ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Research, Anand organised an Industry Interface Meet jointly in collaboration with the IP&TM Unit, ICAR today.
The Chief Guest Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Chairperson, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority, New Delhi, and former Secretary (DARE) & DG (ICAR) emphasized the need for collaborations between research organizations and industry for the growth of the herbal sector in the country. He opined that there is a need for mainstream agricultural production of medicinal plants to improve the yield and quality of raw drugs. Dr. Mohapatra urged for a holistic approach in developing the value chain of medicinal plants in the country.
Dr. Manish Das, Director, ICAR-DMAPR, Anand, highlighted the various achievements of the directorate in innovation and technology development. He emphasized the need for innovative technologies for the promotion of medicinal and aromatic plants in the country.
Dr. S. N. Gupta, Vice-Chancellor, Magan bhai Adenwala Maha gujarat University, Nadiad, briefed about the principle of Ayurveda and the concept of how herbal industries and farmers can flourish in terms of business and money without diluting the principle and idea of Ayurveda.
Dr. M. K. Jhala, Director, Research, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, emphasized the present scenario of the herbal market, and current research trends and shared information on some of the salient achievements of AAU, Anand in medicinal plants.
Dr. Kaushik Banerjee, Director, ICAR-National Research Center Grapes, Pune highlighted the issues relating to authentication, adulteration, and possible contamination of herbal products both in raw and processed form that can affect the trade and export ultimately affecting business.
Shri. Somainder Singh, General Manager, NABARD, Gujarat delivered a lecture on the Role of NABARD in the promotion of start-ups and small businesses in Gujarat Shri Singh described the various schemes supported by NABARD for the benefit of Startups.
A technology booklet 2.0, three leaflets, an institute newsletter, an ashwagandha photobook, and a folder were released during the programme. DMAPR herbs, a mobile application of the institute was launched during the program. A panel discussion was held, wherein progressive farmers and start-ups emphasized marketing strategy and availability of quality planting material for the promotion of MAPs in the country. An exhibition was also arranged during the event where various incubators and others exhibited their licensed technologies/products.
A total of 70 delegates from different industries, startups, entrepreneurs, farmers, and others participated in the industry-Interface meet 2.0.
(Source: ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, Anand, Gujarat)
