Group Meeting of AICRP on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants & Betelvine Inaugurated

28^th September, 2015, Anand

Dr. N. K. Krishna Kumar, Deputy Director General (Horticulture Science), ICAR inaugurated the  XXIII  Annual  Group Meeting of  All India Coordinated Research Project on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants & Betelvine (AICRP-MAP&B) today at the ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research (ICAR-DMAPR), Anand, Gujarat.

Dr. Krishna Kumar emphasised the need of understanding of chemistry behind blending of ingredients as the demand for cheaper medicine is increasing globally. He said that the focus of the AICRP-MAP&B should be “More factor of productivity in terms of active ingredients in medicinal and aromatic plants”. Efforts should be initiated for health related issues of animal, cattle and aquatic organisms such as fish and a multidimensional approach including promotion of organic farming should be promoted in this sector, he added.

Dr. N.C. Patel, Vice Chancellor, Anand Agricultural University, Anand was the Chief Guest and Dr. S.B. Dandin, Former Vice Chancellor, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot and Dr. M. Anandaraj, Director, ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Calicut were the Guests of honour.

Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Director and Project Co-Ordinator, presented the project report and highlighted the actions taken for the implementation of the technical programme effectively. Dr. Kumar also highlighted some key achievements of AICRP-MAP&B centres.

During the four-day workshop, research achievements and future technical programme of AICRP-MAP&B project will be reviewed in different technical sessions. An interaction meeting with the developmental agencies will also be held. The annual group meeting is being attended by researchers, academicians, entrepreneurs, farmers and policy makers working in this field across the country.

Dr. Satyansu Kumar, Principal Scientist, ICAR-DMAPR proposed the vote of thanks.

(Source: ICAR-DMAPR, Anand)