Significance of medicinal plants stressed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 31 2017: Various plants with high medicinal values grow in Manipur that we need to identify and conserve, said Health Minister Langpoklakpam Jayentakumar today .

The Minister was speaking at a one-day discussion on 'Promotion and Conservation of MAPs in North East States', 'Promotion of Community Herbal Garden', and 'Interactive Meet on Medicinal Plants with Government Line Departments', which was organised by the Manipur State Medicinal Plants Board, AYUSH Directorate and State AYUSH Society under the aegis of the AYUSH Ministry, National Medicinal Plants Board, New Delhi and National AYUSH Mission Manipur at the City Convention Centre, Konung Lampak .

Speaking as the chief guest, the Health Minister remarked that Manipur is bestowed naturally with abundant medicinal plants and their conservation will help in shaping the economy of the State.

He continued that it is vital to inform the farmers about this development.

L Jayentakumar also spoke on the need for the State Government and its related departments and officials to work together with a shared vision, while adding the the necessity of developing the infrastructure to conserve these plants .

AYUSH Director Dr Aribam Guneshwar, speaking as the guest of honour, pointed out that the inability of the State to make headways in developing medicinal plants despite the abundant availability is because of the existing gaps between the workings of the Manipur State Medicinal Plants Board and related departments .

If the gaps are mended, Dr Guneshwar continued, it will help not only in the conservation of plants but also in the farmers' lives financially.

He added, again despite the abundance, without a purpose or the ability to reap full benefits, the farmers simply cannot sell the plants .

He indicated that it is essential to know the requirements of companies and firms to provide the materials and enter the global market.

Subsequently, there will be more markets and farmers or producers from the State, and further, more farmers imply more employment, which will help in reducing job scarcity in Manipur, added Dr Guneshwar .

During the one-day meet attended by scientists and medicinal plant experts, the official website of the Manipur State Medicinal Plants Board, www.smpbmanipur.org, was also relaunched today .

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