northern region having land available for medicinal Plants Cultivation and same has been explored for collaboration.  

HP JICA Project: Collaborated with HP JICA Forest department Initiative to provide quality planting material (QPM) of medicinal plants and training and capacity building initiatives and other areas of medicinal Plants Sector.

National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM): RCFC

NR-1 is exploring collaborations with NIFTEM’s Start up Incubation Program to venture into AYUSH Aahar start-ups. This collaboration aims to collaborate traditional knowledge and modern food processing technologies for the young farmers to go for end to end solutions.

In a series of collaborative activities and meetings conducted by RCFC NR-1 during late 2023 and early 2024, various projects focused on the cultivation and commercialization of medicinal plants were discussed, developed, and executed with notable outcomes.

On October 31, 2023, an online meeting with cultivators from Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal addressed the strategies for expanding medicinal plant cultivation. The participants agreed on a plan to increase cultivation in larger land patches, particularly in the Rai Bareilly region in Uttar Pradesh. They were connected with Narenderdev University Faizabad. This decision marked a significant step toward broader regional collaboration in medicinal plant production.

A meeting held on November 14, 2023, in Joginder Nagar at the Forest Range Ghatta, brought together self-help groups, forest staff, and RCFC NR-1 experts to discuss the creation of a post-harvest management (PHM) unit through community participation. The stakeholders unanimously agreed to prepare an integrated project proposal to set up a sustainable PHM unit for primary processing and value addition. The discussion focused on utilizing existing resources and finalizing land for the PHM unit, indicating a strong move toward structured processing and marketing of medicinal plants. In an earlier meeting it was decided to plant Temur a RET Species under Van Vistar Yojna at Ghatta and Forest Department agreed to collaborate for creation of a Herbal Garden in 2 ha area alongside the National Highway to increase awareness. 

A consultation on December 2, 2023, at RIISM, Joginder Nagar, aimed at assessing nursery saplings raised by RIISM against the demand from RCFC NR-1 for distribution among farmers. The consultation concluded that the quality planting material (QPM) generated by RIISM was ready for disbursement, indicating readiness to support farmers with high-quality planting resources.

On November 5, 2023, RCFC NR-1 participated in the Arogya Bharti Conference at Chandigarh University. The team distributed saplings of medicinal plants such as Ashwagandha, Sarpagandha, Brahmi, and Stevia to visitors. Technical Consultant Sh Shital Chandel explained their uses to attendees, some of whom showed interest in cultivating these plants. Visitors expressed a need for training on medicinal plant cultivation. Dr. Tanuja Nesari, CEO of the National Medicinal Plant Board visited the RCFC NR-1 stall. Dr. Rakesh Pandit, National President of Arogya Bharti, unveiled the RCFC NR-1 brochure, featuring 140 prioritized medicinal plants. One visitor from Uttar Pradesh inquired about cultivating medicinal plants on 100 acres of land and requested guidance on suitable plants and training. The issue of selling raw materials was also discussed.

A meeting on December 7, 2023, centered on creation of an online portal Jadi Buti Bazar on pilot scale was conducted. This platform aims to connect stakeholders with markets, providing a digital space for the exchange and promotion of medicinal plant products. The issues pertaining to e-Auction process were discussed and strategies were planned to look into the possibilities of working on it. 

Among the education-focused activities, meetings on December 20 and 21, 2023, engaged local colleges and schools to explore the scope of including medicinal plants in their curriculum under the New Education Policy (NEP). The discussions with educational institutions, including Degree College Joginder Nagar and Industrial Training Institute (I.T.I) Dohag, Joginder Nagar, focused on introducing vocational and certificate courses on medicinal plants. This effort aims to enhance skill development and provide a path for students to engage with the medicinal plant sector from an early stage. 

RCFCNR-1 has taken a significant step towards creating corridors of medicinal and medicinally important aromatic plants alongside National Highways. In an effort to explore this concept, a meeting was held with the Project Director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to discuss the potential for such a corridor on the under-construction Pathankot-Nagni-Gaggal National Highway. During the discussions, both parties agreed on the benefits of integrating medicinal plants into the roadside landscapes, which not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also promotes awareness of traditional medicinal practices. 

To further this initiative, joint field inspections were carried out to identify suitable locations for planting. As a result, three locations along the highway were shortlisted where specific species of medicinal plants could be introduced. These plants were carefully chosen based on their environmental adaptability, medicinal value, and potential for public education. The selection process also considered the availability of high-quality planting materials to ensure successful growth and sustainability. Following the field inspections, the NHAI authorities were advised to develop these corridors with a focus on specific species of medicinal plants. By working on this project, RCFC NR-1 aims to create a unique example of a “Medicinal Highway” where travellers can learn about various medicinal plants and their uses. 

This innovative approach aligns with the Green Highway Policy, which seeks to promote ecological balance and environmental protection along national highways. The initiative holds promise for transforming traditional roadways into corridors that are both aesthetically pleasing and educational, thereby fostering greater appreciation for the role of medicinal plants in health and well-being.

Airport Authority of India:   RCFC NR-1, renowned for its work with high-value Himalayan Medicinal Plants, is exploring new ways to promote awareness and conservation of these valuable species. A recent study by the organization highlighted the potential for Kangra-Gaggal Airport to play a significant role in this initiative. The airport, with its existing small garden, could be transformed into a unique showcase for Himalayan Medicinal Plants, supporting the mission of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB). The Director of the Airport Authority of India at Gaggal Airport has expressed interest in developing this concept further, leading to a proposal for an MOU between the airport and RCFC NR-1. This MOU would encompass several key components aimed at creating a Himalayan Medicinal Plants Garden within the airport’s premises. 

The proposal involves utilizing vacant spaces to plant a variety of medicinal plants, with a focus on species like Ginkgo biloba, known for its potential to counteract radiation and pollution. These plants would not only enhance the airport’s aesthetics but also serve as educational tools for visitors. To increase public engagement, the proposed garden would feature nameplates with QR codes and Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. These codes would provide quick access to information on the medicinal plants, linking to the websites of the NMPB, RCFC, and the RIISM. The objective is to create an interactive experience, allowing visitors to learn about the medicinal properties of the plants and their significance in traditional medicine.

The MOU also includes plans for indoor displays of medicinal plants in pots, strategically placed within the airport to attract attention and facilitate knowledge dissemination. Additionally, the agreement proposes a small outlet for selling local products, allowing passengers to purchase herbal-based items and other regional goods, further promoting local industries and products. Joint branding is another critical aspect of the MOU, with the NMPB logo featured prominently in the promotional activities. This cooperative branding effort will help raise the profile of the project and align it with broader national efforts to promote medicinal plants and their uses. To support the development of the Himalayan Medicinal Plants Garden, the Airport Authority plans to submit a project proposal to the NMPB under the Herbal Garden Scheme, seeking funding support. Team RCFC will assist with the design of activities and the preparation of the project proposal to ensure a successful application. 

This initiative has the potential to transform Kangra-Gaggal Airport into a unique hub for medicinal plant awareness and conservation, supporting both the local community and national efforts to promote the value of Himalayan Medicinal Plants. By combining educational opportunities with practical applications, the project aims to inspire greater appreciation for these plants and their role in health and wellness.

Throughout these activities, RCFC NR-1 played a central role in fostering collaboration, providing technical guidance, and promoting the cultivation and commercialization of medicinal plants. Each meeting and consultation led to specific outcomes, from developing integrated project proposals to expanding educational opportunities, demonstrating the comprehensive efforts of RCFC NR-1 in advancing the medicinal plant Sector.

 

Domestication of Wild Species

The sourcing of raw material for Medicinal Plants predominantly relies on wild harvesting, with cultivation contributing only a small fraction. This practice, driven by the escalating global demand for raw materials, poses a significant threat to wild habitats as they are extensively exploited for crude drug extraction. However, innovative research has unveiled the untapped potential of neglected wild species, which harbor distinctive chemical and biochemical properties coveted across various industries. By identifying and advocating for these plants as viable cash crops, not only can we unlock economic

 

opportunities for farmers, but we can also safeguard traditional knowledge and ensure the sustainable utilization of natural resources. 

Urgent action is imperative to foster the cultivation of these plants, thereby securing their continued availability while conserving their habitats.

Despite the abundance of Medicinal Plants in the wild, only a handful numbers have undergone domestication. Domestication entails selecting species for cultivation under controlled conditions, conducting trials for phytochemical profiling, screening secondary metabolites, and scientifically validating stocks. RCFC NR-1 is spearheading efforts in this direction, collaborating with the Forest Department of Himachal Pradesh to domesticate selected wild Medicinal Plants progressively. Initially, the focus will be on species such as Ajuga bracteosa (Neelkanthi), Plumbago zeylanica (Chitrak), Sida cordifolia (Bala), and Nyctanthes arbour-tristis (Parijaat) thriving in tropical habitats.

Moreover, certain exotic or high-value species not included in the National Medicinal Plants Board’s prioritized list necessitate government oversight. Many farmers cultivate these species, including Curcuma caesia (Black Haldi), Kaempferia parviflora (Black Ginger), Cordycep militaris (Keeda jadi), Ferula jaeschkeana (Jangli Heeng), Lepidium meyenii (Maca), and Selinum vaginatum (Bhutkeshi), without adequate trade information. This leads to significant price disparities and trade volume fluctuations, making it a challenging task to sell produce at competitive prices. For instance, the market rate of Kali haldi varies drastically from a few Hundred to One Lakh rupees per kg, underscoring the need for government intervention to regulate and prioritize these species, ensuring market stability and safeguarding growers’ interests.

Farmers often encounter difficulties in marketing their produce due to trade irregularities and volatile prices. Government intervention can address such challenges by listing and regulating these species in the NMPB’s prioritized list, providing growers with assured markets and recede frustration. By intervening in the market irregularities, government can bolster support for the growers, foster a stable market environment, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of Medicinal Plant cultivation.

Inputs on Conservation and Sustainable Cultivation

As per the IUCN assessment more than 50 medicinal plants have entered the RET list of North West Himalayas, RCFCNR-1 has prioritised for the conservation of some of these high valued medicinal plants since its inception. In the Himalayan regions of UK and Himachal, special plantation drive has been undertaken for the plantation of Kutki, Jatamansi, Sarpgandha, Tagar, Atish, Temur and Tejpatta. 

In the previous year as per the guidelines of NMPB, this centre was asked to take necessary steps for the plantation of threatened tree medicinal plants in the region under “Save the – LIFE SAVERS” campaign. In compliance to it, Zanthoxylum armatum, a tree RET medicinal plant species was identified for this purpose and more than 40,000 saplings of this species were distributed in the different locations of the region for the first time. RCFC NR1 collaborated with Forest Division Joginder Nagar, Himachal Pradesh, and NGO namely „Human‟ in Pithoragarh District in Uttarakhand for plantation of this RET tree Species.