Capacity building programme emphasizes promotion of MAPs in North East
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, December 13 2025: A State level capacity-building programme aimed at promoting Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs)-based livelihoods in the North Eastern Region was held at the Conference Hall of Kangpokpi Christian Church, Ward No 13 .

The initiative was sponsored by the North Eastern Council/North East Region Community Resource Management Society (NERCORMS) in association with KVK Hengbung and Khankho Integrated Rural Development Society.

The training drew 47 local farmers who were introduced to the economic potential, processing techniques, and entrepreneurship opportunities linked to medicinal and aromatic plants.

The event was graced by Kimjaneng Kipgen, secretary, KVK Hengbung as chief guest, and Dr Yogesh Kumar, Project Scientist, Ethno Medicinal Research Centre (EMRC), FEEDS Hengbung as guest of honour while Gautam Mukhopadhaya, retired IFS Officer attended as special guest.

Master Trainer Bhanu Pratap Singh, founder and Executive Director of North East Farm Sales Promotion Pvt Ltd, led the technical sessions.

The two-day programme focused on three major goals-educating farmers on the economic potential of cultivating medicinal and aromatic plants; generating employment and fostering local entrepreneurship and encouraging farmers to take up independent cultivation and production of MAPs.

Participants received hands-on training in operating tools and machines used for processing, labelling, and packaging plant-based products.

In his keynote address, Dr Yogesh Kumar emphasized the irreplaceable role of medicinal plants in modem therapy despite advancements in chemical synthesis.

He noted, "Medicinal plants and their derivatives will continue to play a major role in medical therapy.

Even with rapid progress in chemical technology, many naturally occurring compounds - like Vitamin A, disogenin, and solasodine - cannot be perfectly duplicated through classical chemical synthesis.

Synthetic versions often produce mixed isomers that may be toxic or therapeutically inferior compared to natural plant-based products" .

Delegates praised the initiative as a timely intervention for Kangpokpi's farming community.

They said such programmes not only enhance knowledge but also empower farmers to tap into the growing national and global demand for plant-derived medicines and aromatic products.

Meanwhile, Bhanu Pratap Singh stressed the importance of promoting medicinal and aromatic plants in the North East Region of India.

Opening several stalls showcasing various medicinal and aromatic plants was the main highlights of the closing event.

With 47 farmers now equipped with foundational skills and technical awareness, the programme is expected to spark new entrepreneurial ventures and strengthen the region's MAPs-based livelihood ecosystem.

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