Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 12:
Chief Minister O Ibobi has called upon the people to identify and protect all the medicinal and aromatic plants growing and used in the State since ancient period.
The Chief Minister was speaking in the inaugural function of the two day national workshop on Conservation and Commercialisation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in the North East with Special Reference to Manipur at the Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development, (IBSD) Takyelpat.
Ibobi observed that conservation of the medicinal and aromatic plants would not only help in treating different diseases but would also contribute in bringing about an economic revolution in the State.
As such, plants identified as having medicinal values need to be cultivated extensively.
There is no harm in exporting surplus products as all the Northeastern States, particularly Manipur is known for some rare medicinal and aromatic plants, noted the Chief Minister.
The workshop is organised jointly by the State Medicinal Plant Board Manipur, Directorate of Health Services and IBSD under the sponsorship of the National Medicinal Plant Board, Ministry of Health, Government of India.
Speaking as guest of honour, CEO of National Medicinal Plant Board BS Sajwan said that following realisation of the plentiful availability of medicinal and aromatic plants in the Northeastern States, particularly in Manipur, the Ministry of Health, Government of India under the Department of AYUSH has been making an in-depth study on conservation and feasibility of commercialising these plants.
Stating that the Ministry of Health has set a target of investing Rs 1000 crores in Manipur within the 11th Five Year Plan, Sajwan disclosed that the investment would depend on the strategic proposals of the State Government.
In his presidential speech, Health and Family Welfare Minister Gaikhangam remarked that it's time to conserve and exploit the aromatic plants growing in the State rather than endorsing costly aromatic products imported from outside the State.
The workshop was also participated many scientists and resource persons from different States besides Secretary of Health and Family Welfare P Vaiphei, Health Director and Director IBSD.
In the opening session of the workshop, six resource persons belonging to the State Forest Department, CSIR Itanagar, NEHU Shillong, RFRI Jorhat, CIMAP Lucknow and the Manipur University presented papers.