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A. TECHNICAL COMMITTEE

Shri A.K.Rana–Chairman

Shri Bala Prasad – Co-Chairman

Shri Th. Ibobi Singh – Member

Dr. DD Haokip – Member

Dr. Khaizalian – Member

Smt. Soreiphy Vashum – Member

Shri AB Singh – Member

B. ARRANGEMENT SUB-COMMITTEE

Shri Th. Ibobi Singh, Conservator of Forests, Social Forestry Circle, Manipur.

Shri MP Singh, DFO, Soil Conservation Division, Manipur.

Shri Bira Singh, DFO, Social Forestry Division, Manipur.

C. ACCOMODATION SUB-COMMITTEE

Shri Kereilhouvi Angami, Conservator of Forests, Central Circle, Manipur.

Shri S. Dhananjoy Singh, DFO, Central Forest Division, Manipur.

Shri Kh Ibomcha Singh, DFO, Thoubal Forest Division, Manipur.

D. CATERING SUB-COMMITTEE

Shri A.B.Singh, DFO, Working Plan Division No. II, Manipur.

Shri L. Muhindro Singh, RO,

Shri Kh. Kesho Singh, Hd/Clerk

E. COMPERE:-

Shri Th. Mohendra Pratap Singh, DFO, Soil Conservation Division.

F. RAPPORTEURS:-

(For Inaugural and Valedictory Functions) .

Shri Kh. Ibomcha Singh, DFO, Thoubal Forest Divn.

Shri KS. Tawmbing, ACF, Eastern Forest Circle

G. TECHNICAL SESSIONS & WORKING GROUPS:-

Session Working Co-Chairman Rapporteurs Group I 2 Shri DC Karnatak Shri Kh Ibomcha Singh II 3 Shri L. Saratchandra Singh Shri H. Brajamani Sharma

III 5 Shri Bala Prasad Shri L. Joykumar Singh IV 4 Shri Kh. Thambou Singh Shri S. Dhananjoy Singh V 1 Shri Th. Ibobi Singh Shri A.B. Singh

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CONTENTS

Sl.No. Title Pages 1. Inaugural Session a) Welcome Address by Shri S. Singsit,

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Manipur. b) Opening Address by Shri B S Sajwan, Chief Executive Officer, National Medicinal Plants Board, Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health & FW, Government of India c) Speech by Shri Saichhuana, Addl. Chief Secretary, Manipur & Guest of Honour d) Speech by Shri Th. Debendra Singh,

Hon’ble Minister for Forest & Environment Government of Manipur

e) Speech by Dr. S. S. Sidhu, His Excellency The Governor of Manipur.

2. Medicinal Plants Sector in India in Emerging National and Global Scenario and Schemes of NMPB - By Shri B. S. Sajwan, CEO, NMPB, New Delhi

3. Trend and Projection of Export of Medicinal Plants and Products from India - By Shri G K Raman, Regional Director, Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council, New Delhi 4. Marketing and Management of Medicinal Plants in Uttarakhand - By Shri S D Singh, General Manager, Forest Development Corporation, Uttarakhand. 5. Development of Medicinal Plants Sector in Madhya Pradesh - By Shri A A Ansari, Additional Managing Director, MFP Federation, Bhopal 6 Processing of Medicinal Plants - By Shri Sudeep Tandon, CIMAP, Lucknow. 7. Institutional Presentations (Covering past achievements, ongoing activities and future program in North East regarding Medicinal Plants) 8. - By Dr. P.V.Kanjilal,

Head, Medicinal Plants & Aromatic Economic Plants Division, North East Institute of Science & Technology (RRL), Jorhat

9. - By Dr. Mangal, Scientist, Central Council for Research in Ayurveda & Siddha, New Delhi

10. - By Dr. N.C. Talukdar, Head, Division of Microbiology, Institute of Bioresource & Sustainable Development, Takyel

11. Opportunities for Cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants - By Shri Satyabrata Maiti, Director, National Research Centre for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Gujarat

12. Scope, Research and Extension need of medicinal plants in NE India - By Dr. Elusing Meru, Rain Forest Reasearch Institute, Jorhat

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13. Women as stewards of Biodiversity Conservation and its Sustainable Management

- By Smt Medhabati Kangabam, Lecturer, DM College of Science, Imphal

14. Expectation of Ayurveda Industry from North East - By Shri Ranjit Puranik, Secretary, Ayurvedic Drug Manufacturers Association (ADMA), Mumbai 15. Marketing System of Medicinal Plants for North East - By Shri NB Brindavanam, Head, Bio-Resources Development, Dabur Research Foundation, Ghaziabad 16. Experience of TRIFED in marketing of Medicinal Plants - By Shri Yashwant Gambhir, TRIFED 17. Role of NABARD in Promotion and Development of Commercially Important Medicinal Plants in North Eastern states - By Dr. S S Malani, NABARD 18. Marketing of Medicinal Plants in North East India for AYUSH Industries - By Shri S. K Chaddha, Director, SFRI, Arunachal Pradesh 19. Presentation on status and action plan for development of Medicinal Plants in Arunachal Pradesh - By Shri G N Sinha, Director, SFRI, Itanagar 20. Presentation on status and action plan for development of Medicinal Plants in Assam - By Shri RM Dubey, Conservator of Forests, Research & Education Circle - By Shri R K Sharma, Member Secretary, SMPB, Assam 21. Presentation on status and action plan for development of Medicinal Plants in Meghalaya - By Shri Robin Shullai, Chief Conservator of Forests, Meghalaya 22. Presentation on status and action plan for development of Medicinal Plants in Mizoram - By Shri Ramhluna, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mizoram 23. Presentation on status and action plan for development of Medicinal Plants in Tripura - By Smt. Dipa Nair, Dy. Conservator of Forests Cum Member secretary, SMPB, Tripura 24. Presentation on status and action plan for development of Medicinal Plants in Manipur - By Dr. Guneshwor Sharma, Member Secretary, SMPB, Manipur. 25. Presentation on status and action plan for development of Medicinal Plants in Manipur

- By Shri Bala Prasad, Chief Conservator of Forests, Territorial & Protection II, Manipur

26. Valedictory Session a) Welcome Address b) Speech by the President, Shri B S Sajwan,

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Chief Executive Officer, National Medicinal Plants Board, Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health & FW, Government of India

c) Speech by the Chief Guest Shri Ramhluna, IFS Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Govt. of Mizoram

27. RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKSHOP ON POTENTIAL AND PLANNING FOR CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF COMMERCIALLY IMPORTANT MEDICINAL PLANTS IN NORTH EASTERN INDIA

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Day 1 : July 12, 2007 INAUGURAL SESSION

09.00 am - Registration of Delegates 10.20 am - Welcome Address by Shri S. Singsit, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Manipur. 10.30 am - Opening Address by Shri B S Sajwan, Chief Executive Officer, National Medicinal Plants Board,

Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health & FW, Government of India

10.40 am - Speech by Shri Saichhuana, Addl. Chief Secretary, Manipur & Guest of Honour 10.50 am - Speech by Shri Th. Debendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister for Forest & Environment Government of Manipur 11.00 am - Speech by Dr. S. S. Sidhu, His Excellency The Governor of Manipur. 11.10 am - Vote of Thanks by Shri A K Rana Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Wildlife, Manipur.

Rapporteurs: -Shri Kh. Ibomcha Singh, Divisional Forest Officer, Thoubal Divn.

- Shri K S Tawmbing, Asst. Conservator of Forests, Eastern Circle, Manipur 11.15 am - Light Refreshment.

Technical Session- I Theme: Medicinal Plants- National & Global Scenario Time: 11.30 am - 01.15 pm Chairman: Shri Yashwant Gambhir, TRIFED, Guwahati. Co-Chairman: Shri D C Karnatak, Chief Conservator of Forests,

Plg & Admn, Manipur Rapporteur: Shri Kh. Ibomcha Singh, Divisional Forest Officer, Thoubal Divn. 1. Medicinal Plants Sector in India in Emerging National and Global Scenario and Schemes of NMPB

- By Shri B. S. Sajwan, CEO, NMPB, New Delhi 2. Trend and Projection of Export of Medicinal Plants and Products from India - By Shri G K Raman, Regional Director, Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council, New Delhi 3. Marketing and Management of Medicinal Plants in Uttarakhand - By Shri S D Singh, General Manager, Forest Development Corporation, Uttarakhand. 4. Development of Medicinal Plants Sector in Madhya Pradesh - By Shri A A Ansari, Additional Managing Director, MFP Federation, Bhopal 5. Processing of Medicinal Plants - By Shri Sudeep Tandon, CIMAP, Lucknow.

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1.15 - 2.00 pm – Lunch Technical Session – II Theme: Potential and Prospect of Medicinal Plants in North Eastern Region Time: 02.00 pm – 04.00 pm Chairman: Shri A A Ansari, Managing Director, MFP Federation, Bhopal Co-Chairman: Shri AK Rana, Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife, Manipur Rapporteur: Shri HB Sharma, Divisional Forest Officer, WP-I, Manipur Institutional Presentations (Covering past achievements, ongoing activities and future program in North East regarding Medicinal Plants)

1. By Dr. P.V.Kanjilal, Head, Medicinal Plants & Aromatic Economic Plants Division, North East Institute of Science & Technology (RRL), Jorhat

2. By Dr. Mangal, Scientist, Central Council for Research in Ayurveda & Siddha, New Delhi 3. By Dr. N.C. Talukdar, Head, Division of Microbiology, Institute of Bioresource & Sustainable Development, Takyel 4. Opportunities for Cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

- By Shri Satyabrata Maiti, Director, National Research Centre for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Gujarat

5. Scope, Research and Extension need of medicinal plants in NE India - By Dr. Elusing Meru, Rain Forest Reasearch Institute, Jorhat

6. Women as stewards of Biodiversity Conservation and its Sustainable Management - By Smt Medhabati Kangabam, Lecturer, DM College of Science, Imphal

4.00 – 4.15 pm -Tea Break Technical Session - III Theme: Commercially Important species for North Eastern States and expectations

of Ayurveda Industry, Progressive Farmers, Traders & Practitioners Time: 04.15 pm – 06.00 pm Chairman: Shri Satyabrata Maiti, Director, National Research Centre for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Gujarat Co-Chairman: Shri Bala Prasad, Chief Conservator of Forests/T&P No. II, Manipur Rapporteur: Shri L. Joykumar Singh, Divisional Forest Officer, Eastern Divn. 1. Expectation of Ayurveda Industry from North East - By Shri Ranjit Puranik, Secretary, Ayurvedic Drug Manufacturers Association (ADMA), Mumbai 2. Marketing System of Medicinal Plants for North East - By Shri NB Brindavanam, Head, Bio-Resources Development, Dabur Research Foundation, Ghaziabad 3. Experience of TRIFED in marketing of Medicinal Plants - By Shri Yashwant Gambhir, TRIFED 4. Role of NABARD in Promotion and Development of Commercially Important Medicinal Plants in North Eastern states

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- By Dr. S S Malani, NABARD 5. Marketing of Medicinal Plants in North East India for AYUSH Industries - By Shri S. K Chaddha, Director, SFRI, Arunachal Pradesh Day 2 : July 13, 2007 Technical Session – IV Presentation by CEOs, SMPB & PCCFs of North Eastern States on status and action plan for development of Medicinal Plants in their respective states Time: 09.00 am – 11.30 am Chairman: Shri B S Sajwan, CEO, NMPB, New Delhi Co-Chairman: Shri Kh. Thambou Singh, Chief Conservator of Forests,

T&P I, Manipur Rapporteur: Shri S. Dhananjoy Singh, Divisional Forest Officer, Central Divn. 1) Arunachal Pradesh - By Shri G N Sinha, Director, SFRI, Itanagar 2) Assam - By Shri RM Dubey, Conservator of Forests, Research & Education Circle By Shri R K Sharma, Member Secretary, SMPB, Assam 3) Meghalaya - By Shri Robin Shullai, Chief Conservator of Forests, Meghalaya 4) Mizoram - By Shri Ramhluna Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mizoram 5) Tripura - By Smt. Dipa Nair, Dy. Conservator of Forests, Tripura Cum Member secretary, SMPB, Tripura 6) Manipur - By Dr. Guneshwor Sharma, Member Secretary, SMPB, Manipur. - By Shri Bala Prasad, Chief Conservator of Forests, T&P II, Manipur 11.30 - 11.45 am -Tea Break Theme: Deliberation of Working Groups Time: 11.45 am – 01.30 pm 1) Conservation of medicinal plants in North East Chairman: Shri Ramhluna, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mizoram Co-Chairman: Shri Th Ibobi Singh, Conservator of Forests, Social Forestry, Manipur Rapporteur: Shri A B Singh, Divisional Forest Officer, WP II, Manipur 2) Cultivation of medicinal plants in North East Chairman: Shri N B Brindavanam, Head, Bio-Resources Development, Dabur Research Foundation, Ghaziabad Co-Chairman: Shri D C Karnatak, Chief Conservator of Forests, Plg. & Admn, Manipur Rapporteur : Shri K.S.Tawmbing, Asst. Concervator of Forests,Eastern Circle, Manipur 3) Collection of medicinal plants in North East

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Chairman: Shri A Ansari, Managing Director, MFP Federation, Bhopal Co-Chairman: Shri A K Rana, Addl.Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Manipur Rapporteur: Shri N. Sonzalian, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Admn. & Planning. 4) Processing Medicinal Plants in North East Chairman: Shri B S Sajwan, CEO, NMPB, New Delhi Co-Chairman: Shri K. Thambou Singh, Chief Conservator of Forests, T&P I, Manipur Rapporteur: Shri S.Dhananjoy Singh, Divisional Forest Officer, Central Division, Manipur 5) Marketing of medicinal plants from North East Chairman: Shri Ranjit Puranik, Secretary, Ayurvedic Drug Manufacturers Association (ADMA), Mumbai Co-Chairman: Shri Bala Prasad, Chief Conservator of Forests, T&P II, Manipur Rapporteur: Shri L.Joykumar Singh, Divisional Forest Officer, Eastern Division, Manipur 1.30 - 2.30 pm – Lunch Presentation of each Working Group & Formulation of recommendations of Workshop Time: 02.30 pm - 04.30 pm Chairman: Shri R K Singh, Dy. General Manager, TRIFED Co-Chairman: Shri Th Ibobi Singh, Conservator of Forests, Social Forestry, Manipur Rapporteur: Shri A B Singh, Divisional Forest Officer, WP II, Manipur 4.30-5.00 Tea Break Valedictory Function Time: 5.00 – 6.00 pm

5.00 pm - Welcome Address by Shri A. Kharshiing, Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Forest & FDA, Manipur. 5.05 pm - Recommendations of Workshop by Shri S. Singsit, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Manipur 5.20 pm - Speech by Shri B S Sajwan, CEO, NMPB, New Delhi & President of the function 5.40 pm - Speech by the Chief Guest Shri Ramhluna, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests,Mizoram. 5.50 pm - Vote of Thanks by Shri Bala Prasad Chief Conservator of Forests, Territorial & Protection II, Manipur

Rapporteurs: -Shri Kh. Ibomcha Singh, Divisional Forest Officer, Thoubal Divn.

-Shri K S Tawmbing, Asst. Conservator of Forests, Eastern Circle, Manipur

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INAUGURAL SESSION

WELCOME ADDRESS BY

SHRI S. SINGSIT PRINCIPAL CHIEF CONSERVATOR OF FORESTS, MANIPUR.

His Excellency Governor of Manipur and Chief Guest of Inaugural Function, Dr. S. S. Sidhu; Hon’ble Minister for Forest & Environment and Law & Legislative Affairs, Government of Manipur, Shri Th. Debendra Singh; Respected Addl.Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur Shri Saichhuana; Shri B.S.Sajwan, Chief Executive officer, National Medicinal Plants Board; representatives of AYUSH, CSIR, ICAR institutions, and officers of Forest Departments and representatives of State Medicinal Plant Boards of North East Region; manufacturers of traditional medicines; collectors and farmers of medicinal plants; representatives of media, Ladies and Gentlemen. – Good Morning to all of you

We would first welcome His Excellency Governor of Manipur and Chief Guest of Inaugural

Function, Dr. S. S. Sidhu, whose keen interest in medicinal plants has been a source of inspiration to us. In fact Manipur is one of few States, where a herbal garden has been established in the garden of Governor’s House by Forest Department with assistance from National Medicinal Plant Board. His excellency has distinguished and brilliant academic and service career. He has done Ph. D. in Economic Development and completed successfully different assignments in UP, Punjab, Central Government, Commonwealth Secretariat and United Nations. The inauguration of this workshop by you would go a long way in motivating us not only for finalizing comprehensive sets of recommendations, but also ensuring their implementation.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Our Hon’ble Minister for Forest & Environment

and Law & Legislative Affairs, Government of Manipur, Shri Th. Debendra Singh, who has been guiding us with his vast experience in public Life. I would like to admit that without his support and encouragement, it would have been very difficult for us to organize this workshop. His willing support has helped us to make a stride in this field. Sir, we would make all out efforts to tap the potential of medicinal plant sector in the whole North East for the benefit of this region.

I welcome Addl. Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur, Pu. Saichhuana, who has been

providing guidance to Forest Department, Manipur and taking keen interest in medicinal plant sector. I extend hearty welcome to the Chief Executive officer, National Medicinal Plants Board, Shri B. S. Sajwan; who has been a motivating force for development of medicinal plant sector in the country. He has provided great help and support to us in organizing the workshop. I welcome representatives of Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha, CSIR and Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, I welcome Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of, Mizoram and; Officers of Forest Departments and Forest Corporation and representatives of State Medicinal Plant Boards, manufacturers of traditional medicines; collectors and farmers of medicinal plants of North East Region; Shri Ranjit Puranik; Secretary, Ayurvedic Drug Manufacturers Assosiation and Shri N. B. Brindavanam, Agro Technology, Dabur Research Foundation. I welcome all delegates, resource persons and invitees who has come to

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attend the function. Last but not the least, I welcome all our friends from media, newsprint and request them to provide their support in our endeavour to develop this sector in the region.

The North Eastern region is one of the most important in India with respect to Bio-diversity as it

contains one hotspot i.e. the Eastern Himalayas and another that of Indo Malaya region partially. Out of sixteen Forest Types found in India, the region along with Sikkim has eight types viz. Tropical Wet Evergreen forest, Tropical Semi Evergreen Forests, Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest, Sub-tropical Pine Forest, Montane Wet Temperate Forest and Sub-Alpine and Alpine Forest. Further, the region is repository of large number of medicinal plants. A large number of people living in and around the forests depends on these medicinal plants for their subsistence and income. Medicinal plant sector can provide socially beneficial, environmentally benign and economically viable livelihood systems in the region. However, the sector is still unorganised and needs to be developed and tapped for the people of the region. This workshop has given us opportunity to deliberate all important aspects of the commercially important medicinal plants of the region and work out comprehensive set of strategy and action plan to develop this sector to its potentiality.

On behalf of Forest Department of Manipur and on my own I once again welcome His Excellency

Governor of Manipur and all other dignitaries present on the dais and all invitees to 2(two) days, National workshop on “Potential and Planning for Conservation and Development of Commercially important medicinal plants in North East India”.

Thank you

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Opening Address by Shri B S Sajwan,

Chief Executive Officer, National Medicinal Plants Board, Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health & FW,

Government of India

Governor of Manipur and Chief Guest of the function for having been the spearhead of this entire initiative here and bestowed his guidance, support in organization of this Workshop considering that, I think, it is the first time that a kind of this kind of this Workshop has been organized by the Forest Department in Manipur. I would also like to compliment the Addl. Chief Secretary and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests once again for this initiative to organize this workshop. The presence of the champions of industries, I see some of the important names, the CEO of one of the key Ayurvedic industry in India, the representatives from Dabur Industries, the representatives from Pharmaxcil are here. I am sorry if I miss out other but I see some of this familiar faces and their presence of the leaders of this industries gives us the hope that what we seek to do in the course of 2 days is not mere mere words mere lectures but we mean serious business and I am sure that the Government of Manipur, Forest Department and other agencies in Manipur will take full advantage of the presence of this leaders of industries here so that we are able to work out a road map for Manipur to develop this sector. And I think we need to welcome these leaders of industries here for their initiative for their in this very important process here. I also find that there are representatives of CSIR initiatives, ICAR institutions, the Central Council of Research and Ayurveda representatives and other representatives from other bodies. I think that shows how important they consider it to be here in the seminar and as to what Research and D institutes can do to develop the sector in the North East. We all know how important the medicinal plants are to the livelihood of the people, how important are they to the health care system that are prevalent here and the presence of R&D institutes shows how important they consider it to be here and share their experience, share their vision of what they can do in times to come by giving scientific input to what we have been doing traditional wisdom. The Department of Indian Systems of Medicine which it was earlier called was set up in 1995. It was subsequently named as the Department of AYUSH, in short, but it actually means, Department of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. These are the officially recognized systems of medicines in India, in addition, to the Allopathy system. Now, realizing that India has such a rich tradition of traditional health care system, the Government of India set up this Department. It also set up subsequently a Board called National Medicinal Plants Board because it was realized that this systems if we have to improve the outreach of the systems, if we have to the quality of the products of this systems offer that we need to put in place the institutional mechanism which will ensure that there is a sustainability of this systems, availability of the raw materials of standardized quality so that we not only provide better products for healthcare for our people but also reach out this system to the external market. You may be aware that this entire world market is in the order of 62 billion US dollar. The fact remains that there is immense interest in alternative health care- in health therapies, in wellness therapies and in all natural products and therefore, there is immense opportunity that it is available to us. I think needs to be considering the immense potential it has, considering the richness of traditional system we have. In fact, it would not be exaggeration to say that we are in a better position as compared to China in improving the outreach of our system, in improving the health care of our people through this system if only we are able to put in place this system, a policy and programme for development of this system and overall improve the healthcare system.

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I share with you the Board realizes that for a region like North East which is rich in forest resources which is rich in biodiversity, the whole focus of this strategy is conservation. When we say conservation, we do not necessarily mean to keep the people away from the forest what we mean is sustainable harvest of forest resources because that is immensely rich biodiversity that exist here and we believe that we need to regenerate this resource, we need to put in place a system whereby there are sustainable harvesting mechanism available for regenerating this resource so that they are not only available to the generation today. The biodiversity that exist here is available to the future generations for improving health care and for general livelihood improvement. I can assure you on behalf of the Government of India that with the presence of His Excellency here, with the presence of Minister here. I am sure that something positive will happen for Manipur and for entire North East

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SPEECH BY SHRI SAICHHUANA,

ADDL. CHIEF SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT OF MANIPUR His Excellency Governor of Manipur and Chief Guest of this Inaugural Function, Dr. S. S. Sidhu;

Shri Th.Devendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister for Forest & Environment, Revenue and Law & Legislative Affairs, Manipur; Shri. S. Singsit, PCCF, Manipur, Shri B.S.Sajwan, Chief Executive Officer, National Medicinal Plants Board; all invitees, delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen

We are grateful that His Excellency has spared his valuable time to grace the occasion as Chief Guest. We are also happy to have representatives of important Central Government Institutions amidst us. As we all know, there is global interest in traditional medicines because of its no side effect and after effect of these medicines. According to WHO, the global market of traditional therapies stands at $60 billions and is growing steadily. Further, global market for medicinal herbs and herbal products is estimated to touch US$ 5 trillion by 2050. Therefore, there is accelerated demand of commercially important medicinal plants. Medicinal plant sector can also provide socially beneficial, environmental friendly and economically viable livelihood systems in the region and to its people.

Diverse climatic and edaphic conditions of North Eastern Regions are very conducive for cultivation and natural regeneration of wide variety of medicinal plants. In comparatively small geographical area, Manipur has the distinction of possessing a wide range of forest types. They have plants from the Himalayas to Malaya on one hand and China on the other. North Eastern Region has flora of two hot spots of bio-diversity of the world i.e. Himalayas and Indo-Burma region, whereas rest of India has only one such hot spot of bio-diversity i.e. the Western Ghat. The forests of the North-East region are home of wide range of flora and fauna and have the history of large scale collection of medicinal plants in the region. Moreover, these plants are consumed locally also. There is good human resource available in the region. There are many officers and scientists who have excellent knowledge of the subject.

The Forest Department, Manipur has taken lead in organising this workshop in comprehensive

manner. In spite of vast potentiality, there is little movement towards organized cultivation and collection of medicinal plants and manufacturing of traditional medicines. Moreover, marketing system with adequate safeguard and profit to collector and cultivator needs to be established. In this context the organization of the workshop is very important and I am pleased to see that the Forest Department has been able to invite a good and balanced set of resource persons. I would advise all delegates and resource persons to deliberate intensively extensively during the workshop in working group meeting and come out with practical recommendations, which could be implemented. While deliberating marketing we need to consider two issues. Firstly there is need to create livelihood systems based on collection and cultivation of medicinal plants. Secondly, it has been found that collector and cultivators in the region are not getting due price from traders of medicinal plants as nearest hub of manufacturers of AYUSH industries are located at 1000 Km. away at Kolkatta, The traders are exploiting collectors and cultivators of medicinal plants.

Therefore, I would urge the Ayurveda industry to establish a network for purchasing raw materials

from North Eastern States at remunerative price for the collectors and cultivators. In the marketing system

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the inbuilt mechanism based on guarantee for purchase with minimum support price needs to be provided as confidence building measure for the collectors and cultivators of medicinal plants. It has been reported by Dr. S.C. Sinha that 1200 medicinal plants, indicating 430 species with local traditional medicinal uses, are found in Manipur. Despite significant contribution of medicinal plants sector to the local economy, its potentials are not duly appreciated and reflected in planning for sustainable livelihood systems and industrialization of the region. Besides, a number of valuable species have become threatened due to over exploitation. Moreover, many medicinal plants such as Dalchini, and Agar are destructively harvested. Therefore, there is need for taking appropriate conservation measures. For effective protection of medicinal plants, in-situ and ex-situ conservation centers needs to be created and maintained. These centers may cater educational and recreational need in addition to providing conservation of medicinal plant species for perpetuity and posterity. There is also urgent need to promote medicinal plants based industrialization. It may require sometime to establish manufacturing units of Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathy drugs as we need to formulate effective industrial policy and programme. Nevertheless, primary processing may be initiated forthwith. Farmers and entrepreneurs should be trained for primary processing. These processing will be useful value addition and improve safety standard and effectiveness of the drugs. To tap the potential of the sector there is need to develop comprehensive set of strategy and action plan for each state depending their strength and scope for development.

As far as Manipur is concerned I can assure that Forest Department would spare no effort in

promoting and propagating medicinal plants of the state. I request representative of other State Governments to work collectively to take full advantage from the scheme of National Medicinal Plants Board in the region. Further, the action plan needs to be fine tuned with the incorporation of the recommendation of this workshop. I think organizing such workshop should not be an isolated one time activity. It should be at least organized once in a year. Forest Department, Manipur is not only going to formulate and implement projects on the basis of recommendation of the workshop, but also monitor them rigorously. I would take this opportunity to implore representatives of other states to monitor the implementation on the recommendations of the workshop in their respective states. I would also request representatives of Government of India to provide necessary support for the Implementation of the recommendations of the workshop. I wish all success for the workshop.

Thank you.

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SPEECH BY SHRI TH. DEBENDRA SINGH,

HON’BLE MINISTER OF FORESTS & ENVIRONMENT, GOVERNMENT OF MANIPUR

His Excellency Governor of Manipur and Chief Guest of this Inaugural Function, Dr. S. S. Sidhu;

Addl.Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur, Mr. Saichhuana; PCCF, Manipur, Mr. S. Singsit, Chief Executive officer, National Medicinal Plants Board, Shri B. S. Sajwan; all invitees, delegates, representatives of media, Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is really a matter of great pleasure for me to preside over the inaugural function of two days National Workshop on “Potential and Planning for Conservation and Development of Commercially Important Medicinal Plants in North Eastern India.” At the outset I would first take this opportunity to thank His Excellency Governor of Manipur for sparing his valuable time. His valuable guidance would help us in making required breakthrough in medicinal plants sector in Manipur. I would like to assure this August gathering that Forest Department, Manipur would strive hard for the development of Medicinal Plants Sector in the state to its potentiality and create livelihood systems based on collection, cultivation, processing and marketing of medicinal plants.

I thank, Chief Executive officer, National Medicinal Plants Board, Shri B. S. Sajwan for accepting our invitation and coming from New Delhi to Imphal to participate in the workshop.

I would like to use this opportunity to congratulate Department of AYUSH, Government of India for being a dynamic and vibrant department. Department of AYUSH is in the process of finalising many important schemes in the eleventh five year plan. I would like to highlight specifically two of them. Department is going to establish twenty clusters of AYUSH industries across India during XIth five year plan. These clusters would have facilities of drug testing, nursery, storage and mandi of medicinal plants and act as hub of manufacturing of good quality of AYUSH medicines. They would go a long way in improving quality of AYUSH medicine in India and abroad and create demand of medicinal plants and thereby promote good quality collection and cultivation of medicinal plants in surrounding area. North Eastern Institute of Folk Medicine is also being established at Pasighat because of her initiative. The establishment of the institute is a major shift towards revitalization of indigenous systems of medicine as Government of India would also strive for development of these systems in addition to Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy and Allopathy in scientific and systematic manner. The institute would go a long way in developing traditional systems medicine of different community of North Eastern region.

Now I would like to put forth few important requests for consideration of Department of AYUSH, Government of India. As I have just mentioned that Department of AYUSH is going to develop 20 clusters of AYUSH industry. From the yardstick of 10% to North East region, two clusters should be established in the region. As there is no cluster of AYUSH industry in the region, induced cluster may be established. One induced cluster should be established at Imphal. As mentioned by Additional Chief Secretary, Manipur and PCCF, Manipur, the climatic and edaphic conditions in Manipur are most suitable for cultivation and natural regeneration of varieties of medicinal plants. In Manipur all plants except those found in desert, alpine and sub-alpine zone can be produced. Even alpine and sub-alpine zone can be easily obtained from Arunachal Pradesh. Therefore, the proposal of establishing induced cluster of AYUSH industries at Imphal is feasible. This proposal also gets added support from “Look East Policy” and “All Inclusive Growth” of Government of India. Imphal is situated at the tri-junction of three National Highways i.e. 39, 53 and 150.

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The industries established at Imphal can easily market their products in whole Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Tripura. Besides, products may be easily exported to Burma, Bangladesh and ASEAN countries. The establishment of cluster would also reinforce symbiotic relationship between Hills and valley in Manipur as raw material may be cultivated and collected in the hills and processed at Imphal. This would create huge livelihood support systems and economically viable and sustainable employment opportunity. The cluster would make many of our products as economically viable products. For example Heikkru i.e. Amla, which is botanically known as Emblica offecianalis is the medicinal plant which is highest consumption in terms of volume in AYUSH industry. But, it is not extracted at commercial level from forests of Manipur because of cost of transportation and availability from other forest area at low price. But AYUSH cluster at Imphal would make collection and cultivation of such medicinal plants as economically viable proposition. Therefore, I would request Department of AYUSH to include establishment of one AYUSH cluster at Imphal. I also understand that National Medicinal Plants Board is establishing six Medicinal Plants Processing Zones. One of the Zones should also be established in Manipur. It is expected that medicinal plants processing zone will support cultivation of medicinal plants in 20,000 hecters, post harvest management e.g. storage, drying, grading, sorting, marketing including price support, setting up mandies, brand promotion and extension activities. In fact both the establishments of AYUSH cluster and Medicinal Plant zones may be dovetailed successfully for development of medicinal plants sector in Manipur. If Department of AYUSH, Government of India agrees, I would put officers of Forest Department to work out details in consultation with Department of AYUSH, Government of India. As far as Government of Manipur is concerned we would provide all required inputs from our side for establishing of both induced AYUSH cluster and medicinal plant processing zone at Imphal.

It is well known fact that Ginseng is commercially most important medicinal plant at international market. China has vertually captured the international market of Ginseng. In fact India is importing Ginseng in large quantity. Unfortunately this species has not been tried in North Eastern region. I would like to inform this august gathering that Paulownia fourtunii is the most important timber species of China. It is said in China that if you have a girl child, plant one seedling of this species and harvest it at the time of her marriage to meet all expenses of her marriage. The experimental trial of Paulownia has failed in most of the states in India whereas it has been very successful in Manipur. But getting planting material is difficult for us. Forest Department would like to have collaborative project with the institution of Central Government for experimental trial and phyto-chemical analysis of Ginseng. Therefore, I request Department of AYUSH to help us in formulation and implementation of a comprehensive project on Ginseng.

I would also thank Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Manipur and his team of officers who worked hard for organizing the workshop and trying to make breakthrough in the field of medicinal plant sector in Manipur.

In the last I once again reiterate my whole hearted support for development of medicinal plant sector in North Eastern region in general and Manipur in particular. I would also advise all delegates and invitees of the workshop to devote two days with all seriousness for medicinal plants and come out with strategies and action plans for all important aspects of medicinal plants for North East region.

I wish the workshop all success.

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SPEECH BY DR. S.S.SIDHU

HIS EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNOR OF MANIPUR

It gives me great pleasure to be with you this morning for the national workshop on “Potential and Planning for Conservation and Development of Commercially Important Medicinal Plants in North Eastern India”. I wish to compliment the organisers for this timely initiative. At the outset, I would congratulate Shri Th. Debendra Singh, under whose stewardship Forest Department, Manipur has taken a lead in holding the comprehensive workshop to give boost to medicinal plant sector in North Eastern region. It is also heartening to see that large number of Central Institutes e.g. Central Council for Research in Ayurveda & Siddha, National Research Centre for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Anand, Gujarat, representing Indian Council for Agricultural Research; Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, which is an Institute of CSIR; North Eastern Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat; Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat representing Indian Council for Forestry Research and Education, Dehradun; TRIFED; National Medicinal Plant Board, etc. Ayurveda industries represented by Ayurveda Drug Manufacturing Association, Mumbai, Dabur, Baidhyanath and all North-Eastern States is participating in the workshop.

All cultures from ancient times till date have used plants as sources of medicine. The majority of the world’s population today continues to rely on medicinal plants for health care needs. Current global demand for herbal products is vast and growing rapidly. Many medicinal plant populations are depleted and thousands of species are threatened world-wide. Threats to medicinal plants are due to a combination of factors, including inadequate tenure over land and plants, over-collection, degradation and conversion of habitat. We need to take urgent and effective measures to conserve this precious resource for posterity and perpetuity.

In 1988, the World Health Organization, the World Conservation Union, the World Wide Fund for Nature convened an international consultation on the conservation of medicinal plants in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This resulted, inter alia, in the issue of the Chiang Mai Declaration, calling for action to “save the plants that save lives” which helped in finalization of the guidelines on the Conservation of Medicinal Plants, published in 1993. Moreover, Resolution WHA41.19, taken at the forty-first World Health Assembly (1988), drew attention to the Chiang Mai Declaration and endorsed the call for international co-operation and co-ordination to conserve medicinal plants, thereby placing their conservation firmly in the public health policy arena.

These guidelines not only identify the challenges facing medicinal plant conservation in the twenty-first century but also recognize the opportunities. Ensuring the sustainable use of the plants that save lives is a challenging conservation and public health task. Success depends on a wide range of partners working towards a common objective. Therefore, we need to involve all groups of stake holders for conservation and development of medicinal plants in North Eastern region.

Traditional medicines, particularly herbal medicines, have been increasingly used worldwide during the last two decades. Unfortunately, the number of reports of patients experiencing negative health consequences caused by the use of herbal medicines has also been increasing. Analysis and studies have

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revealed a variety of reasons for such problems. One of the major causes of reported adverse effects is directly linked to the poor quality of herbal medicines, including raw medicinal plant materials. It appears that insufficient attention has been paid to the quality assurance and control of herbal medicines. Quality control directly impacts the safety and efficacy of herbal medicinal products. Good agricultural and collection practices for medicinal plants is one of the most important steps in quality assurance on which the safety and efficacy of herbal medicinal products directly depend upon. We need to take adequate measures so that medicinal plants are safe with respect to microbial load, residues and contaminants.

World Health Organization has published comprehensive guidelines on Good Agricultural and Collection Practices for Medicinal Plants. I am given to understand that National Medicinal Plant Board is soon likely to finalize guidelines on Good Agricultural practice. I hope they would also prepare guidelines for good collection practices, which must include species-wise method for sustainable collection of medicinal plants. The guidelines are particularly important for those medicinal plants, which are destructively harvested. Till the time such guidelines are finalized, we need to follow general guidelines, developed by WHO on good Agricultural and Collection Practices. While deliberating on the subject related to collection and cultivation of medicinal plants, the guidelines of WHO should be kept in mind by the delegates of this workshop.

Plant materials are used across the globe as home remedies, over-the-counter drug products and raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry, and represent a substantial proportion of the global drug market. It is essential to establish internationally recognized guidelines for assessing their quality. The World Health Organization has emphasized the need to ensure the quality of medicinal plant products by using modern control techniques and applying suitable standards. It would seem appropriate that till the time National Medicinal Plant Boards and Department of AYUSH come out with separate guidelines and testing methodology and standards we need to follow them as suggested by World Health Organization.

Delegates from North Eastern States should take full advantage of presence of representatives of Central Government Institution in the workshop. I hope with the deliberations in the workshop, they will be able to formulate specific programme for their respective State to develop medicinal plants based livelihood systems. It is an established fact that the North Eastern States have huge potential in the field of medicinal plants. Time has come to draw up comprehensive action plans to tap the potential for the development of the people of the region. I would recommend that Department of AYUSH, Government of India should establish AYUSH industry cluster and Medicinal Plants Processing Zone in North Eastern States at Imphal. There is urgent need to push industrialization based on medicinal plants in the region. Medicinal plant sector has huge potential to create economically viable livelihood systems and thereby creating large number of employment opportunity. Representatives of Ayurveda industry should use good quality raw material available in the region. I would also urge local entrepreneurs to develop collaborative networks for supply of raw material to AYUSH industries. I trust the workshop will go a long way in developing medicinal plant sector in the region in general and Manipur in particular.

I wish all success for the workshop.

_____

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Government Initiatives for Development of Medicinal Plants-

Prospects and Potential in the North Eastern States. By B S Sajwan Chief Executive Officer, National Medicinal Plants Board Medicinal and aromatic plants constitute the basis of primary health care for a majority of the

population and are a critical source of income for many rural people particularly in area near forests. They are a source of primary health care for more than 80% of the population in developing countries who are dependent on traditional systems of medicine as these are culturally appropriate, technologically simple, economically affordable and generally effective systems with little or no side effects. WTO driven trade policies and immense muscle power enjoyed by the multinational drug companies and the stranglehold that they have over world economic order are also driving the modern medicines beyond the reach of a large segment of the population. Inability of the modern systems of medicine to offer effective treatment for some of the life style oriented disease like diabetes, hypertension, AIDS etc are also responsible for resurgence of interest in the alternative therapies and systems.

India has rich traditional systems of medicine in Ayurveda, Sidha and Unani systems which provide a holistic health care encompassing promotive, preventive and curative aspects. Homoeopathy, which although of German origin, has been widely accepted in large parts of the country, particularly, in the East and the North-east. Yoga and Naturopathy which offer drugless therapies are also widespread not just in India but in many other countries of the world. There are about 7lakh registered and trained practioners of the traditional systems of medicine which accounts for about 7 doctors per 10,000 of population-almost the same as that of the modern system in India.

Medicinal plants are a major source of employment and account for about 35 million man-days of employment in collection and processing every year. India, which is one of the 12 biodiversity rich countries, is a veritable treasure house of valuable medicinal, aromatic and dye herbs, trees and shrubs and accounts for 7% of the worlds’ biodiversity. With about !7000-18000 species of flowering plants, about 6000-7000 plant species are used in different traditional systems of medicine including the folk systems.

All these factors give us a strategic advantage in medicinal plants/herbal sector. However, Indian share in the global trade of medicinal plants is miniscule. The World Bank estimates of 2002 put the global market of medicinal plants and plants parts, neutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals and medicines at US$62 billion which is growing at 7% per annum. Indian export of Ayurvedic medicines stood at US$154 million and that of medicinal plants/plant parts and raw drugs at US$124.85 million. The raw drugs and medicinal plants as a percentage of total export which stood at 70% in 2001-02 declined to less than 50% in 2002-03 which is a positive development as more value added items were exported during the year.

Realising the immense export potential and the strong domestic infrastructure of traditional systems in the country, Government of India in 2000 set up National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) with a view to coordinating all the policy matters in the medicinal plants sector and formulating schemes and programmes for conservation, cultivation, processing, value addition and marketing of medicinal plants.

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The Board has taken the following initiatives: 1. Formulation of operational guidelines for promotional and contract farming schemes 2. Setting up of SMPBs at the State level-so far 35 SMPBs constituted 3. Prioritisation of medicinal plants for cultivation. The list of 32 species prioritized for cultivation is

now proposed to be enlarged to cover 81 species. The list covers not only the species prioritized for cultivation but also those that are important for conservation and those that are presently being imported and can be cultivated in India

4. Selection of agro-climatic zone wise species of plants for cultivation 5. Cultivation over 40,000 hectares of species with high demand in the market. In addition, about

30,000 ha of forest areas have been covered with in-situ conservation programme. A large network of herbal gardens has been created under the promotional scheme with a view to setting up germ plasm banks which can be an authentic source of quality planting material.

6. Awareness programmes through publication of publicity material, pamphlets, posters, organizing workshops, training programmes, seminars and participation in AROGYA /Herbal fares

7. Creation of Website. An e-portal for market information is also under development which seeks to disseminate prices of medicinal plants traded in important mandies across the country on a weekly basis and also provide a platform for buyers and sellers to exchange information on the medicinal plants on offer for sale and those required by traders/industry

Realising that forests are the main repository of the medicinal plants biodiversity a large number of

projects of in situ conservation have been sanctioned for implementation through the various state forest departments. It is estimated that even today more than 90% of the medicinal plants species are still collected from the forest areas mostly in an unsustainable manner. One of the main planks of the strategy of the Board has been to promote cultivation through farmers through contractual farming schemes.

The North –Eastern states have immense plant biodiversity with a number of plants species like Agar,

Coptis teeta, Panax, Aconitum, Acorus, Kalmegh, Dioscorea, Kutki, Pipli, Sarpgandha, Ashwagandha which can be cultivated in areas subjected to shifting cultivation. The benefits that can accrue to the farmers through the contract farming schemes of NMPB have also not been availed of fully by the farmers in the North-East. Also species like, Ashok, Agar, Oroxylum, Messua, Taxus etc can be supported through the afforestation programmes in forest area and through agro-forestry programmes in shifting cultivation areas.

The important areas of concern are: 1. Marketing 2. Quality, efficacy and safety of medicines 3. Standardization 4. Cultivation of species in demand by ASU/herbal industry 5. Linking cultivation to processing and marketing 6. Capacity building among collectors and growers 7. Institutional strengthening at the state level In order to address these concerns, the Board proposes to focus the 11th Plan schemes in a manner that

they address the key concerns of conservation, quality and promoting cultivation of species that are critical

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to the ASU systems by better targeting of subsidy and promoting cultivation in clusters and linking cultivation with processing, warehousing and marketing support. The initiatives proposed during the 11th Plan are: Survey, Inventorisation and In-situ conservation

- Threat status of various medicinal plant species traditionally obtained from the wild - Major causes of threat to the populations of threatened species, prioritization of the same

and methods to mitigate the threats

• Setting up medicinal plants conservation areas (MPCAs) - It is well established that in situ conservation is the best, the quickest and the cheapest method of conserving the diverse genetic base of various plant species. An effective MPCA network across the country would ensure that the gene pool of a vast majority of threatened medicinal plant species is inventorised, documented and conserved in their natural and evolving ecosystem.

The work would involve identification of sites of medicinal plant richness across various forest types and their intra-type variations to capture viable populations of all the threatened medicinal plant species in the country and establishing these sites as MPCAs.

Linkage with Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) The forest dwellers and tribals living near forest have been given full rights to NTFPs. Under the PESA control over NTFPs has been passed on to the Panchayats. The existing regeneration program of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, focuses on production aspects only and does not support activities for creating storage, primary processing infrastructure and marketing support. Regeneration of NTFPs through JFM requires to be supported with processing and marketing, to enable the forest dwellers and tribals to get higher incomes for the NTFPs collected by them due to the improved quality and longer shelf life. Ex situ Conservation of Prioritized Species: Ex situ conservation of medicinal plant species is a complementary action to conserve the genetic diversity of prioritized medicinal plant species. It is especially desirable in case of species where wild populations have dwindled to critical levels and viable populations for some of these species are not available for initiating in situ conservation action. It is proposed to establish plantations of species of conservation concern for use in the ASU industry and call such plots as “Arogya Vans”. Availability of authentic seeds of certified quality is a major constraint in undertaking large-scale cultivation. Unlike horticultural crops, seeds of medicinal plants species have to be largely sourced from the forests.

Under this component special projects for plantation/ex-situ conservation of rare, endangered and threatened species of medicinal plants will also be supported through hand holding between the Growers, Forest Departments, NGOs, Corporates, R & D institutions and ASU industry. These will be for species

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which are critical to ASU systems, are critically endangered and are otherwise difficult to regenerate in the wild.

Research and Development: The research results need to be consolidated, gaps identified and new initiatives taken to address research needs in respect of various crucial aspects including those related to management of medicinal plants and their handling. Research is especially needed in relation to the following –

- Good harvesting practices, post harvest handling and storage techniques so as to retain the efficacy, texture and aroma of the produce.

- Good agricultural practices with emphasis on organic cultivation. - Variations in morphotypes, genotypes, chemotypes etc. - Traceability of raw drugs from harvesting to consumption level. - Germination and seed treatment protocols and certification.

Specially designed herbaria of medicinal plants and raw drug repositories are essential primary tools

to learn about the variations in medicinal plant species, to know about their population status and to authenticate the market samples with the critically identified samples housed in the repository. There is an urgent need to maintain an authentic collection of raw drugs for building a data base of raw drugs and for facilitating correct identification and to act as a referral center for validation. Such a raw drug repository will be required at the national and regional levels. Establishing Quality Standards and Certification Mechanism: The following issues need special attention –

- Put in place an appropriate pricing regime in respect of produce sourced from wild vs. cultivation in favour of cultivated material so as to encourage cultivation and reduce pressure on the natural resource.

- To establish quality standards in respect of norms related to toxicity and heavy metal content to increase acceptability of botanicals in the international markets, especially in case of 50 top traded/ exported species.

- To identify and establish an independent national agency for quality assurance and certification of seeds, planting material and raw drugs. Certification protocols are also proposed to be developed for sustainable harvest of medicinal plants from the wild.

Education and Capacity Building of Stakeholders:

- Consolidation of information on Demand & Supply, market prices, varieties, applications, sources of planting material, agro-technologies, buy-back contracts, subsidies, manufacturers/traders etc. through web-portal, setting up call centers and through print media, besides its dissemination through training programmes/ exposure visits

- Publishing of the information in the form of booklets, leaflets, brochures - National/ international study visits to understand various issues and put in place necessary

mechanisms to develop the sector.

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Promotional Activity: Well laid out home herbal gardens are considered to be a good means to help people establish a linkage with the medicinal plants and our rich health care traditions. It is proposed to extend the Home Herbal Garden programme particularly in urban areas where there is increasing interest in Herbal/Natural products. Likewise, to sensitize the students about the usage of medicinal plants based on the indigenous knowledge; school herbal gardens are proposed to be raised on a large scale Support Cultivation of Medicinal Plants: The programme to support cultivation through subsidy was implemented over the 10th 5-year plan period. Whereas the programme has generally resulted in encouraging cultivation of many species of conservation concern and those in high demand by the ASU industry, a number of other species used in ASU medicine continued to be sourced from the wild. The scheme seeks to support cultivation of more and more species critical to ASU systems. It is also proposed to revise the subsidy available for various medicinal plants so as to direct subsidy towards cultivation of the species required by ASU systems and those of conservation concern or those that are presently being imported.

The cultivation is proposed to be done in conjunction with the processing facilities and markets available for medicinal plants. This is proposed to be done in clusters identified by State Governments through individuals, Self Help Groups, Cooperative Societies of medicinal plants growers. Organizing small and marginal farmers into Self Help Groups and cooperative societies of medicinal plants growers will ensure small and marginal farmers taking up medicinal plants cultivation, which presently they are unable to do.

In place of present 30% subsidy available for cultivation of medicinal plants, it is proposed to stagger the subsidy from 10% to 75% depending upon the gestation, demand by ASU industry, conservation status and whether or not it is presently imported. Establishment of Seed Centres and nurseries for Supply of Certified Planting Material:

Cultivation of medicinal plants and eventual returns from such cultivation is largely dependent upon the quality of planting material used. It is proposed to establish Seed Centres with Research Wing of State Forest Departments/Research Organisations/State Agriculture Universities to stock and supply certified germplasm of priority medicinal plant species for cultivation.

It would be the responsibility of the nurseries to ensure quality of the planting material through certification mechanism for the quality. The nurseries could be multi-crop or crop specific depending upon the requirements of planting material in the locality/project area.

Establishment of MPPZ (Medicinal Plant Processing Zones): It is estimated that as high as 30% of the raw material reaching the manufacturers is of poor quality and is therefore rejected. Cultivation of medicinal plants therefore needs to be supported with infrastructure for ware housing, drying, grading, storage and transportation. APEDA has set up Agri Export Zones for medicinal and aromatic plants in the states of Kerala and Uttaranchal. Based on the

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experience gained in implementation of AEZs on medicinal plants in these states, it is proposed to set up Medicinal Plants Processing Zones (MPPZs). While the AEZs scheme implemented by APEDA has primary focus on exports, MPPZs seek to add value to the medicinal plants cultivated/collected and meet large domestic requirement of the ASU industry. The illustrative list of facilities to be created in the post-harvesting infrastructure is as follows:

• Drying yards • Storage godowns • Grading and packing halls. • Laboratories for testing of raw material

The Department of AYUSH proposes to launch a new scheme during the 11th Plan, which seeks to

develop infrastructure available in the existing clusters and bridge the critical gaps that exist in these clusters. The MPPZs will develop synergistic linkage with this new scheme.

The state governments will have to make development of medicinal and aromatic plants as an important plank of the development strategy. This is particularly relevant in the context of the North Eastern states, which have immense potential in this sector. Preparation of a road map for the sector and annual action plan two such steps. Also, identification of a proper organization at the state level will have to be a key element of the annual action plan of the state. The ad-hocism which resulted in sub-optimal outcomes from the scheme during the 10th Plan must be replaced with a well thought out strategy in which all the stake holders feel involved and contribute towards its fulfillment during the 11th Plan.

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Trend and Projection of Export of Trend and Projection of Export of Medicinal Plants and Products Medicinal Plants and Products

From IndiaFrom IndiaDate: 12 July 2007ImphalImphal, Manipur, Manipur

PRESENTATIONBY

G K RamanG K RamanRegional DirectorRegional Director

PHARMACEUTICALS EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCILPHARMACEUTICALS EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCILSET UP BY MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

22

KHURUMJARIKHURUMJARI

NGASHI EINA THOURAM ASHIGI NGASHI EINA THOURAM ASHIGI OINA LENGBIRAKLIBA OINA LENGBIRAKLIBA

PUMNAMAKPU TARAMNA OKCHARIPUMNAMAKPU TARAMNA OKCHARI

33

STATISTICSSTATISTICS

FOR WORLD HERBAL MARKETFOR WORLD HERBAL MARKET

44

OVERALL HERBAL TRENDS AND SCENARIO

GLOBAL HERBAL DRUG MARKET ($ 70.4 Billion)

Others$ 4.6 billionNorth America

$ 7.8 Billion

Japan$ 11.1 Billion

Asia$ 12.2 Billion

Rest of Europe$ 2.7Billion

EU $32 Billion

ØØ The World Bank estimate of world trade in medicinal plants and rThe World Bank estimate of world trade in medicinal plants and related elated products products ≅≅≅≅≅≅≅≅ $ 5 trillion by 2050 A.D. $ 5 trillion by 2050 A.D.

ØØ 80% of population in the world uses traditional medicines 80% of population in the world uses traditional medicines majorlymajorlycomprising herbal range. WHO estimatescomprising herbal range. WHO estimates

ØØ Global Herbal market estimated at 70.4 Global Herbal market estimated at 70.4 BnBn US$.US$.

ØØ NutraceuticalsNutraceuticals estimated at 133 estimated at 133 BnBn $ reaching 200 $ reaching 200 BnBn $ by 2010$ by 2010

Herbal Medicinal Preparations: Business Herbal Medicinal Preparations: Business OpportunityOpportunity

26

55

NutraceuticalsNutraceuticals : Global market : Global market 2010 2010 -- 200Bn$200Bn$

32%

3%

23%

30%

9% 2%1%

USCanadaJapanEuropeAsiaPacLatam ME

US, Japan and Europe would account 85% market 66

Commercial BotanicalsCommercial Botanicals

•• Colchicum, Colchicum, ColchicineColchicine, , betulinicbetulinic acid, acid, CamptothecinCamptothecin, , topotecantopotecan ((HycamtinHycamtin®®), CPT), CPT--11 (11 (irinotecanirinotecan, , CamptosarCamptosar®®), 9), 9--aminocamptothecin, deltaaminocamptothecin, delta--99--tetrahydrocannabinol (tetrahydrocannabinol (dronabinoldronabinol, , MarinolMarinol®®), beta ), beta lapachonelapachone, , lapachollapachol, , PodophyllotoxinPodophyllotoxin, , etoposideetoposide, , podophyllinicpodophyllinic acid, acid, vinblastinevinblastine ((VelbanVelban®®), ), vincristinevincristine((leurocristineleurocristine, , OncovinOncovin®®), ), vindesinevindesine ((EldisineEldisine®®, , FildesinFildesin®®), ), vinorelbinevinorelbine ((NavelbineNavelbine®®), ), docetaxeldocetaxel((TaxotereTaxotere®®), ), paclitaxelpaclitaxel ((TaxolTaxol®®), ), TubocurarineTubocurarine, , PilocarpinePilocarpine, Scopolamine etc. , Scopolamine etc.

77

The Big Markets of TodayThe Big Markets of Today

U.S.AU.S.A 60%60%JapanJapan 10%10%AustraliaAustralia 10%10%Selected parts of EuropeSelected parts of Europe 10%10%

Rest of the worldRest of the world 10%10%

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WHERE INDIA STANDSWHERE INDIA STANDS

99

Alternative MedicinesAlternative MedicinesIndia on World Pharma Map

•India`s ancient knowledge about herbs and Ayurveda - IS KNOWN WORLDWIDE.•India is among the 12 mega biodiversity countries in the world with 4500 plant species. The Himalayas and the Western Ghats are biodiversity hotspots. Forests of Sunderbans and Thar desert also contribute substantially to the Indian plant diversity.

The Herb of Success

1010

Alternative DrugsAlternative DrugsIndia on World Pharma Map

The Herb of Success

Herbal product (World scenario)•World market – US $ 55 billions•North America – US $ 16.3 billion•Europe – US $ 15.0 billions•Asia - US $ 7.8 billions•Japan – US $ 7.2 billionsHerbal product (Indian scenario)•Indian market (2006) – Rs. 5000 crore•India export – Rs. 120 Crore•Indian export target – Rs. 1200 crore by the 2012

1111

IndianIndianExport of Crude DrugsExport of Crude Drugs

Top 10 ProductsTop 10 ProductsRsRs in in CrsCrs..

S.NoS.No.. COMMODITYCOMMODITY 20042004--20052005 SHARE % GROWTH %SHARE % GROWTH %11 PsylliumPsyllium Husk (Husk (IsobgulIsobgul Husk)Husk) 154.00154.00 58.54 162.7858.54 162.7822 SennaSenna Leaves & PadsLeaves & Pads 27.3927.39 10.41 10.41 --24.3224.3233 Sandal Wood Chips & DustSandal Wood Chips & Dust 14.2214.22 5.41 5.41 --25.9125.9144 Other Parts of Plants used inOther Parts of Plants used in 12.0212.02 4.57 4.57 --13.1413.1455 Other Leaves, Other Leaves, PwdrPwdr, , FlursFlurs & Pods& Pods 9.439.43 3.58 3.58 --39.3439.3466 JajobaJajoba SeedSeed 8.538.53 3.24 3.24 --90.4290.4277 PsylliumPsyllium Seed (Seed (IsobgulIsobgul)) 8.018.01 3.05 3.05 --67.4367.4388 Other Seeds Other Seeds Frsh/DridFrsh/Drid W/N CutW/N Cut 6.216.21 2.36 34.972.36 34.9799 Other Bark, Husk & RindOther Bark, Husk & Rind 4.864.86 1.85 1.85 --20.6320.631010 PyrethrumPyrethrum 2.962.96 1.13 1.13 --27.9127.91

Total Exports (40 Items)Total Exports (40 Items) 263.08263.08 100.00 100.00 --12.9212.92

1212

IndianIndianExport of Crude DrugsExport of Crude Drugs

Top 10 Fast Growing ProductsTop 10 Fast Growing ProductsRsRs in in CrsCrs..

S.NoS.No.. COMMODITYCOMMODITY 20042004--20052005 SHARE % GROWTH %SHARE % GROWTH %

11 SarsaparillaSarsaparilla 0.070.07 0.02 499.080.02 499.08

22 Galangal Rhizomes & Galangal Rhizomes & RtsRts Incl.Incl. 1.811.81 0.69 369.200.69 369.20

33 Ipecac Dried Rhizomes & RootsIpecac Dried Rhizomes & Roots 0.860.86 0.33 25.0220.33 25.022

44 LiquoriceLiquorice Roots Roots Frsh/DridFrsh/Drid W/NW/N 0.390.39 0.15 243.530.15 243.53

55 UnabUnab (Indian Jujube or Chinese)(Indian Jujube or Chinese) 0.030.03 0.01 227.500.01 227.50

66 Basil, Basil, HyasopHyasop, Rose Mary, Rose Mary 2.242.24 0.85 192.850.85 192.85

77 CambodgeCambodge Fruit Rind / The DriedFruit Rind / The Dried 0.900.90 0.34 171.330.34 171.33

88 PsylliumPsyllium Husk (Husk (IsobgulIsobgul Husk)Husk) 154.00154.00 58.54 162.7858.54 162.78

99 ChirataChirata 0.460.46 0.17 113.010.17 113.01

1010 Cascara Cascara SagradaSagrada BarkBark 0.440.44 0.17 56.580.17 56.58

Total Exports (40 Items)Total Exports (40 Items) 263.08263.08 100.00 100.00 --12.9212.92

27

1313

Export of Traditional MedicinesExport of Traditional MedicinesTop 10 CountriesTop 10 Countries

MEDICAMENTS OF AYURVEDIC SYSTEMMEDICAMENTS OF AYURVEDIC SYSTEM

RsRs in in CrsCrs..S.NoS.No.. COUNTRYCOUNTRY 20042004--20052005 SHARE % GROWTH %SHARE % GROWTH %

11 RussiaRussia 19.5819.58 18.38 18.38 --15.1115.11

22 NepalNepal 10.0110.01 9.39 101.169.39 101.16

33 UKUK 6.616.61 6.20 115.156.20 115.15

44 U A EU A E 6.466.46 6.06 106.196.06 106.19

55 UkraineUkraine 6.166.16 5.78 5.78 --4.334.33

66 U S AU S A 4.304.30 4.04 4.04 --34.4234.42

77 Sri Lanka DSR Sri Lanka DSR 3.563.56 3.34 84.843.34 84.84

88 NetherlandsNetherlands 3.493.49 3.28 74.403.28 74.40

99 AustraliaAustralia 2.602.60 2.44 155.012.44 155.01

1010 FinlandFinland 2.192.19 2.05 126.202.05 126.20

Total (152 Countries) Total (152 Countries) 106.56106.56 100.00 15.28100.00 15.28

1414

Export of Traditional MedicinesExport of Traditional MedicinesTop 10 CountriesTop 10 Countries

MEDICANTS OF AYURVEDIC SYSTEMMEDICANTS OF AYURVEDIC SYSTEM

RsRs in in CrsCrs..S.NoS.No.. COUNTRYCOUNTRY 20042004--20052005 SHARE % GROWTH %SHARE % GROWTH %

11 IrelandIreland 88.7488.74 31.54 8869.0831.54 8869.08

22 U S AU S A 81.7381.73 29.05 306.1829.05 306.18

33 RussiaRussia 13.8313.83 4.91 26.954.91 26.95

44 NepalNepal 11.9911.99 4.26 4.26 --12.8512.85

55 U A EU A E 8.638.63 3.07 55.753.07 55.75

66 ItalyItaly 5.935.93 2.11 67.512.11 67.51

77 Ukraine Ukraine 5.585.58 1.98 1040.141.98 1040.14

88 NigeriaNigeria 4.274.27 1.52 431.471.52 431.47

99 NetherlandsNetherlands 3.703.70 1.32 1.32 --11.5211.52

1010 South AfricaSouth Africa 3.063.06 1.09 101.221.09 101.22

Total (153 Countries) Total (153 Countries) 281.36281.36 100.00 180.47100.00 180.47

1515

Indian Contribution to WorldIndian Contribution to World700 Herbs / Resource for new 700 Herbs / Resource for new

Novel MoleculesNovel Molecules

•• Aloe Aloe veravera AtropaAtropa belladonabelladona•• Cassia Cassia angustafoliaangustafolia Curcuma Curcuma longalonga•• BosweliaBoswelia serrataserrata CommiphoraCommiphora mukulmukul

•• GlycerrhizaGlycerrhiza glabraglabra MucunaMucuna prurienspruriens•• PicrorrhyzaPicrorrhyza kurroakurroa RauwolfiaRauwolfia serpentinaserpentina•• ZingiberZingiber officianaleofficianale

1616

CHALLENGESCHALLENGES

HEAVY METALSHEAVY METALS

1717

Notification Notification –– In DetailsIn Details

•• In view of the regulatory requirements of the importing In view of the regulatory requirements of the importing countrycountry–– Manufacturer have to submit Manufacturer have to submit batchwisebatchwise testing reports in respect testing reports in respect

of every purely herbal, of every purely herbal, AyurvedaAyurveda, , SidhaSidha and and UnaniUnani medicines to medicines to be exported along with the consignment papersbe exported along with the consignment papers

–– This test report needs to done with approved laboratories / selfThis test report needs to done with approved laboratories / selfcertification in case facilities are available certification in case facilities are available inhouseinhouse..

–– The testing laboratories have to certify that the medicine The testing laboratories have to certify that the medicine contains heavy metals within permissible limitcontains heavy metals within permissible limit

–– The manufacturers/exporters shall be responsible for the The manufacturers/exporters shall be responsible for the genuineness of the test report genuineness of the test report

–– These test reports will be examined by representative of the These test reports will be examined by representative of the DCG(I) at the airport / port of shipment.DCG(I) at the airport / port of shipment.

–– All GLP/NABL accredited laboratories are approved for the All GLP/NABL accredited laboratories are approved for the testing.testing.

1818

Permissible Limit of Heavy Metals Permissible Limit of Heavy Metals by Indian Governmentby Indian Government

•• Lead (Lead (PbPb)) 10 10 ppmppm

•• Cadmium (Cadmium (cdcd)) 0.30 0.30 ppmppm

•• Arsenic (as)Arsenic (as) 10 10 ppmppm

•• Mercury (hg)Mercury (hg) 1 1 ppmppm

28

1919

Lead Limit by US Lead Limit by US PharmacopiaPharmacopia

•• The lead limit for pharmaceutical products, The lead limit for pharmaceutical products, according to the U.S. Pharmacopoeia, is according to the U.S. Pharmacopoeia, is 10 10 ppmppm,,

•• This figure is cited by U.S. test labs as the This figure is cited by U.S. test labs as the acceptable limit for herb products, dietary acceptable limit for herb products, dietary supplements, and drugs. supplements, and drugs.

2020

Proposed Maximum Lead Levels for Finished Proposed Maximum Lead Levels for Finished Herb FormulasHerb Formulas

Manufactured byManufactured by Maximum Lead ContentMaximum Lead Content

•• 20012001 10 10 ppmppm total formula total formula •• 20022002--20062006 3 3 ppmppm total formula; 10 total formula; 10 ppmppm

maximum for any one maximum for any one ingredient ingredient

•• 20072007--20112011 1 1 ppmppm total formula; 5 total formula; 5 ppmppmmaximum any single maximum any single ingredient; with listing of ingredient; with listing of

exceptions based on natural exceptions based on natural lead content lead content

•• 2012 and after 2012 and after 0.8 0.8 ppmppm total formula; 2.5 total formula; 2.5 ppmppm maximum any single maximum any single ingredient, with listing of ingredient, with listing of exceptions for certain formulations and exceptions for certain formulations and single ingredients single ingredients

2121

Source of Lead Source of Lead

•• growing herbs in highly contaminated soils growing herbs in highly contaminated soils •• applying pesticides or fumigants that applying pesticides or fumigants that

contained leadcontained lead•• manufacturing products in contaminated manufacturing products in contaminated

facilities facilities •• and using leadand using lead--containing mineral containing mineral

compounds in the formulation. compounds in the formulation.

2222

Lead Content of Soil, Plants, Foods, Air,Lead Content of Soil, Plants, Foods, Air,and Herb Formulasand Herb Formulas

•• LEAD AND ITS NATURAL DISTRIBUTION ON EARTHLEAD AND ITS NATURAL DISTRIBUTION ON EARTH–– Lead is the heaviest of the nonLead is the heaviest of the non--radioactive metals radioactive metals

(atomic number 82; atomic weight 207) that naturally (atomic number 82; atomic weight 207) that naturally occur in substantial quantities in the earth's surface. occur in substantial quantities in the earth's surface. Lead is present in all soils, rivers, lakes, and Lead is present in all soils, rivers, lakes, and seawater. Despite its weight, lead is also in the air, a seawater. Despite its weight, lead is also in the air, a component of dust and of sea spray. component of dust and of sea spray.

•• THE SPRAYING OF EARTH WITH LEADTHE SPRAYING OF EARTH WITH LEAD–– The most serious worldwide lead contamination has The most serious worldwide lead contamination has

been due to the introduction of lead (in the form of been due to the introduction of lead (in the form of tetraethyl and tetraethyl and tetramethyltetramethyl lead) into gasoline, starting lead) into gasoline, starting in 1923, with billions of tons of lead released into the in 1923, with billions of tons of lead released into the atmosphere in the vehicle exhaust. Most of the atmosphere in the vehicle exhaust. Most of the discharged lead lands on the soil, in the water, and on discharged lead lands on the soil, in the water, and on living organisms, particularly the plants that grow living organisms, particularly the plants that grow along the roadways. along the roadways.

2323

LEAD IN CONSUMABLE ITEMSLEAD IN CONSUMABLE ITEMS

–– Lead first enters the food supply in significant quantities Lead first enters the food supply in significant quantities byby contamination of the soil and by lead dust contamination of the soil and by lead dust accumulating on the plants. accumulating on the plants.

–– The lead is taken up by plants through roots and leaves. The lead is taken up by plants through roots and leaves. Lead from the atmosphere that lands on soils has low Lead from the atmosphere that lands on soils has low mobility and tends to stay in the top inch of soil. mobility and tends to stay in the top inch of soil.

–– Therefore, shallowTherefore, shallow--rooted plants, such as grasses and rooted plants, such as grasses and common vegetables, are particularly vulnerable to common vegetables, are particularly vulnerable to picking up lead contamination that originated in the picking up lead contamination that originated in the atmosphere. atmosphere.

–– One of the main dietary sources of lead is from grains (a One of the main dietary sources of lead is from grains (a type of grass), and whole grains are particularly high type of grass), and whole grains are particularly high since the fibrous seed coat retains minerals; the second since the fibrous seed coat retains minerals; the second main dietary source of lead is vegetables; meats are main dietary source of lead is vegetables; meats are usually third. usually third.

2424

Quality Information Based Quality Information Based ClassificationClassification

•• Many times consumers cannot establish for sure, the cause Many times consumers cannot establish for sure, the cause and effect relationship between contamination and illand effect relationship between contamination and ill--effects effects on health.on health.

•• The issues related to negative effects of production and The issues related to negative effects of production and processing methods on environment processing methods on environment

•• There are many imperfections in the market. There are many imperfections in the market. •• certain external regulatory mechanism is needed in the herbal certain external regulatory mechanism is needed in the herbal

sector. Such external regulatory mechanism exist Within a sector. Such external regulatory mechanism exist Within a country, however, in the framework of global trade one needs country, however, in the framework of global trade one needs to have a global understanding of food standards relating to to have a global understanding of food standards relating to safety and quality issues safety and quality issues

•• NonNon--tarifftariff--barriers can and do nullify the global welfare barriers can and do nullify the global welfare improvement as envisaged by improvement as envisaged by AoAAoA. .

•• WTO also engaged the member countries to reach WTO also engaged the member countries to reach agreements on SPS and TBT which will aim at harmonizing agreements on SPS and TBT which will aim at harmonizing food safety and quality norms of member countries and food safety and quality norms of member countries and prevent unjust discrimination of imported products prevent unjust discrimination of imported products

2525

CHALLANGESCHALLANGES

QUALITY QUALITY

2626

Important Factors for approval of a Important Factors for approval of a drug productdrug product

•• Therapeutic efficacy Therapeutic efficacy

•• Quality controlQuality control

•• PharmcovigilancePharmcovigilance

29

2727

Minimum requirements for assessment of Minimum requirements for assessment of safety/efficacy of herbal medicinessafety/efficacy of herbal medicines

•• Acute/Long term toxicityAcute/Long term toxicity•• PharmacopeiaPharmacopeia monograph/preclinical/ monograph/preclinical/

clinical trialsclinical trials

2828

Minimum requirements for assessment of Minimum requirements for assessment of the efficacy of herbal medicinesthe efficacy of herbal medicines

•• Acute Disease Acute Disease –– Preclinical / Clinical data Preclinical / Clinical data neededneeded

•• Chronic Disease Chronic Disease –– Preclinical data neededPreclinical data needed•• Health Conditions Health Conditions –– Supported by well Supported by well

established documents such as national established documents such as national pharmacopiapharmacopia and monographs neededand monographs needed

2929

Quality assurance of herbal Quality assurance of herbal medicinal productsmedicinal products

•• Adhere toAdhere to–– Good Agricultural and collection practices Good Agricultural and collection practices

(GACP)(GACP)–– Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)–– Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standardsGood Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards

•• Establish Appropriate specifications for Establish Appropriate specifications for Raw / Intermediate / Finished ProductsRaw / Intermediate / Finished Products

•• Comprehensive documentation on Comprehensive documentation on manufacture and testingmanufacture and testing

3030

Implementing GACPImplementing GACP

•• Training and advice to small producers and Training and advice to small producers and farmersfarmers

•• Incentives to farmers / producers who are Incentives to farmers / producers who are compliant to GACPcompliant to GACP

•• Provide technical and logistic support for site / Provide technical and logistic support for site / seed / fertilizer / pesticides selectionseed / fertilizer / pesticides selection

•• Advice on machinery for harvesting and primary Advice on machinery for harvesting and primary processingprocessing

•• HonourHonour producers by issuing certificatesproducers by issuing certificates

3131

Quality ControlQuality Control

•• Microscopic identificationMicroscopic identification•• Thin layer Thin layer chromotographychromotography•• Titration of active substanceTitration of active substance

•• HPLCHPLC

•• GCGC•• GCGC--MSMS

3232

CHALLNEGESCHALLNEGES

EXPORT CERTIFICATIONEXPORT CERTIFICATION

3333

•• Generally a lack of information on the Generally a lack of information on the requirements of individual importing requirements of individual importing countries, so certification is being done as countries, so certification is being done as per national or Codex standards, and in per national or Codex standards, and in case these differ in the importing case these differ in the importing countries, it may lead to rejections. countries, it may lead to rejections.

SOME OBSERVATIONS ON EXPORT CONTROL SOME OBSERVATIONS ON EXPORT CONTROL SYSTEMSSYSTEMS

3434

Weaknesses observed in export Weaknesses observed in export testing systemtesting system

•• Standards as well as testing methods not available.Standards as well as testing methods not available.•• No equipment control/calibration, servicing of equipment not carNo equipment control/calibration, servicing of equipment not carried out as a ried out as a

result many pieces of equipment are out of order.result many pieces of equipment are out of order.•• Standard reference material often not available;Standard reference material often not available;•• Coding of samples not effective as the brand name remains on theCoding of samples not effective as the brand name remains on the container container •• of sensitive equipment for antibiotic residue detection at 0.1 pof sensitive equipment for antibiotic residue detection at 0.1 ppb levels, which is pb levels, which is

a requirement of EC countries, a requirement of EC countries, •• Customs do not have updated information on requirements for expoCustoms do not have updated information on requirements for export. The rt. The

concerned department has to keep pushing with them regarding theconcerned department has to keep pushing with them regarding their ir requirements. Systems are not streamlined or transparent. requirements. Systems are not streamlined or transparent.

•• There is a lack of confidence in inspection and certification doThere is a lack of confidence in inspection and certification done by the ne by the exporting country even if there is an agreement with them for reexporting country even if there is an agreement with them for recognition of cognition of certification. certification.

•• Promotional bodies are often also doing certification which shouPromotional bodies are often also doing certification which should not be the ld not be the case as the same would be a conflict of interest with their maincase as the same would be a conflict of interest with their main activity of activity of technical assistance to build up industry as well as marketing otechnical assistance to build up industry as well as marketing of products in f products in overseas markets overseas markets

•• Certain laboratories are preparing for accreditation but in caseCertain laboratories are preparing for accreditation but in case of inspection and of inspection and product certification activity product certification activity

30

3535

SuggestionsSuggestions

•• mandatory premandatory pre--shipment inspection and shipment inspection and certification in herbal sector in view of certification in herbal sector in view of growing importance of health and safety growing importance of health and safety parameters under SPS Agreement. parameters under SPS Agreement.

•• Impartial and independent quality Impartial and independent quality assurance system based certification assurance system based certification should be implemented.should be implemented.

3636

Suggestion for Pre Export Suggestion for Pre Export CertificationCertification

•• Certification of Product Quality in accordance with the norms anCertification of Product Quality in accordance with the norms and d legislations of different destinations worldwide through consignlegislations of different destinations worldwide through consignmentment--wise wise inspection or systems approach including In process Quality Continspection or systems approach including In process Quality Control (IPQC) rol (IPQC) or Self Certification (SC). or Self Certification (SC).

•• Approval and certification of processing and manufacturing unitsApproval and certification of processing and manufacturing units based on based on Food Safety Management Systems like HACCP, Good Food Safety Management Systems like HACCP, Good Hygiene/Manufacturing Practices (Gypsy/ Hygiene/Manufacturing Practices (Gypsy/ GMPsGMPs). ).

•• Product Testing Product Testing –– microbiological, chemical, biochemical, physical microbiological, chemical, biochemical, physical contamination, heavy metals, pesticide residues, contamination, heavy metals, pesticide residues, biotoxinsbiotoxins, additives and all , additives and all other relevant parameters. other relevant parameters.

•• Training and technical assistance to industry in installation ofTraining and technical assistance to industry in installation of food food safety/quality/environment / lab management systems meeting HACCsafety/quality/environment / lab management systems meeting HACCP/ISO P/ISO 9000/ISO 14000/ISO 17025 standards and norms; product testing an9000/ISO 14000/ISO 17025 standards and norms; product testing and d certification under preferential tariff schemes. certification under preferential tariff schemes.

•• Issue of Certificates ofIssue of Certificates of•• Origin under preferential tariff schemes like Generalized SystemOrigin under preferential tariff schemes like Generalized System of of

Preferences (GSP), Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP), BaPreferences (GSP), Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP), Bangkok ngkok Agreement, Agreement, SaarcSaarc Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA) and IndoPreferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA) and Indo--Sri Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA). Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA).

•• Health for food items. Health for food items. •• Inspection for all commodities. Inspection for all commodities.

3737

CHALLENGESCHALLENGES

IPRIPR

3838

Intellectual Property RightsIntellectual Property Rights

•• India is behind the rest of the world in patents both quantitatiIndia is behind the rest of the world in patents both quantitatively and qualitatively. vely and qualitatively. •• The vast herbal health of India has to be protected as some are The vast herbal health of India has to be protected as some are already lost and we already lost and we

should patent rest of the plants used in should patent rest of the plants used in AyurvedaAyurveda. If we do not protect and patent the . If we do not protect and patent the new knowledge on medicinal plants used in new knowledge on medicinal plants used in AyurvedaAyurveda, we will continue to loose , we will continue to loose rights in areas where we have contributed. rights in areas where we have contributed.

•• Rapid technological changes and global integration require activRapid technological changes and global integration require active exploration of e exploration of emerging intellectual property issues, so that WIPO may offer cremerging intellectual property issues, so that WIPO may offer creative and adequate eative and adequate responses to challenges facing the intellectual property system.responses to challenges facing the intellectual property system.

•• The WIPO program on Global Intellectual property Issues aims at The WIPO program on Global Intellectual property Issues aims at enhancing enhancing understanding of the reciprocal relationships between intellectuunderstanding of the reciprocal relationships between intellectual property and al property and traditional knowledge, biological diversity and biotechnology. Itraditional knowledge, biological diversity and biotechnology. Issues related to ssues related to intellectual property and access to health care is another globaintellectual property and access to health care is another global intellectual property l intellectual property issue that merits future attention. issue that merits future attention.

•• In our traditional knowledge there are formulations, which prepaIn our traditional knowledge there are formulations, which prepare the body for re the body for receiving the drug, also there are herbs, which increase receiving the drug, also there are herbs, which increase bioavailabitybioavailabity or reduces or reduces toxicity. Our traditional wisdom has a unique way of working andtoxicity. Our traditional wisdom has a unique way of working and this especial this especial wisdom can be used by research institutions and pharmaceutical iwisdom can be used by research institutions and pharmaceutical industry to discover ndustry to discover molecule as molecule as adjuvantsadjuvants, , bioenhancersbioenhancers and detoxifiers. and detoxifiers.

3939

IPR (Contd.)IPR (Contd.)•• A Company can manufacture and market a product, if it has IntellA Company can manufacture and market a product, if it has Intellectual ectual

Property Right (IPR) it can have monopoly over the product untilProperty Right (IPR) it can have monopoly over the product until the the patent expires. Unfortunately for the ISM, natural products cannpatent expires. Unfortunately for the ISM, natural products cannot be ot be protected. In the wake of competition only those products shall protected. In the wake of competition only those products shall internationally succeed which are superior to those already exisinternationally succeed which are superior to those already existing in ting in the market. Unfortunately detailed information on the existing pthe market. Unfortunately detailed information on the existing products, roducts, against which Indian products can compete is lacking. No Indian against which Indian products can compete is lacking. No Indian Company has a potential of international presence as to understaCompany has a potential of international presence as to understand the nd the international market dynamics. international market dynamics.

•• industry have to devise strategies to achieve a competitive edgeindustry have to devise strategies to achieve a competitive edge in the in the international market by developing international market by developing

•• (I) superior products, (I) superior products, •• (ii) trimmer preparations, (ii) trimmer preparations, •• (iii) (iii) optimisedoptimised products, products, •• (iv) international trading products, (iv) international trading products, •• (v) (v) bioenhancersbioenhancers, , •• (vi) detoxifiers, (vi) detoxifiers, •• (vii) entirely new herbal preparations, (vii) entirely new herbal preparations, •• (viii) products based on food components, and (viii) products based on food components, and 4040

OPPORTUNITIESOPPORTUNITIES

31

4141

Why Indian Herbals ?Why Indian Herbals ?•• Strong traditional supportStrong traditional support-- mainly from mainly from AyurvedaAyurveda

•• Plants used for centuries Plants used for centuries –– safety margin very highsafety margin very high

•• Availability of herbs for variety of indications like sugar/ weiAvailability of herbs for variety of indications like sugar/ weight ght management, cholesterol/ lipid lowering, Energy boosters etc..management, cholesterol/ lipid lowering, Energy boosters etc..

•• Rich Indian biodiversityRich Indian biodiversity

•• Positive government policies towards herbal sectorPositive government policies towards herbal sector

•• Herbal Industry in India is increasingly becoming research Herbal Industry in India is increasingly becoming research basedbased

4242

GLOBAL RECOGNITION FOR INDIAN PLANTSGLOBAL RECOGNITION FOR INDIAN PLANTS

Scientific publications on many Indian plants are on a upward trend

Researchers in the west are now working on Indian plants

Nutraceutical segment is growing worldwide and people are looking for newer options everyday.

Monographs on Indian herbs are being published in the west

Eg: Monograph on Withania somnifera by American Herbal Pharmacopoeia

Knowledge of Ayurveda is being spread due to globalization

4343

International Market of Indian International Market of Indian Medicinal PlantsMedicinal Plants

•• As crude drugs/raw herbsAs crude drugs/raw herbs

•• As standardized extractsAs standardized extracts

•• As finished formulations As finished formulations (generally (generally polyherbalpolyherbal))

•• As As phytochemicalsphytochemicals / pure isolates/ pure isolates

4444

Herbal DrugsHerbal DrugsIndia on World Pharma Map

Resurgence, Opportunity & Competition

ØWorld-wide : Increase in Use of herbal-based Products @ 15% as against that of Modern Pharmaceuticals @ 3%

ØU. S. A. : 50% Rise in Number of People using herbal-based products

ØChina : 33% of Total Drug Market for Herbal Drugs

ØIndia : 60-70% People use Products of Indian Systems of Medicine

4545

How to get India’s presence in How to get India’s presence in International MarketInternational Market

•• To develop special preparations either as single molecules To develop special preparations either as single molecules or of multiple molecules which themselves are not or of multiple molecules which themselves are not participating. participating.

•• To make existing preparation, trimmer and molecular To make existing preparation, trimmer and molecular defined. defined.

•• To search for entirely new herbal preparation based on To search for entirely new herbal preparation based on plants not mentioned in plants not mentioned in AyurvedicAyurvedic literature i.e. the literature i.e. the preparations based. preparations based.

•• To investigate synergism amongst various fractions of To investigate synergism amongst various fractions of extracts. extracts.

•• To develop specific preparation which accelerate recovery To develop specific preparation which accelerate recovery after suffering from debilitating disease. after suffering from debilitating disease.

4646

India’s OpportunityIndia’s Opportunity•• Number of manufacturers have already established market for theiNumber of manufacturers have already established market for their products and a r products and a

niche can only be created by displacing and occupying some of thniche can only be created by displacing and occupying some of the space e space currently occupied by them. currently occupied by them.

•• Hardly any Indian product available in standardized from, which Hardly any Indian product available in standardized from, which is the is the minimum requirement for introducing a product in the Western marminimum requirement for introducing a product in the Western market. ket. StandardisationStandardisation involves ensuring that the product is efficacious, safe and involves ensuring that the product is efficacious, safe and has physicochemical range falling within an acceptable band. has physicochemical range falling within an acceptable band.

•• To generate and obtain a commercial niche in the international aTo generate and obtain a commercial niche in the international arena in rena in existing scenario requires the formulation and execution of pragexisting scenario requires the formulation and execution of pragmatic matic strategy. strategy.

•• Thus in future India shall have to develop knowledgeThus in future India shall have to develop knowledge--based products. based products. •• These products have an inherent advantage over the products, whiThese products have an inherent advantage over the products, which have ch have

traditional and empirical observation as the knowledge base. traditional and empirical observation as the knowledge base. •• Thus knowledge needs to be integrated in traditional products toThus knowledge needs to be integrated in traditional products to generate generate

superior knowledge based products. superior knowledge based products. •• These will result in better definition of the existing products,These will result in better definition of the existing products, improved improved

understanding of the mechanism of their action, modified composiunderstanding of the mechanism of their action, modified composition at tion at molecular level and better understanding of interactions amongstmolecular level and better understanding of interactions amongst various various moleculesmolecules..

4747

ABOUT PHARMEXCILABOUT PHARMEXCIL

BENEFITS TO HERBAL BENEFITS TO HERBAL EXPORTERSEXPORTERS

4848

PHARMEXCILPHARMEXCILPharmaceuticals Export Promotion CouncilPharmaceuticals Export Promotion CouncilPharmaceuticals Export Promotion CouncilPharmaceuticals Export Promotion CouncilPharmaceuticals Export Promotion CouncilPharmaceuticals Export Promotion CouncilPharmaceuticals Export Promotion CouncilPharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council

1. Set up by Ministry of Commerce on 12 May, 2004

2. Objective : To give Focused attention to Pharma Exports

3. Supported by : All major Pharma Associations IDMA, BDMA, OPPI, IPA, etc. and Govt., OF A.P.

3. H.O. at Hyderabad & R.O. at Mumbai, New Delhi

32

4949

Products CoveredProducts CoveredProducts CoveredProducts CoveredProducts CoveredProducts CoveredProducts CoveredProducts Coveredvv Bulk drugs / drug intermediatesBulk drugs / drug intermediates

vv Drug formulationsDrug formulations

vv Herbals / Herbals / AyurvedicsAyurvedics / Homeopathic / / Homeopathic / UnaniUnani

vv Medicinal Plants Medicinal Plants

vv BioBio--tech / Biological productstech / Biological products

vv Diagnostics and Diagnostics and SurgicalsSurgicals

vv NeutraceuticalsNeutraceuticals

vv Collaborative /contract researchCollaborative /contract research

vv Clinical trialsClinical trials

vv PharmaPharma consultancy services etc.consultancy services etc.

5050

AuthorisedAuthorisedAuthorisedAuthorisedAuthorisedAuthorisedAuthorisedAuthorised Agency for PharmaceuticalsAgency for PharmaceuticalsAgency for PharmaceuticalsAgency for PharmaceuticalsAgency for PharmaceuticalsAgency for PharmaceuticalsAgency for PharmaceuticalsAgency for Pharmaceuticals

vvForeign Trade PolicyForeign Trade Policy

vvPharmaceutical items shifted from purview of Pharmaceutical items shifted from purview of ChemexcilChemexcil to to PharmexcilPharmexcil..

vvFocus areas : Focus CISFocus areas : Focus CISFocus AfricaFocus AfricaFocus Focus AseanAsean +2+2Focus LACFocus LAC

5151

PharmexcilPharmexcilPharmexcilPharmexcilPharmexcilPharmexcilPharmexcilPharmexcil MembersMembersMembersMembersMembersMembersMembersMembersProduct Group WiseProduct Group Wise

Panel 1Panel 1 Pharmaceutical FormulationsPharmaceutical Formulations 684684Panel 2Panel 2 Bulk Drugs & Drug IntermediatesBulk Drugs & Drug Intermediates 485485Panel 3Panel 3 Herbal ProductsHerbal Products 123123Panel 4Panel 4 Biotech ProductsBiotech Products 1414Panel 5Panel 5 Pharmaceutical ServicesPharmaceutical Services 2222Panel 6 Panel 6 Healthcare ServicesHealthcare Services 55Panel 7Panel 7 Merchant ExportersMerchant Exporters 769769Panel 8Panel 8 More than 2 Panels More than 2 Panels 6262

TotalTotal 21642164

5252

Medicinal Plants / Medicinal Plants / Medicinal Plants / Medicinal Plants / Medicinal Plants / Medicinal Plants / Medicinal Plants / Medicinal Plants / AyurvedicAyurvedicAyurvedicAyurvedicAyurvedicAyurvedicAyurvedicAyurvedic / Herbal / Herbal / Herbal / Herbal / Herbal / Herbal / Herbal / Herbal ExportersExportersExportersExportersExportersExportersExportersExportersTop 5 StatesTop 5 States

MaharashtraMaharashtra 936936Andhra PradeshAndhra Pradesh 314314GujaratGujarat 255255New DelhiNew Delhi 198198Tamil Tamil NaduNadu 138138

Total Total PharmexcilPharmexcil 21642164

5353

Assistance to exportersAssistance to exportersAssistance to exportersAssistance to exportersAssistance to exportersAssistance to exportersAssistance to exportersAssistance to exporters

vvIssue of RCMC certificatesIssue of RCMC certificatesvvDelegations to foreign countriesDelegations to foreign countriesvvBuyer seller meetingsBuyer seller meetingsvvForeign buyer detailsForeign buyer detailsvvEmbassy assistance Embassy assistance vvExhibition participationExhibition participationvvSeminars and ConferencesSeminars and ConferencesvvTechnology assistance Technology assistance

5454

MAI Assistance to ExportersMAI Assistance to Exporters•• Registration charges Registration charges –– increased to Rs.50.00 increased to Rs.50.00 lacslacs per annum without any per annum without any

no. of products restriction.no. of products restriction.•• Registration charges includes clinical trials, data validation eRegistration charges includes clinical trials, data validation etc for tc for

PharmaceuticalPharmaceutical products, equipments, medical consumables/disposables etc.products, equipments, medical consumables/disposables etc.•• Opening of show Rooms & Warehouses Opening of show Rooms & Warehouses –– Revised to 75%, 50%, 33% of leased / Revised to 75%, 50%, 33% of leased /

rental charges in 1st, 2nd, 3rd year and amount increased to Rs.rental charges in 1st, 2nd, 3rd year and amount increased to Rs.100.00 100.00 lacslacs each each market/product per annum. For multimarket/product per annum. For multi--product it is Rs.500.00 product it is Rs.500.00 lacslacs..

•• Display Display –– 50% with a maximum of Rs.100.00 50% with a maximum of Rs.100.00 lacslacs per product per annum.per product per annum.•• Publicity Campaign Publicity Campaign –– 50% and 50% and uptoupto 90% for priority sector with a maximum of 90% for priority sector with a maximum of

Rs.100.00 Rs.100.00 lacslacs per annum/per market. Rs.200.00 per annum/per market. Rs.200.00 lacslacs for priority sector.for priority sector.•• Reverse BSM Reverse BSM –– 2/3rd of venue cost, publicity etc & 100% of Air Travel (econom2/3rd of venue cost, publicity etc & 100% of Air Travel (economy y

class) & Hotel charges class) & Hotel charges –– Maximum Rs.75,000/Maximum Rs.75,000/-- (Rs.1.00 (Rs.1.00 laclac in case of American in case of American Continent) per visitor.Continent) per visitor.

•• R & D R & D –– 65% assistance with maximum Rs.100.00 65% assistance with maximum Rs.100.00 lacslacs / product./ product.•• Export Potential survey of states Export Potential survey of states –– 65% assistance 65% assistance –– Maximum Rs.100/Maximum Rs.100/-- lacslacs..•• WTO Studies WTO Studies –– 100% assistance with a ceiling of Rs.75/100% assistance with a ceiling of Rs.75/-- lacslacs..•• Publication Publication –– World class catalogues World class catalogues –– 50% assistance with Rs.10/50% assistance with Rs.10/-- lacslacs per market / per market /

per annum.per annum.

33

5555

MDA for ExportersMDA for Exporters

•• Export promotion continues to be a major thrust area for Export promotion continues to be a major thrust area for the Government. In view of the prevailing macro the Government. In view of the prevailing macro economic situation with emphasis on exports and to economic situation with emphasis on exports and to facilitate various measures being undertaken to stimulate facilitate various measures being undertaken to stimulate and diversify the country s export trade, Marketing and diversify the country s export trade, Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme is under Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme is under operation through the Department of Commerce to operation through the Department of Commerce to support the under mentioned activities:support the under mentioned activities:

•• Assist exporters for export promotion activities abroadAssist exporters for export promotion activities abroad•• Assist Focus export promotion Assist Focus export promotion programmesprogrammes in specific in specific

regions abroad like FOCUS (LAC), Focus (Africa), Focus regions abroad like FOCUS (LAC), Focus (Africa), Focus (CIS) and Focus (ASEAN + 2) (CIS) and Focus (ASEAN + 2) programmesprogrammes..

•• Residual essential activities connected with marketing Residual essential activities connected with marketing promotion efforts abroad.promotion efforts abroad.

5656

What is MDA?What is MDA?How it can be claimed How it can be claimed

•• Exporting companies with an f.o.b. value of exports of Exporting companies with an f.o.b. value of exports of uptoupto RsRs. 15 . 15 crorecrore in in the preceding year will be eligible for MDA assistance for partithe preceding year will be eligible for MDA assistance for participation in cipation in trade delegations/trade delegations/BSMsBSMs/fairs/exhibitions abroad to explore new markets for /fairs/exhibitions abroad to explore new markets for export of their specific export of their specific product(sproduct(s) and commodities from India in the initial ) and commodities from India in the initial phase. phase.

•• Assistance would be permissible on travel expenses by air, in ecAssistance would be permissible on travel expenses by air, in economy onomy excursion class fair and/or charges of the built up furnished stexcursion class fair and/or charges of the built up furnished stall. This all. This would, however, be subject to an upper ceiling mentioned in the would, however, be subject to an upper ceiling mentioned in the table per table per tour.tour.

•• S No. Area/Sector S No. Area/Sector No. of visits No. of visits Maximum Financial Maximum Financial ceiling per eventceiling per event

•• 1. 1. Focus LAC Focus LAC 1 1 RsRs. 1,80,000. 1,80,000•• 2. 2. FOCUS AFRICA FOCUS AFRICA

( including( includingWANA Countries)WANA Countries) 1 1 RsRs. 1,50,000. 1,50,000

•• 3. 3. FOCUS CIS FOCUS CIS 1 1 RsRs. 1,50,000. 1,50,000•• 4. 4. FOCUS ASEAN+2 FOCUS ASEAN+2 1 1 RsRs. 1,50,000. 1,50,000•• 5. 5. General Areas General Areas 1 1 RsRs. 80,000*. 80,000*

5757

THAGATCHARI

34

“Stream Lining the Management and Marketing of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Uttarakhand – A Unique Beginning”

Dr.S.D.Singh IFS Conservator of Forests/Regional Manager (Tehri Region) Uttaranchal Forest Development Corporation, Dehradun Ph. 0135- 2710230, 2655059 Mobile – 9412057217, e-mail:- vanvikasnigamrm@rediffmail.com Introduction:- Man uses biotic and a biotic resources for his well being in the form of health care, cosmetics, detergents etc. many a times more than required and more than their annual sustainable increments without caring for their growth and/ or regeneration. This equation is highly disturbed in case of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) in the whole world. However situation is still worse in undeveloped, underdeveloped and even in developing nations where exploitation is very high due to their imports by the developed nations. Taxonomically:- There are about 3.5 lakh plants species of which about 20000 are identified as medicinal species in the world over. However about 5000 plants species are generally commonly used for making medicines and other phytodrugs. India accounts 2.4% of world land area and 8% of world biodiversity. It is one among 14 mega diversity countries in the world having 2 mega diversity areas. In India there are about 45000 plants species of which 8000 are medicinal in nature. However 700 plants species are generally used for making phyto medicines. About 20% plant species are used for making 80% medicinal extracts and vice versa (Rawat and Garg, 2005). Distribution of Medicinal Plants by habit is tree 33%, shrubs 20%, climbers 12%, herbs 32% and others 3% (Jakhar, et. al 2004). In Uttaranchal there are about 700 MAP species which include 138 trees, 135 shrubs, 420 herbs and 7 shrubs. of these 700 spp. about 150 species are generally used for making phyto medicines. However 40-50 species are most commercially used for making herbal medicines. (Jain and Mishra, 2005) Historically :- Medicinal properties of plants have been mentioned in Rigveda being one of the oldest repositories of human knowledge written between 4500-1600 BC. Ayurveda (2500-1600 BC) is the basis and foundation of ancient medicinal plant science of India. It has details of definite properties of medicinal plants their phytodrugs and uses. Chinese system of phytodrugs to treat diseases has been fixed around 3500 BC. Charak Samhita (1000BC) provides 484 medicinal plants description in “ Materia Medica” while Susrut Samhita (800 BC) is the famous treatise of 573 Indian medicinal plants. At the time of intrusion of Alexander The Great, Indian System of traditional phytomedicine was at its zenith. Later branches of phytomedicines passed on to priests followed by drugs as well as herbs partly giving way to charms and amulets. After Mohammad invasion Aryurvedic medicines started decline to Yunani system of Medicines. However exchange of knowledge of Ayurveda and Yunani systems gave rich storage of combined “Materia Medica.” With the entry of British empire, in India, allopathic medicines spread throughout Indian sub continent especially in the Urban areas. In the recent past again phytomedicines are gaining importance owning to non residual and side affects compared to Allopathic medicines and also due to its cost influence unbearable from most of the poor, rural and tribal population. About 80% of rural and tribal population is still dependent upon phyto medicines. (Bansal, 2005)

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Uttaranchal has records of Medicinal plants used since Vedic period when Lord Hanumana took out block of Himalyas with Sanjivani Buti to Lanka to treat Lakshmana.

Silviculturally:- About 98% of the MAP raw material used in making phytomedicines by pharmacies/phytoindustries comes from natural habitat. The forests contributes about 91%. Cultivation share is megre and is confined to few countries like China., India. USA, Japan Germany, France and few other European nations. There is not any proper silviculture system of enumeration, collection and conservation management of MAP species for the forest areas specially in the underdeveloped, undeveloped and developing nations. These nations meet 60% of the MAP raw material demand of developed nations. However 50% phyto drugs produced from these exports are being imported back to the raw material producing nations with higher prices. The Medicinal and Aromatic Plants parts used are roots 29%, stem 6%, flower 5%, fruit 10%, leaf 6%, seed 70%, bark 14%, wood 3%, rhizome 4% and whole plant (Panchang) 16 % (Jakhar etal, 2004) In Uttaranchal about 90% MAP product is collected for Forests. About 5-6% MAP raw material comes from private field in the form natural plants products. 4-5% is the actual cultivation share of about 10-12 MAP species only. Commercially:- Plant product trade value is about Rs. 3 lakh crores in the world over and is growing at about 10-12% annually. China has highest trade share. Indian trade is about Rs. 5000 Crores (about 1 % of global trade) and is growing about 8-10% annually. The target for 2010 is Rs. 10000 Crores trade. About 0.5 million tones of MAP raw material is annually traded in India. Export value of MAP products from India is about Rs. 110 crores of aromatic oils, Rs. 145 crores of phytodrugs and Rs. 255 crores from other phytoproducts like cosmetics etc. (Rawat and Garg, 2005). 80% of the Forest products export earnings comes from NTFP’s in India (Bhatacharya. etal, 2005) In Uttaranchal MAP raw material trade was between Rs. 3-4 crores from about 20000 Qt. till 2002-03 quantity. However its trade is highly secretive without proper rules and policies framework. Now it is about Rs. 9 Crores annually. Past system of MAP raw material marketing:- MAP are generally marketed through private sector. Govt. or its agencies work at the upstream linkages with local and road head middlemen, as well as shopkeepers/agents feeding the primary supplies. Middleman buy the product and supply to wholesaler and/or processor. The intermediatories/ middlemen keep a strong control on MAP market as they provide the collectors three essential services viz quick credit even advances at the time of food shortage during summer, quick and non bureaucratic payments but exploit debt bondage, and arrange weighing, transport as well as storage etc. They have good organization down to village level. Middlemen also play an important role by centralizing supply from dispersed producers /collectors and absorb risks in the markets. They exploit collector’s ignorance of market information and claim a large share of produce value for themselves. Resident traders and middleman have their own MAP collection territories based on kin relations or other historical ties. They are of different ethnicities and have varying levels of business savvy and political influences. Mostly they operate independently. Initial agents or middleman deal with number of products/species and later enter in separate marketing channel as per needs (Maikhuri et.al, 2003). Few products reach to the market and processor with legal documents. Most of the species in the market and processing unit enter without legal paper. In most of the MAP species, the sale rates are not exposed leading to no proper fixing collection rates and support /base pricing. This also create imbalances in post harvest approaches as collectors/producers remain unaware of level of value addition/cleaning/drying required. It leads to improper produce reach to the market and processing units, not good for making phytodrug. Hardly buy back system or MOU type of marketing exist in India. Very little collected/grown quantity of MAP raw

36

reaches directly to wholesaler or processor with better prices. Very few industries promote MAP cultivation and get their direct supplies.

In Uttaranchal collection of MAP species was the task assigned to Bheshaj Sangh (BS) since 1949 and to Kumaon Mandal VIkas Nigam (KMVN) also since 1974 in Kumaon region. They did not develop proper collection and marketing system for MAP species. Forest Department issue transit permits to the traders/middlemen chosen by BS and KMVM at the field level. These middleman directly and /or indirectly employ collectors to get the produce from forests and take away the MAP produce directly to their stores without proper marketing procedures and also without details known to collectors and Govt. about the sale rates, collections rates and other details. It has lead to the development of hidden/secretive marketing of MAP produce. Consequences:- Secretive /hidden marketing of MAP produce has lead to many deleterious affects as follows.

- No proper buyer – sellers meeting. - Proper Price fixing is never possible. - Collectors and cultivators always remain in debt situation and use to become victim of poor and

uneven claims of their MAP product value. - Cultivation promotion remains the last step. It was never promoted. - It lead to over exploitation of MAP species from natural resources to meet the industrial demand

and also developed many illegal channels to save from being caught. Collection remained without survey and regeneration limits hence sustainable collection is never possible.

- It has resulted in no market institution buildup and neglibile infrastructure development both at lower and middle level as they were least required.

- A policy frame work was never possible as it remains ineffective due to covered or hidden marketing hence need of policy making was almost never felt.

- It has lead to development of unrestricted and black marketing. It was never possible to have a proper estimation of physical and economic quantum of these MAP products from forests and in the market.

- Even most of the species remained uncovered of transit rules and Govt. push promotion plans. - Theft and illegal transit was evident as only very few species and very little quantities are

generally covered with legal papers as per forest records where as a large no of MAP species even over 100 with huge quantities are in the market without valid papers. It has also lead to more of forest offences also.

Present status in Uttarakhand :- State Medicinal Plants Board was formed in 2002 with the emphasis on conservation and development in the natural habitat, production and cultivation promotion in waste land and farmers field and good and sustainable collection practices followed by regulated marketing of all the MAP species from forests and common areas with people participating as well as from cultivation in the farmer’s field. The people of Uttaranchal do want a strong and transparent system of marketing and payments as evident during various field visits and discussions with them. Govt. of Uttaranchal is also serious on these lines. It really wants to develop a transparent and sound system of sustainable collection, cultivation promotion, regulated marketing following by easy transit and proper money transaction to the local people both collectors and cultivators. Govt. has already taken actions in these aspects. In 2002-03, Govt. of Uttaranchal has issued directions for sustainable collection of MAP species from forests and common areas by three agencies namely Uttaranchal Forest Department Corporation (UAFDC), Bheshaj Sangh (BS) and Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (RME KMVN). Forests and common areas are first subjected to Rapid Mapping Exercise (Survey exercise for presence, especially

37

frequency density and cover of MAP species), delineating the total area into Conservation, Development and Harvesting blocks (CDH Plan). Based on working plan prescriptions, the harvesting areas are distributed among the above agencies by Divisional level committee headed by Divisional Forest Officer (DFO). Van Panchayat (VP) areas are subjected to collection by Van Panchayat itself. Local people are registered with the Range officer for collection of MAP species. Species to be collected are again divided into two broad categories as open for collection and banned list. Marketing is also streamlined through open auctions or tenders to be done by the collecting agencies as per directions issued by Govt. of Uttaranchal. Mode of payments was also defined in the first year. Already existing royalty rates were kept as such. Collection rates for few species were revised. Service charges and profit are kept about 10-15 % of the sale. First year Working (2003-2004):- Systems adopted:- BS and KMVN did not follow strictly the Govt. orders for collection and marketing. They both followed the same kind of practices as use to do earlier. However it was found that 80-85% payments of the sale amounts were made by other agencies. UAFDC to a large extent followed the given directions of the State Govt. About one third of the area was allotted to UAFDC. 57 families as collections were properly registered with the Forest Department. Collection centers near to collection areas were established. Simple guidelines were issued to the collecting staff as well as to the collectors. Probable sale rate and collection charges per Kg MAP produce were issued along with species and parts to be collected. Collection rates system was not followed by them. UAFDC also followed the same system. In the first year, all the Divisional and /or Range head quarters were declared as marketing centers. All the MAP raw material was brought from collection centers to these marketing centers as per Forest Department rules. However transit from these marketing centers was directly given by Uttaranchal Forest Development Corporation after sale. Results:- In the first year, about 4000 Quintal MAP produce of 36 species wes collected and marketed with a turn over of Rs. 60 lakh with net profits Rs. 7.50 lakh (13.33%) by UAFDC. It did not include the establishment charges. It is a new activity to UAFDC staff with least knowledge. Even then it was successfully carried out by the organization. People and Govt. started trusting UAFDC of carrying out this activity transparently and successfully compared to other agencies in the first year only. Monopolistic traders opposed this system. However they latter started participating in the open auctions. There was no infrastructure and institution for carrying out these activities of MAP species with UAFDC. There was also not proper policy back up also. New initiatives taken in the year 2004-05 (Second year):- New areas were allotted for collection of MAP species. New collectors (387 families) were registered by UAFDC in the Range office. Some of the new initiatives taken are as follows:-

1. Change in staff approach:- Proper training is being imported to the staff in Forest Training Institute, Haldwani about the MAP species. Also behavior aspect was changed among themselves to deal with new stockholders i.e. collectors and buyers of MAP products.

2. Market Assess:- Few teams were formed and sent to different MAP markets in India like Kanpur, Lucknow, Saharanpur, Kolkata, Banglore, Delhi, Hydrabad, Mysore, Bhopal, Raipur etc. to assess the knowledge of MAP about market rates, demand, supply, quality etc. Meeting of buyers- sellers were also organized. Few MAP related workshops were also attended in Raipur, Kolkata, Delhi etc.

3. Discussion with related Deptt./Agencies:- Related Govt. Deptt/Agencies were contacted and consulted for related issues and help/directions were sought for about MAP products.

38

4. Results shown to collectors/cultivators:- First year sale results were shown to collectors and cultivators. It help them to follow proper practices for procurement for quality products for better pricing.

5. Regulation committee:- A committee under General Manager UAFDC with all agencies as members and Regional Manager (Tehri Region) as Nodal officer MAP UAFDC as coordinator was formed for regulations of these collection rates and base prices. Based on First year experience and market surveys new base prices and collection rates were fixed for MAP species.

6. Payments:- It was also decided to make payment through cheques/BD if collection is done by groups like Self Help Groups or User Groups or Van Panchayats. Even higher amounts to individual work are also be paid through cheques/BD for better transparency . It can be made at the time of taking products at collection centers or even after sale.

7. Establishment of Centre of MAP Exchange or Jari-buti Mandies with infrastructure and rules:- In June 2004, Govt. of Uttaranchal issued order to UAFDC to set up three Jari-Buti Mandies as Centre of MAP Exchange in UAFDC Timber Depots namely Bibiwala (Rishikesh), Amdanda (Ramnagar) and Tanakpur. Here all the three collecting agencies were directed to bring the MAP products and market them at these mandies. For these mandies, dates of auctions are also fixed. The dates are 1st and 16th of every month for Bibiwala, 6th and 21st for Amdanda and 11th and 26th for Tanakpur. Time of auction is also fixed i.e. 11 am. Wider publicity to the selling MAP materials through news papers is kept as medium to have more participants in the auctions. Proper electronic weighing machines are kept for accurate weighting. Feeder forests and cultivated areas were also declared by Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) Uttaranchal to these mandies so that DFO concerned has clear directions to issue transit permits to fixed mandies/centers. Open auctions followed only after meeting amongst staff, collectors/cultivators and buyers. After auctions possible approval is granted at the shortest possible time of 3-5 days of auctions. Maximum time given for transit is 8 days of auction to avoid decay and piling up of MAP materials in the depots. UAFDC directly issued transit permits to sold MAP produce without much official bottlenecks. 1% of the sale price is fixed as mandi expenditure.

8. MOUs practices:- In order to have easy access the MAP materials from groups/societies or VP, MOU are being signed with them. Also industrial tie-up is being made for easy and quick disposal of MAP raw material directly to processor/consumer. It also helps cultivation promotion through buy back arrangement.

9. Marketing strategy to cultivators:- It was also announced by making 70 % of the base price payments to the cultivators by collection agency at the time of procurement of cultivated MAP raw material or even naturally growing products in the farmers field at the field/road head collection centre if registered with FD and HRDI. Rest of the payment can be made after sale after expenditure and service charges deductions.

Results and Discussion of Second year working:- 1. In the second year, MAP raw material from all the agencies was brought to these mandies and

marketed here under the supervision of UAFDC with help of BS and KMVN. About 14634 Quintal of 80 MAP Species produce was traded with a turnover of Rs. 6.27 corors by all the agencies in the mandis. The royalty paid to the Govt. through Forest Department is Rs. 26.95 lakhs. Sales and Income tax of Rs. 25 lakh and Rs. 18 lakh respectively were also paid to the Govt. About Rs. 5 crores were paid as collection and transportation wages to the collectors and cultivators. Service charges and net profits also remain 10-15% of the sale to the collecting agencies.

39

2. Collectors and cultivators became aware of the value of proper MAP harvesting and post harvesting operations. Also they got higher wages well known to them.

3. Now these mandies are becoming centers of buyer- sellers meet, and supply centers not only for Uttaranchal but also for other parts of India.

4. Fixing of base prices is also coming very near to actual and helping in fixing support prices. 5. Govt. revenue in the form of Royalty and taxes is also high. 6. Even traders also participated in the new market working with greater enthusiasm. 7. A proper and strong transparent market system is developing in the state. There is demand of more

mandies be opened up in other parts of Uttaranchal. 8. It is helping in cultivation promotion linking to these marketing centers for surety of sale of

cultivated MAP produce. There is now demand of establishing collection centers near to villages/cultivated areas for procurement of MAP produce.

9. Other Deptt/Organizations/Industries are also approaching these mandies. UAFDC staff and all people concerned are also accepting this new working system with greater interest.

10. New policy frame work is becoming systematic. Infrastructure is also getting created. Hence MAP institution is building up in the state.

Difficulties:- 1. Still infrastructure like storage remained a problem in these mandies. 2. Some testing and certification facilities are yet not established. 3. Most of the cultivated material is not coming to these mandies 4. Local traders still discourages industries, wholesalers and big traders to reach to the mandies. This

has still created differences in price level between of MAP species in these mandies and processing centers/industries.

5. Other nearby states are not following regulated marketing which is weakening this regulated marketing system in the state.

New Initiatives for the Third year:- 1. A storage system/building have been built up in all the mandis however processing and drying

sheds are yet required. 2. Physical testing labs and displaying samples for sale are likely to be put on for identification in

order to have for correctness in marketing. 3. Proper Rapid Mapping Exercise (RME) in the field is being carried out. Areas for Conservation

Development and Harvesting are delineated. Similarly a new list of species is also earmarked for free collection, sustainable collection and banned category based on survey (RME). It helps in proper marketing of certain predetermined species and even their quantities.

4. 26 species from banned and sustainable categories are also put on cultivation promotion programmes by The State Govt. due to surety in proper marketing.

5. Govt. pharmacies in Uttaranchal are being contacted for meeting their MAP demand through these mandis.

6. These mandis are being developed as centers of excellence, information and meeting points of related people, industries, traders, cultivators/collectors.

7. MAP raw product certification will also be carried out in these mandies. Thereafter Working:- In the year 2005-06 areas haven been distributed among the collecting agencies. Collection centers have been established. Collectors have been registered. MAP raw material has started coming to these mandies. Rs. 9.34 crores turnover have been received from the sale of 51 MAP species in the year 2005-06.

40

In 2006-07, Rs. 9 Crore turnover has been received so far. Still cultivators material is not coming to these mandies. Merits of the new marketing system:-

1. It has helped in establishing transparent and strong system of regulated marketing. It has helped in promoting proper collection and promotion of cultivation of MAP species.

2. It has helped in making proper policy frame work, institution development and infrastructural built up in the state for MAP species cultivation, collection and post harvest development.

3. It is helping in better and higher wage distribution and income /employment generation to MAP collectors and cultivators.

4. It is giving higher revenue to the Govt. also. 5. Industries and pharmacies are directly approaching the mandies. Govt. Collectors and cultivators

are knowing the end users of their MAP products as well as the sale rates. 6. It is helping in controlling the forest offences. 7. Even collectors and cultivators are knowing what to collect/cultivate when and how to harvest and

process for better prices. It is reducing wastage and hence doing good work towards proper Conservation, Development and Harvesting (CDH Plan) of MAP in the natural habitat.

Still Required:- 1. Proper and accurate sustainable limits for each MAP species are yet to be worked out for MAP

species of natural habitat so that rest of the demand can be planned from cultivation and other sources.

2. Appropriate collection centers near to collecting and cultivating areas to be established for continuous supply and no wastage. Proper training and guidelines for good harvesting practices and post harvesting are required to be worked out for good pricing.

3. A proper testing and certification facility at these mandies is required to be established for better marketing.

4. Appropriate platform and suitable environment for buyer-seller as well as demand-supply meet is yet to come up. Conferences and workshops are yet to be organized for better information exchange and network development about better marketing.

5. More markets/mandies are required with proper testing and certification facilitates. Value addition facilities through local people participation/SHG /UG need to be developed for proper linking of MAP marketing development. Also collection centers establishment near to cultivated area is the need of the hour.

6. Industries and traders filing of MAP returns has to be established so that MAP source be verified in order to root out illegal transits and secretive marketing. It will result in establishment of proper path of collection and marketing of MAP species in the state.

Summary and conclusion: Phytomedicine treatment to diseases is as old as mankind development. Indian Vedic period and Chinese systems of Phytodrugs treatment to diseases are the oldest records Uttaranchal has its oldest history of MAP export by way of Hanuman taking away Himalayan part containing Sanjivani Buti to Lanka to treat Lakshama. India has less than 1% of global MAP trade share while having 8% of world bio-diversity with 2 of 14 mega biodiversity zones of the world. In India MAP marketing is unrestricted and secretive. It is highly detrimental to natural resources. It is contributing about 95% of MAP supply to the market. Cultivation share is less than 5% in Uttaranchal. Till 2002-03, BS and KMVN were allowed to collect and market MAP from forest areas giving only royalty and taxes on royalty to the Govt. However in practices, local traders and middlemen employ people to collect and get the products through BS and

41

KMVN at throw away prices whose details is unknown to collectors, cultivators and even to the Govt. It has also lead to illegal transit of many spp. without documents as 10-15 spp. trade as per forest records In 2003-04 UAFDC along with BS and KMVN were allotted forest area for collection and marketing of MAP produce. UAFDC registered local people for collecting and semi processing at the collecting centers. Marketing was done through open auctions at the Divisional HQ after wide publicity through news papers. First year working got 36 species trade of Rs. 60 lakh with about Rs. 7.50 lakh as service charges and net profits. Second year working saw landmine change for all the agencies. Three Jari-buti mandies namely Bibiwala, Amdanda and Tanakpur were established with fixed feeder areas and prefixed dated of auctions for all the agencies. They brought collected and cultivated MAP produce to these mandies and put to regulated marketing through open auctions and easy transits. About 80 species with turnover of Rs. 6.27 crores was the result of second year working (2003-04). In the last year (2005-06 & 2006-07) annual turnover were about Rs. 9 crores. Higher receipt of revenue and taxes to the Govt. were also the other major achievement with higher income to the collectors and cultivators. Main achievement was the establishment of transparent and strengthened regulated marketing system development. Though many difficulties were part of the process but continuous supply and regular auctions made the system strong and acceptable. Still testing and semi processing facilities are required in these mandies. It has reduced the uncertainty of MAP Marketing in the state. Uttaranchal model of sustainable collection, cultivation promotion and regulated marketing of MAP species has become a role model for other states in India and even to adjoining countries. References:-

1. Rawat, R.B.S. and Garg, G.P. (2005). Medicinal Plants: Trade and Commerce Opportunities in India. Indian Forester, 131(3): 275-287.

2. Jain, P and Mishra, M. (2005). Policy and Rules: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Uttaranchal. 1-58.

3. Jukhar, ML, Karkalya, BL Singh, S.J. and Singh, Karan (2004), Enhancing the export potential of Medicinal Plants through Bio-diversity Conservation and Development under multi adversity environment. Medicinal plants utilization and conservation, 36-75.

4. Bansal, S (2005), Studies on the impact of JFM on socio-economic conditions of wernen and NTFP consumption pattern in Dehradun Forest Division. Thesis submitted in FRI deemed University.

5. Bhattacharya, AK, Shekhar, K and Kumar, Y (2005). Feasibility studies on marketing of cultivated medicinal and aromatic plants as livelihood for farmers in MP, India. Indian Forester, 131(3): 316-329

6. Maikhuri, RK, Rao, KS, Chauhan, K, Kandari, LS, Parsad, P and Rajsekharan, C, (2003). Development of Marketing of Medicinal Plants and other forests products – can it be a pathway for effective management and conservation? Indian Forester; 129(2): 169-178

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DEVELOPMENT OF MFP SECTOR IN MADHYA PRADESH Amin A Ansari, IFS Addl. Managing Director MP MFP Federation, Bhopal The state of Madhya Pradesh has taken several initiatives for the development of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) sector. MP is very rich in forest resources, including medicinal plants; about 2,200 indigenous plants have so far been listed with known medicinal values. Only three natural products, viz. Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon) leaves, Sal (Shorea robusta) seed and Kullu (Sterculia urens) gum have been classified as nationalised MFP in MP; the rest all are non-nationalised ones. People are free to collect, process, utilise, or sell such non-nationalised MFPs and do not require Transit Permits for their transport. MP is the first state in the country to frame rules, under Section 76 of the Indian Forest Act 1927, called "Conservation of Biodiversity and Sustainable Harvesting of Forest Produce Rules, 2005". MP State Minor Forest Produce (Trading & Development) Cooperative Federation

The State MFP Federation, Bhopal is the nodal agency for promoting medicinal plants sector in the state. Established in 1984, the Federation is a three-tier co-operative structure comprising of 60 District Minor Forest Produce Co-operative Unions and 1066 Primary Forest Produce Co-operative Societies spread all over the state. The Federation mainly handles trade of the nationalised MFP, of which Tendu leaf is the most important commodity and accounts for nearly 90% of its entire business. An estimated four million people are involved either in collection and primary processing or in rolling of Tendu leaves for making bidis. The State accounts for about 25% of the total production of Tendu leaves in India.

Collection of Tendu leaves is handled at over 15,000 collection centres across the entire State.

Annual turnover of the Federation, which used to be to the tune of Rs. 400 crores in unified MP, now stands at nearly Rs. 150-200 crores. The primary societies are paid commission @ Rs. 10 per Standard Bag of Tendu leaves collected by them.

Gatherers to Owners

Consequent to the 73rd Amendment to the constitution of India, all the net income from the trade of NTFPs is being transferred to the Primary Societies. For this purpose, after the finalization of accounts of each financial year, the net income for each society is calculated and is transferred to the societies in the following manner:

a) 60% - Cash distribution as 'incentive wages' b) 20% - Spent on regeneration of indigenous spp. in the forests c) 20% - Spent on development of basic amenities in the villages

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For the year 2004-05, out of the net income of Rs. 19.18 crore to the Federation, the amount disbursed, in cash, as incentive wages was Rs. 11.51 crore, while Rs. 3.83 crore and Rs 3.84 crore respectively, were earmarked towards developing forest resource and creating village infrastructure. Social Security Group Insurance Scheme Started in the year 1991, a free Social Security Group Insurance Scheme of LIC covers all the Tendu leaf collectors, who are members of Primary Societies. Under the scheme, the nominated person of the member is paid Rs. 3,500 in case of natural death and Rs. 25,000 in case of accidental death of the Tendu leaf collector. The member gets Rs. 12,500 in case of accidental partial disability and Rs. 25,000 in case of accidental permanent disability. At present around 29 lakh Tendu leaf collectors are covered by the benefits of this scheme. Since the year 1991, LIC has distributed Rs. 65 crore under this insurance scheme settling about 1.69 lakh claims. Role of Primary Societies in the Trade of Non-nationalised MFP

The govt. has removed all control over collection, trade and transportation of non-nationalised NTFP within the State. The Federation encourages villagers for value addition, processing and grading etc. of the raw produce collected by them and facilitates its sale through various annual fairs and buyer-seller meets. Recently, MFP mandis have also been started at six places in the State. As a result, the Societies are becoming financially stronger and self-reliant so far as the MFP business is concerned. Conservation and Development of Medicinal Plants

The State has taken several initiatives for the growth of MAP sector. The State Bio-diversity Board has already been constituted under the Department of Biotechnology and Biodiversity. There is a Task Force on MFPs working within the Federation for protection, development and expansion of medicinal plants in rural and tribal areas. A State Strategy for the Development of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (2004-05 - 2008-09) is also in place and provides guidelines to various stakeholders, including govt. and non-governmental sectors, for their growth. Fifty-four species of medicinal importance have been identified in the state to focus efforts of research and development. Efforts have also been made for in-situ conservation and ex-situ development of indigenous MAPs during the last ten years through a novel scheme called People's Protected Areas (PPAs). Large areas of natural forests measuring around 2000 Ha or more with known richness of medicinal plants, have been identified, demarcated and put to intensive working with focus on reviving and conserving local medicinal plants, encouraging their sustainable harvesting and generating meaningful employment for the local communities through related activities, viz., storage, processing, marketing, value addition, etc.

The Federation is creating a network of MFP godowns and other infrastructural facilities for storage-cum-treatment, primary processing, and for value-addition. The Federation also provides technical know-how and formal training to the village entrepreneurs in these and related areas like account keeping, trade, etc.

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Apart from having its own state-of-the-art large-capacity processing and packaging centre for forest honey, the Federation has created several smaller honey processing centres across MP. Vindhya Herbal Brand is the Federation's own brand for the Ayurvedic products developed by its MFP - Processing and Research Centre (MFP-PARC) located at Bhopal. These products are marketed through the Federation's Sanjeevani sales outlets. Holding of annual Van Melas in Bhopal and other big cities like Jabalpur, Gwalior and Indore is now a regular activity of the Federation and has been great success in popularizing herbal products collected, processed and marketed by village-level Primary Societies. MFP Federation is nodal agency in the state for National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), GOI. Since the year 2002-03, a total of 1049 projects for cultivation of medicinal plants have been approved by NMPB, releasing subsidy to the tune of Rs. 2394.65 lakh.

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“PROCESSING OF MEDICINAL PLANTS” Sudeep Tandon, Scientist Process & Product Development Division Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants CIMAP (CSIR), Lucknow s.tandon@cimap.res.in

Medicinal plants are being extensively utilized throughout the world in two distinct areas of health management i.e. (i) Modern System of Medicine system (ii) Traditional or Indigenous Systems of Medicine or Folk medicines. The medicinal herbs are traded internationally in the dried crude form or in the processed form which include herbal teas, dietary supplements, phyto pharmaceutical, their salts and derivatives etc. Plants have been a major source of therapeutic agents for alleviation or cure of human disease since time immemorial.. At present there are about 130 clinically useful prescription drugs of known chemical structure and used in Modern System of Medicine and solely derived from about 100 species of higher plants. The use of medicinal plants in the health care management programme has not remained only under the domain of the developing world, but their use has been also ever increasing in the developed and industrialized countries. As per WHO estimates about 3.5 billion people comprising 80% of the total population in developing countries rely on plant-based medicine for their primary healthcare. The interest in the plant medicines in developed countries has been dramatically surged up to 60% since 1989. Even now the market continues to grow at the rate of 15% annually. Worldwide consumption of medicinal plants for various uses is worth thousands of crores of rupees. It is estimated that the market size of medicinal plants based industry is worth 60 billion dollars annually. The increasing demand of medicinal plant based herbal products have created problems of supply of raw materials and one of the major difficulties being faced by the industries and entrepreneurs is that of obtaining sufficient quantities of raw materials of desired quality for the internal consumption as well as for export. To correct this situation, measures are needed to promote the cultivation and domestication of medicinal plants of desired qualities.

The indigenous or traditional systems of medicine functions mainly through two distinct social streams (i) Local or folk or tribal stream (ii) Codified and organized system of medicine [ISM-Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Amchi (Tibetan system of medicine) etc.] Some of the phytopharmaceuticals which are being produced in Indian at present include: morphine, codeine, papaverine (Papaver somniferum), quinine, quinidine, chinconine and cinchonidine (Chinchona spp. viz. C. calisaya, C. ledgeriana, C. officinalis and C. succirubra), Hyoscine and Hyoscyamine (Hyoscyamus niger and H. muticus): Colchicine (Gloriosa suprerba, Colchicum luteum and lphigenia stellata): Cephaeline and emetin (Cephaelis ipecacuanha): Sennoside A & B (Cassia angustifolia and C. acutifolia): Rescerpine, Rescinnamine, Ajmaline and Ajamalicine (Rouvolfia serpentina): Vinblastine and vincristine, ajmalicine, raubacine (Catharanthus roseus): Guggul-lipid (Commiphora wightii), Taxol (Taxus wallichiana) and Artemisinin (Artemisia annua) etc At present about 130 phytopharmaceuticals derived from 100 plant species are clinically used as prescription drugs all over the world.

Over 7000 different species of plants found in different regions 1000 are said to be used for medicinal purposes in India. In India, about 90% collection of medicinal plants is from wild sources and since 70% of collections involve destructive harvesting, many plants have become endangered or vulnerable or threatened. Out of the total demand of the different species used in production by Industry, less than 5 % species of plants only are under commercial cultivation The increasing demands of the pharmaceutical industry have created problems of supply and one of the major difficulties being

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experienced by the industry is that of obtaining authentic medicinal herbs. One of the major difficulties of medicinal plants cultivation in large scale is the lack of scientific and appropriate agro technology and appropriate post harvest processing technologies.

SCENARIO OF HERBAL MEDICINES

80% of world population relies on traditional medicine, encouraging the use of indigenous forms of medicine rather than expensive imported drugs. The world Health Organization (WHO) has defined herbal medicines as Finished labeled medicinal products that contain as active ingredients aerial or under ground parts of plants or other plant material or combination thereof, whether in cruds state or as plant preparations.” Herbal medicines can be classified in to three categories. Phytopharmaceuticals or phytomedicines sold as over the counter (OTC) products in modern dosage forma such as tablet, capsules and liquid for oral use; Nutraceuticals or dietary supplements containing herbal products, available in modern dosage forms; Herbal medicines consisting of either crude, semi- processed or processed medicinal plants. In India, the turnover of herbal medicines in India as over-the-counter products, ethical and classical formulations and home remedies of Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha systems of medicine is about $ 1 billion with a meagre export of about $ 80 million. Psyllium seeds and husk, castor oil and opium extract alone account for 60% of the exports. 80% of the exports to developed countries are of crude drugs and not finished formulations leading to low revenue for the country. Thus the export of herbal medicines from India is negligible despite the fact that the country has a rich traditional knowledge and heritage of herbal medicine. It has been estimated that India is endowed with about 47,000 species of plants and ranks 8th in the world biodiversity

In India, more than 9,000 small and large scale manufacturers are in the country which prepares plant extracts exclusively used in AYUSH and herbal drug formulations. Presently manufacturers based on ISM uses over 1100 medicinal plants. Some of the important ones include Dabur India Ltd, Sri. Baidyanath Ltd, Maharishi Ayurveda, Amil Pharmaceutical India Ltd, Hamdard Wakf Laboratories, India Herbs Research & Supply, Zandu Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Ranbaxy India Ltd. Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Sanat Products, Sami Labs Ltd, Charak International etc. Amongst the pharmaceutical companies manufacturing phytochemicals isolated from plant products same of the major companies include Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Themis Heath care, IPCA, Dabur India Ltd etc PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES FOR MEDICINAL PLANTS The processing of medicinal plants generally depends on the bioactivity and utilization of the oils or desired phytochemicals in their leaves bark or root. The products derived from medicinal plants are essentially used in allopathic, ayurvedic or other traditional medicines, ingredients for cosmetics, bio active extracts and as bio pesticides. Production of the medicinal herb extract and isolates can be broadly classified into two segments mainly on the basis of their utilization. First those in which the extracted active components, active ingredient or phyto pharmaceuticals i.e. the alkaloids, saponins or the active chemical group or molecules are directly used in modern medicine system i.e. allopathy on quantified basis ie as phytopharmaceuticals. For extraction of these kinds generally solvent / alcoholic extraction method. Is used. Second classification is mainly based for those root /bark/stem etc. where they are directly used in traditional medicinal system such as Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Sidha, Unani etc in form of decoction, paste, powder, water /honey extract etc.

Although, the various classes of preparations involving simple expression, aqueous hot and cold extraction and evaporation were in vogue since long time but, real and scientific rapid progress in the

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extraction procedures for medicinal plant's preparations was made after 19th century. Such extraction techniques and processes were highly successful in the phytochemical field leading to isolation of single pure molecules and standardized extracts for therapeutic purposes. Simple traditional to advanced technologies conforming to official procedures are being used to manufacture different types of preparations popularly known as Galenicals. Such class of preparations includes Decoctions, Infusions, Powdered extracts etc

The main steps involved in the processing of medicinal plants generally includes Identification The first and utmost step in the processing of a medicinal plant is the proper and correct identification of the plant and its species. As such, there are a lot of similar plants having the same physical, biological and chemical characteristics which at time may become difficult to identify the plant having the desired phyto chemical. Proper authentification and identification of the plants should be done through some reliable sources and analytical techniques before initiating the extraction process. Collection (i) From Wild sources (ii) From Cultivated sources

When plants are collected form their natural habitat, they are said to be "wild sourced". When they are grown utilizing commercial farming techniques, they are said to be "cultivated". A collection of plants from cultivated sources ensures that the plant collected is the one that is desired. When an herb in wild-crafted, there is a much greater chance that the wrong herb will be picked, a situation that could lead to serious consequences. The use of analytical techniques can be employed to guarantee that the plant collected is the one desired. POST HARVEST TECHNIQUES Drying After harvesting, most herbs have a moisture content of 60-80%, and cannot be stored without drying. Otherwise, important compounds would break down, or microorganisms would contaminate the material. A majority of medicinal plants are dried after harvesting or collection from natural state. Drying in shade in a thin layer is generally preferred. Some medicinal plants like Pyrethrum lose their active constituents if exposed to direct sun light for long period. For drying large quantity of plant material, drying ovens are used where material can be placed on a large number of trays stacked over each other. Drying ovens can be designated to work on electrical or steam heating. Hot air is generally circulated by means of a fan or blower to enhance the rate of drying. Oven temperature must be kept at safe level so as not to damage the active constituents of medicinal plant. Size Reduction/ Grinding and sieving Grinding, of an herb means mechanically breaking down leaves, roots, seeds, or other parts of a plant into very small units ranging from larger course fragments to fine powder. Grinding is employed in the production of crude herbal products as well as in the initial phases of extracts. It is generally required either to facilitate extraction of the valuable constituents. Various types of grinders are available for this purpose depending on the nature of material. Hammer mills or disintegrators are suitable for grinding hard roots or woody materials. The machine can be selected with a screen opening to give the desired product size. For production of fine powders etc. Ball mills & fluid energy mills are employed. The fineness of a powder is measured by its mesh size.

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EXTRACTION

(i) Infusion Infusions are dilute solutions containing the readily-soluble constituents of crude drugs. Infusions

are usually prepared by diluting one volume of a concentrated infusion to ten volumes with cold / hot water. Concentrated infusions are prepared by modified percolation or maceration process, which after dilution with water, resemble in potency and aroma the corresponding fresh infusion. Infusions are liable to fungus and bacterial growth, and it is necessary to dispense them within twelve hours of their preparation.

(ii) Decoction / Aqueous Extraction

Out of the traditional methods of extraction of the active constituents of a plant or for making an aqueous and standardized extract of the whole plant, root, bark or any other part of the herbs decoction is one of the most described method. Decoction is basically a water-based preparation to extract active compounds of herbs, made by boiling the plant parts for some period. It is used to primarily extract the mineral salts and bitter principles of plants, rather than vitamins and volatile ingredients. In this process the liquid preparation is made by boiling the herbs with water, differing from infusions that the latter are not actively boiled. Decoctions are usually the method of choice when working with tougher and more fibrous plants, barks and roots (and which have water soluble chemicals). Instead of just steeping it in hot water, the plant material is boiled for a longer period of time to soften the harder woody material and release its active constituents. The extracts in water are frequently required for Ayurvedic preparations. In this conventional method the herb is soaked in water in a pan. The plant materials are generally into broken into small pieces or grounded into a powder the smaller they are, the more easily they will be absorbed into the water. More heat is needed in making decoctions than infusions, since mostly the parts of the herb that are used in decoctions, the bark and roots—are very dense in nature. Unfortunately, the high heat does tend to destroy some of the herb's volatile oils. (iii) Solvent Extraction

Extraction with volatile solvents in case of processing of medicinal plants is mainly applied for preparation of standardized extracts / total crude extracts; extraction of plants which contain bio active constituents for further downstream processing and isolation of the pure phytomolecules to be used as active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) in modern system of medicine. For example senna leaves are extracted with alcohol to prepare an extract rich in sennosides which is then formulated into a drug used as laxative. The process of solvent extraction requirepetroleum product, whose choice depends upon the selectivity andthe desired active components.

Bench Scale Soxhlet

s the use of a volatile organic solvent, a solubility of that particular solvent with

apparatus

49

Solvent extraction process is carried out in two types of systems. In the percolation system the medicinal plants raw material is loaded in a percolation vessel and soaked in solvent a number of times. The soaked solvent is drained and evaporated in an evaporation plant to yield the extract. In the second system known as "Soxhlet" system the same batch of solvent is continuously recycled through the drug holder. This results in less requirement of solvent. Classical techniques for the solvent extraction of nutraceuticals from plant matrices are based on the choice of solvent coupled with the use of heat and/or agitation. Soxhlet, which has been used for a long time, is a standard technique and the main reference for evaluating the performance of other solid–liquid extraction (or leaching) methods. Soxhlet extraction is a general and well-established technique, which surpasses in performance other conventional extraction techniques except for, in limited field of applications, the extraction of thermo labile compounds. Extraction parameters such as particle size, moisture content of raw material, solvent contact time, no. of extractions temperature etc, play an important role in designing of a solvent extraction process. The total / crude extract obtained thereof from these processes is then further refined or separated from the extract by using separation techniques such as chromatographic columns, liquid-liquid extraction, crystallization, flash chromatography etc.

The final choice of the process to be used for the extraction of a drug will depend on a number of factors, including physical characteristics of the raw material, Therapeutic value of the drug, stability of drug, economics of processing, concentration of product, solvent recovery etc Concentration & Purification

After extraction of the herb, the resulting solution has to be concentrated into semi solid or solid extracts. Large manufacturing operations utilize techniques and machines, such as thin layer evaporators, vacuum evaporators to ensure the extracted plant thermo labile components are not damaged. In this process the extract is concentrated by evaporating the the plant compounds behind. The solvent vapors pass into a co te, and is reused.

Column chromatography The concentrated crude extract is then furtherlike liquid liquid extraction, column chromatographchemical constituent from a then crude concentrated pcomplex mixture, the operations of Gel chromatograpcrude extract is fed into a packed gel column. The cvarying polarities, by which different fractions are coll

CIMAP SOLVENT EXTRACTION PLANT

solvent, at low temperatures thus leaving ndenser whereby they return to a liquid sta

purified by using secondary separation techniques y etc. When it is required to isolate the desired lant extract present in very low concentrations in the hy or prep HPLC are carried out. In this process the olumn is then percolated with different solvents of ected.

CIMAP SOLVENT EXTRACTION PLANT

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Drying Although there are still a number of liquid form products/extracts on the market, the preferred

industry method is to dry the extract to a solid form. The main reasons are greater chemical stability and reduced cost. Tinctures, fluid extracts, and soft extracts are easily contaminated by bacteria and other micro-organisms. Liquid forms of extracts also promote chemical reactions, which may tend to break down the herbal compounds. A number of drying techniques are employed in the herbal processing industry, including freeze-drying and spray-drying (atomization). The result is a dried powdered extract that can then be put into capsules or tablets.

Large Scale Extraction Procedures

Large scale operation demands modification of many extraction processes. In case of jar or vessel containing a small amount of solvent (500 to 1000ml) occasional shaking is no problem. But, for industrial batch where a large amount of solvent and the vessels having the huge weight, diameter and height, there will be a considerable difficulty in shaking the vessels. There are alternative methods of agitation that are just as effective but much simpler to put into practice. In addition, economics become increasingly important and one of the most important objectives is to improve the efficiency and economics of extraction so that less solvent is needed and evaporation requirements for concentrated products are reduced.

Some of the important phytopharmaceuticals extracted and isolated from Indian medicinal plants usually by solvent extraction technique and which are very much sought internationally for their high quality and potency include Plant Useful Plant Part Active Constituent Major Clinical

Use Artemesia annua (Quinghasou) Whole Plant Artemisinin Antimalarial Cassia augustifolia (senna) Leaves, Pods Sennosides A & B Laxative Cantharanthus roseus (Periwinkle)

Roots Leaves

Ajmalcine, Vinblastine Vincrystine

Anticancer

Chyrysanthemum cinerariaefolium (Pyrethrum)

Flowers Pyrethrins Insecticidal

Rauvolifolia serpentine Roots Resperine, Rescinnamine Hypertensive Sedative

Withania somniferum Roots Somniferum, Phytosterol Stimulant Anti-nflammatory

Ammi majus Seeds Xanthotoxin Skin diseases Leucoderma

Silybum marianum Seeds Silymarin Hepatoprotective

Andrographis panniculata Leaves Diterpenoids, Andrographalides

Hepatoprotective

Gloriosa superba Rhizomes Colchicine Gout, Rheumatism

Aesculus indica Seeds Aescin Anti nflammatory

Centella asiatica Whole Pant Asiaticosides, Aspatic acid

Tonic Stimulant

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Bacopa munnerai Whole plant Baccosides Tonic Stimulant

Dioscoria deltoidea Rhizomes Diosgenin Steroid

Asparagus racemosus Satawar Roots Sapogenin glycosides Anti-oxytocic, anti- ulcerogenic

Adhatoda vasica (Vasa) Leaves Vasicine (Pegarine) Oxytocic

Curcuma longa Rhizomes Curceemin Choleretic

Mappia foetida Leaves Camptothecein Anticancer

MEDICINAL PLANTS PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPED BY CIMAP Some of the important processing technologies for therapeutic lead phytomolecules & standardized extracts developed by CIMAP and available for technology transfer include

(a) Improved processing technology for isolation of antimalarial drug artemisinin from Artemisia annua

(b) Technology for conversion of artemisinin to anti-malarial derivatives dihydroartemisinin, artelinic acid, arteether, artemether and artesunate

(c) Improved technology for production of hepatoprotective drug Silymarin ex Silybum marianum (d) Process technology for isolation of hepatoprotective drug Cliv-92 from seeds of cleome viscose (

Hurhur) (e) Production technology for processing of Bacopa monneri (Brahmi) (f) Technology for the isolation of andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh) (g) Process technology for isolation of anti cancer agent Camptothecin from Mappia foetida (h) Process technology for isolation of growth promoter calliterpenone from Callipcarpa macrophylla (i) Process know how for production of bio enhancer Lysergol from Ipomea muricata (j) Technology for natural insecticide pyrethrum from Chrysanthamum cineriarefolium.

Apart from the above, CIMAP also offers technologies for processing of aromatic plants for

essential oils and aroma chemicals. CIMAP has developed improved technologies for distillation of aromatic crops like rose, geranium, mints palmarosa, lemongrass, nagarmotha, patchouli, vetiver etc, concrete / absolutes of rose, jasmine, tuberose etc and value addition of essential oils by fractional distillation for production of high value aroma chemicals like citral from. lemongrass, geraniol from palmarosa, citronellol ex java citronella, menthone ex. DMO etc

For further details and information please contact director@cimap.res.in or visit www.cimap.res.in

References 1. ‘Processing Technology for Medicinal Plants’ Sudeep Tandon 2. ‘Emerging Medicinal Plants of Drugs & Pharmaceutical Industries’, Dr J Singh 3. ‘Prospects of Production and Utilization of Economically Important Medicinal Plants of

Indigenous Systems of Medicine’ Dr J. Singh 1-3: MAP Companion- Technical Bulletin for Entrepreneurship in Cultivation and Processing of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, CIMAP Publication, Lucknow

4. ‘Herbal Medicine’, V. P. Kamboj, Current Science, Vol. 78, No. 1, 10 January 2000

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R & D SCENARIO OF MEDICINAL PLANTS AT NEIST: JORHAT Dr (s) P.B.Kanjilal, N.C.Baruah and P.G.Rao North East Institute of Science & Technology (Formerly Regional Research Laboratory) Jorhat: Assam Man’s dependence on plant life for food as well as for health has been as old as human existence. Inspite of considerable progress in the synthetic drugs, plant and plant products are still considered to be the major sources of medicaments and have extensive use in ethno-medicine and traditional system of medicine. Long history of use and better patient tolerances as well as easy availability, the medicinal herbs have taken a glorious position in health care system. It is interesting to note that among 15000 medicinal plants available in India , 7000 plants are used in ayurveda,700 in Unani medicine,600 in Sidha,450 in Homoeopathy and 30 in modern medicine. Despite such enormous resources, the medicinal plant sector has not developed due to inadequate awareness, inadequate investment in R & D, unorganized and unregulated market, absence of coordination between production and consumption. It is estimated that 90% internal demands and export is being done from wild and 70% of the plant collection involve destructive harvesting resulting in extinction of several species, genetic erosion and destruction of biodiversity. Hence there is need for cultivation of medicinal plants, documentation of folklore herbal plants and chemical investigation in order to meet the internal demand of industries as well as export promotion and also conservation of the same. World Health Organization has also recognized the importance of medicinal plants in the health care system in the developing countries and is encouraging them to intensify R & D works on medicinal plants. So that traditional and new herbal medicines could be put to better use. Significant R & D efforts are made by CSIR, ICAR, Various Agricultural Universities on various aspects related to medicinal plants. In this context, NEIST, Jorhat taken up a series of activities in conservation, cultivation and utilization of medicinal plants for sustainable development. In this workshop, we are only high lighting R & D works carried out in medicinal plants and future strategy contemplated in our institute . Contribution of NEIST on medicinal plants North East Region is enriched with varied flora, many species of which has a tremendous potential for economic exploitation. The region has also varied climatic and topographical conditions from humid alluvial valley through evergreen forests to the snowline height, suitable for commercial cultivation of the indigenous and exotic medicinal plant species. In view of these factors major thrust of R & D activities has been given on survey, introduction, acclimatization, improvement and development of agro-technologies of various medicinal plants. The major achievements include:

i. Introduction and conservation: More than 200 species of medicinal plants have been introduced and ex-situ conservation of these plants are taken up in the institute.

ii. Taxonomic evaluation : Taxonomic evaluation is an important criteria for cultivation of Medicinal plants for quality products. Taxonomic keys for 27 species of Cinnamomum have characterized based on micro-morphological characters. Beside these taxa on species level, varietal level, and chemo-typical level have been evaluated in Aqularia Sps, Ocimum sps, Litsea sps, Clausena Sps,Taxus sps, Cephalotaxus sps, Zingiber sps,Curcuma sps etc.

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iii. Folklore inventories: Folklore inventories of 700 plant species for medicinal use have been made based on ethno-botanical studies undertaken in North East India. About 1000 prescription prescribed by the traditional practitioners for the treatments of a wide ranging ailments including cancer, hypertension, malaria, tuberculosis etc have so far been incorporated into the data base.

iv. Validation of folklore claims: Folklore medicinal claims of about 200 plant species of North East India have been so far investigated based on experimental studies and review of literatures. The plant like Clerodendron colebrookianum for the treatment of hypertension, Cinnamomum assamicum for scabies, Betula alnoides for sprains and rheumatic pain etc have established.

v. Agro-technology Development: Agro-technology of the following medicinal plants have been developed along with production of quality planting materials.

Andrographis paniculata Aristolochia indica Asparagus racemosus Abroma augusta Bacopa monerii Bixa orellana Boerhaavia difusa Chlorophytum arundinaceum Dioscorea floribunda Dioscorea composita

Eclipta alba Ocimum gratissimum Plumbago zeylenica Paedaria foetida Solanum nigrum Stevia rebaudiana Solanum khasianum Tinospora cordifolia Wedelia calendulaceae.

vi. Tissue Culture : Various techniques applied in mass multiplication of plant species.

Among these, tissue culture is widely used because through this technique it is possible to i. produce genetically identical plantlets ii. regenerate soma-clonal variant, suitable for selection of resistant plants iii. produce plantlets for immature seeds iv. generate plantlets in those species which is either do not produce seeds or seed

production erratic. The institute developed protocol for in-vitro multiplication of Alpinia galangal, Boerhaavia diffusa, Chlorophytum arundinaceum, Curcuma amada, Dioscorea floribunda, Eclipta alba, Eupatorium adenophorum, Houttuynia cordata, Plumbago rosea and Phlogacanthus thrsiflorus .

vii. Designing plants as bioreactors for protein and other products: Callus and cell

suspension culture of American ginseng(Panax quinquefolia) has been established. Production of gensenosides through cell suspension in bioreactor is standardized. Down stream process is in progress.

viii. Chemical investigation of flora of North East India: New compounds are isolated from various medicinal plants viz. Lemaneae australis, Panax pseudoginseng, Tithonia diversifolia, Taxus baccata Kayea assamica ,Baccaurea sapida,Cephalotaxus griffithii, Artabotrys uncinatus,etc. and some antibiotic from soil microbes.

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ix. Societal mission : Due to the above R & D efforts, valuable contribution has been made towards rural development by transferring agro-technology of medicinal plants in different states of N E region. However area under marginal farmers is meager. Marginal farmers till date could not involved in large scale plantation of medicinal plants due to lack of steady market in this region. Commercial cultivation of medicinal plants is mostly concentrated within the tea estates, NGO’S and progressive farmers. Despite all these constraints, plan of action to motivate the farmers for cultivation of medicinal plants is continuing through training and demonstration.

On-going activities & Future strategy of the institute in medicinal plants The situation for conservation of medicinal plants is more grim than other crops. Very limited work has been done for domestication and cultivation of well proven folklore medicinal plants of North East India except those already cultivated. The international market of medicinal plants related trade is $ 60 billion with annual growth of 7% per annum. The current rate of trade in Indian system of Medicine and Homeopathy is around Rs 4205 crores. North East India with its diversified biodiversity has tremendous potential and advantage in this emerging area. So for sustainable and equitable development of medicinal plants the following approach has been pursued and contemplated by the institute for conservation and sustainable development of medicinal plants.

i. Diversify mapping is continuing along with inventorization at micro level for effective documentation of medicinal plants used by various tribes and village communities.

ii. Collection of germplasm of the following medicinal plants among the prioritized plants identified by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Dept of AYUSH, NMPB, Govt. of India. Development of their agro practices including intercropping, rotational cropping and post harvest technology.

Prioritized Medicinal Plants for standardization of agronomical parameters

Sl No. Common Name Botanical Name

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Aswagandha

Atees

Anantamool

Agar

Arjun

Bhumi amalaki

Brahmi

Bahera

Chirata

Withenia somnifera

Aconitum heterphyllum

Hemidesmus indicus

Aqularia agallocha

Terminalia arjuna

Phyllanthus amarus

Bacopa monerii

Terminalia balerica

Swerita chirata

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10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

Cinnamonum

Giloe

Ghritkumari

Patharchur

Jatropha(Ratanjot)

Kokum

Kutaj

Litsea

Pippali

Makoy

Madhukari

Mandhukparni

Sarpagandha

Sankhapuspi

Vach

Cinamomum sps.

Tinospora codifolia

Aloe vera

Coleus barbatus

Jatropha curcas

Garcinia indica

Holarrhena antidystrinca

Litsea sinensis

Piper longum

Solanum nigrum

Stevia rebaudiana

Cintella asiatica

Rauvolfia serpentina

Evolvulvus alsinoides

Acorus calamus

iii. In tissue culture, emphasis on mass multiplication of Cinamomum sps and Holarrhena

antidysentrica and production of secondary metabolites from commercially important medicinal plants is given

iv. In plant genomics , study is undergoing on molecular and biochemical diversity of few selected medicinal plants, its evaluation and functional significance.

v. Multiplication of quality planting materials and involvement of different community in specified locations to create germplasm bank

vi. Creation of state of the Art Analytical facilities. vii. Creation of awareness programme among the Rural folk for cultivation and conservation of

medicinal plants through demonstration and training for their socio-economic development. Keeping in view the national priority for promotion of medicinal plants, the institute is continuing to take up R & D works on medicinal plants with concerted efforts by scientists of different disciplines and is trying to proliferate the medicinal plant based industries for socioeconomic development in North Eastern Region as well as also for the country.

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CCRAS PROFILE MEDICINAL PLANT SURVEY & TRIBAL CLAIMS

A. K. Mangal, M. M. Sharma and G. S. Lavekar Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha, 61-65, Institutional Area, Opp. ‘D’ Block, Janakpuri, New Delhi-110056

The Central Council for Research in Ayurveda & Siddha (CCRAS), an apex body for the formulation, coordination and development of research in Ayurveda & Siddha on scientific lines. The research programme under this Council are broadly categorized into Clinical research including Health Care Research, Drug Research including Survey & Cultivation. Drug Standardization, Pharmacological & toxicological Studies, Literary Research alongwith Documentation & Publication and Family Welfare Research (clinical and experimental). This presentation provides a brief account of the important achievement made by the Council under Drug Research Programme.

Drug Research

The drug is considered to be one of the 4 major components of the treatment in the Ayurveda. The standard quantity and quality of the drug is essential for success of the therapy. The acquisition of the standard quality of drug requires its proper identification, adequate availability and processing. The development of the new drug is an innovation and requires Phyto-pharmacological investigations. The safety of the drug is equally important. Accordingly, the Council has taken up following categories of research programmes under drug research:

1. Medico- Ethno Botanical Survey 2. Cultivation of Medicinal Plants 3. Pharmacognostical Research 4. Chemical Research 5. Drug Standardization 6. Pharmacological / Toxicological Research

Important outcomes of these categories of research programme are given herewith: MEDICO-ETHNO BOTANICAL SURVEY The exploration of medicinal flora of the country is of paramount importance for procurement of authentic drugs (Dravyas) for on going research programmes as well as to meet the demand of the growing Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical industry. This shall ultimately lead to from an estimate of commercial availability of several Ayurvedic drugs, which are currently in demand for research work and pharmaceutical industry. The survey teams at various institutes / centers / units (6 nos.) have conducted qualitative and quantitative surveys of different forest areas to unearth hidden treasures of ethno-medico-botanical wealth of the country. About 400 forest areas in different states have been surveyed. The Council has about 1, 20,000 herbarium specimens in different regional Herbaria and about 3000 museum samples in the various regional museums of the Council. In addition to this, survey teams of the Council collect drug samples and supply it to different institutes / centers / units engaged in carrying out different research studies. A good collection of about 3800 folklore claims have also been made by these teams and out of this, a monograph entitled “AN APPRAISAL OF TIRBAL FOLK MEDICINE” covering about 2700 folklore claims have been published. Each formula covers the local name, Sanskrit name, botanical name alongwith synonyms, the area of collection, part(s) used and method of administration. The

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zoological names in case of animal products are also given. The important publications under medico-ethno-botanical survey programme are as follow:

1. A Report of Medicinal Plants of Kachchha (Gujarat) 2. Contribution to the Medico-Botany of East & West Godavari Districts of Andhra Pradesh 3. Glimpses of Medico-Botany of Bastar District (M.P.) 4. Medio-Botanical Exploration of Puri District 5. Medico-Ethno-Botany of Sonebhadra District. 6. Medico - Ethno - Botanical Explorations of Sikkim Himalayas. 7. Medicinal Plants of Nagpur & Wardha Forest Divisions (Maharashtra). 8. Medico-Botanical Exploration of Phulbani & Koraput Districts of Orissa. 9. Observations of Medico-Botany of Andaman - Nicobar Islands. 10. Preliminary Techno Economical Survey of Natural Resources and Herbal Wealth of Laddakh 11. Tribal Pockets of Nilgiris Recordings of the Field Study on Medicinal Flora & Health Practices. 12. Uttarakhand Vanoushadhi Darshika.

CULTIVATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS The Council has under taken programme on cultivation of medicinal plants in different parts of the country. The main objective of this programme is to study adaptability, growth, flowering, fruiting and also to assess the field at different altitudinal levels and other ecological conditions etc. besides providing quality drug material in adequate quantity for various research programme of the Council. These gardens also work out suitable agro-techniques for the successful cultivation and growth of scarcely distributed / rare/ / threatened medicinal plant species. Works done by the different institutes / centres / units (6 nos) are as follow:

1. Area under cultivation (in acres) 83.14 2. Total No. of species under cultivation 700* 3. No. of Guggulu plants under cultivation 13838 4. F No. of plants included in AFI – I 200 *several plants are common

Two publications entitled “Cultivation of Commiphora wightii (Guggulu) and Experimental

cultivation of saffron (Kumkum)” were published by Council. Successfully experimental cultivation of saffron (Crocus sativus Linn.) is being undertaken in selected land at Ranikhet at an altitude of 6000 feets. Routine application of agro techniques and adaptable practices are carried out. Study and experiments, with the growth of corms and plants, yield of saffron was also undertaken. The Council is also conducting Tissue culture studies to propagate multiply and conserve rare/vulnerable/endangered and important Ayurvedic medicinal plants. The study also involves standardization of the in vitro propagation techniques and the comparatives phyto-chemical investigations of calli and naturally growing plants. The Council has successfully developed Protocol for Shalparni (Desmodium gangeticum D.C.), Banafsha (Viola serpens Wall.), Prasarini (Paedaria foetida L.), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennel), Guggulu {Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari} and Sariva

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(Hemidesmus indicus R. Br.) because some plants species are in high demand, over exploited and some are threatened. PHARMACOGNOSTICAL RESEARCH The crude drugs occur in commerce in entire or broken conditions or sometimes in the powdered form. In many cases same drug is known or being sold under various names or different drugs under the same name thus causing a great deal of confusion. In order to established the correct botanical identity of a drug, it is essential to collect detailed information on the authentic drug as well as its various substitutes and adulterants. There is also need of the investigation on drugs, which are already in practice under the same name. For establishing the botanical identity of the drug alongwith their substitutes, and adulterants, the Pharmacognostical Research Units of the Council have taken up the Pharmacognostical investigations of the drugs, which are widely used in Ayurveda alongwith their substitutes and adulterants.

So far 175 drugs have been studied and Council has published three volumes on Pharmacognosy of Indigenous Drugs in Volume 1, 2 & 3. The different aspects of each drug e.g. origin, botanical / Sanskrit names, regional names, properties, classical / modern used botanical description of part used, distribution, cultivation methods, macroscopic and microscopic characters quantitative value of drug matter and moisture is also given. The preliminary physico-chemical, phyto-chemical analysis and analysis of powder drug are also given.

CHEMICAL RESEARCH Chemical studies have an important role in the development of drug for therapeutic use. These studies reveal various compounds present in the plant drugs which act as active ingredients. The Phyto-chemical Research Units of the Council have so far isolated and characterized different active principles from 300 medicinal plants. A monograph entitled “PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF CERTAIN MEDICINAL PLANTS USED IN AYURVEDA” have also been published. DRUG STANDARDIZATION Standardization of raw drugs, manufacturing processes and finished products play an important role in the therapeutic efficacy of Ayurveda and Siddha drugs / formulations. Standardization of compound formulations comprising of multi herbal drugs / herbomineral components and various classes of drugs / formulations like Bhasma, Asava and Arista and Rasa Yogas etc. is very difficult tasks. The Council has taken up the task of laying down standards of single drugs as well as compound formulations and method of preparation through its Drug Standardization Units. So far 500 Ayurveda, 130 Siddha Single drugs and 500 Ayurveda, and 111 Siddha Compound formulations have been standardization Council has also brought out booklet entitled “PHARMACOPOEIAL STANDARDS FOR AYURVEDIC FORMULATIONS”. PHARMACOLOGICAL / TOXICOLOGICAL RESEARCH Pharmacological and Toxicological studies constitute a very vital part in Drug Research Programme. These studies are carried out on experimental models in different species of animals. The

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result obtained provide vital information for pursuing clinical studies. Various Pharmacological and Toxicological Research units of the Council have so far studied about 350 single drugs / compound formulations / coded drugs identified for clinical studies Council has also brought out booklet entitled “PHARMACOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF CERTAIN MEDICINAL PLANTS AND COMPOUND FORMULATIONS USED IN AYURVEDA AND SIDDHA”.

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Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable development

N. C. Talukdar and Prof. M. Rohinikumar Singh* *Director, Institute of Biorerouces and Sustainable Development Talyelpat Institutional Area, Imphal, Manipur-795001

Introduction

The Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) was established by the Government of India in the year 2000 under the 10th five year plan as a project titled “Establishment of IBSD”. IBSD was registered in April, 2001, under the Manipur Societies Registration Act, 1989, but its regular activity started in the rented building of Department of Science and technology at Imphal from 2003 with the appointment of its first Director.

It now has the distinction of being one of the seven autonomous Institutes of Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India in North East India and is located at the Takyelpat Institutional Area at a distance of about 3 kms. from Imphal, the capital city of Manipur. Each of the seven institutes of DBT has distinctive mandate and carries out research in a specific areas . IBSD is located in the Indo Indo-Burma Biodiversity Mega Hotspot. Based on the concentration of endemic species and degree of threat to these species, the world life resources have been delineated into biodiversity mega hotspots. As per the classification of the United Nation Conservation International, 34 such biodiversity mega hostspots are currently recognized and location of IBSD in the Indo-burma biodiversity is significant from the perspectives of using the bioresources of these hotspots for economic and social development of the northeastern region of the country. Indo Burma mega biodiversity hotspots ranks 6th among the biodiversity mega hotspot of the world and this rank reflects enormous diversity of species in the region. Like in all the biodiversity mega hotspots, economically poor people of the NE India has been inhabiting the goldmine of bioresouces, but there was no institutional efforts made in the past to harness the benefit of the rich bioresources through scientific research. Development and sustainable use of the bioresources of the Indo Indo-Burma Biodiversity Mega Hotspot through biotechnological intervention is the mission of the institute. Prevalence of wide range of climate ranging from tropical to alpine in the geographically limited Indian region of Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot must have acted as a catalyst in evolution of broad gene pool for use in development of transgenic, innate products and processes. To realize the potential of the vast gene pools of the region the project “establishment of IBSD” of the govt. of India included the following six objectives:

Objectives

1. To set up the state of art biotechnology research facilities at Imphal, which is at the centre of the Indo-Burmese Biodiversity Hotspot for sustainable development of bioresearches using -tools of modern biology.

2. To study and document the unique biodiversity of bio-geographic junction of the Indian and oriental landmasses.

3. To develop biotechnological interventions for sustainable development and utilization of bioresources.

4. To undertake capacity building (human resource development) in bioresouces conservation and management.

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5. To generate technological packages for employments generation and economic progress of the region.

6. To collaborate with other institutions/- organizations/-universities nationally and internationally in furthering research pursuits in bioresources.

Research programmes of IBSD: Currently research is conducted under three broad programmes- 1. Medicinal and Horticultural

Plant Resources, 2. Microbial Resources and 2. Bioresources Database and Bioinformatics. A pilot project on "Fish Bioresources of Manipur" has also been initiated under which a Fish Bioresources laboratory developed, which eventually will be part of greater aquatic Bioresources programme. The institute has also started the process of developing insect bioresources programme to harness the vast diversity of edible insects of the region. Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India has also established a distributed bioinformatics sub centre in the institute and it facilitates the R and D activities of the institute along with the bioresources data base and library and documentation unit.

Research achievements under different programmes: Medicinal and Horticultural Plant Resources Programme: Under this programme the sub project includes 1. Plant taxonomy and ex-situ conservation, 2. Plant tissue culture and biotechnology and 3. Prospecting of bioactive compounds, in essential oils, for therapeutic use. Plant taxonomy and ex-situ conservation The research focus under this sub project is collection, taxonomic identification and multiplication of selected fruits, ornamentals, medicinal and dye yielding plants of economic importance. So far several plant species of horticultural, ornamental, medicinal and aromatic values have been taxonomically identified. The six species (Citrus maxima, Citrus macroptera, Citrus aurantium cv. Kachai, Citrus reticulata cv. Khasi, Citrus reticulata, Citrus aurantifolia) in the family Rutaceae have been identified to have potential for commercial horticulture in the region. Musa paradisiaca cv. Meitei Hei (local indigenous variety) in the family Musaceae has also been identified as a highly potential banana variety for the region.

A number of ornamental plant species are available in Indo-Burma region, but eleven species with export potential have been taxonomically identified from this region. Out of these, six species (Dendrobium transparens, Aerides odoratum, Vanda coerulescens, Rhyncostylis retusa, Vanilla planifolia, Renanthera imschootiana) belong to family Orchidaceae, an endemic species, Lilium macklineae Sealy (locally known as Siroy Lily) belongs to the family Liliaceae and Iris bakeri Wallich and Iris wattii Baker belong to family Iridiaceae.

Many species of medicinal, aromatic and dye yielding plants in different families are also identified in the Indo-Burma region. Eight species (Costus speciosus, Zingiber zerumbet, Zingiber cassumunar, Zingiber officinale, Alpinia galanga, Amomum aromaticum, Kaempferia galanga, Kaempferia rotunda) in the family Zingiberaceae, five species (Allium hookeri, A. tuberosum, A. stracheyi, A. ascalonium, A. tuberosum) of family Lilliacae, fifteen species (Coleus barbatus, Elsholtzia blanda, Pogostemon parviflorus, Mentha arvensis, M. piperita, M. spicata, Meriandra bengalensis, Ocimum americanum, O.

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basilicum, O. gratissimum, O. kilimandscharicum, Leucas aspera, Leonerus sibiricus, Salvia splendens, Scutellaria discolor) of family Lamiacae, four species (Strobilanthus cusia, Adhatoda vasica, Phlogocanthus thyrsiflorus, P. jenkinssi) of family Acanthacae and one species in each of family Apiaceae (Eryngium foetidum), Bixaceae (Bixa orellana L), and Lauraceae, (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC.) have been taxonomically identified and their herbarium specimens prepared. Rare and endangered species such as Panax pseudoginseng, Iris bakeri, and Lilium macklineae and some species in the family Orchidaceae, Zingiberaceae, Musaceae, Asteraceae, Leguminoceae, Lamiaceae, Rutaceae, Acanthaceae, Bixaceae and Apiaceae are maintained in the field gene bank and net house. Plant tissue culture and biotechnology Ornamental Plants:Orchids (Family: Orchidaceae)

Approximately, 184 genera and 1,229 sp. of orchid are reported to occur in India of which NE region has more than 159 genera and 870 species. Out of these, about 249 species under 69 genera of orchids are reported to occur in Manipur. Some important orchid species of Manipur have beautiful colour and appearance and can be utilized for commercial floriculture. In vitro seed germination of Dendrobium transparens, Aerides odoratum, Vanda coerulea and Vanda teres has been successfully carried out under laboratory conditions, in vitro regeneration of A. odoratum and D. transparens has been accomplished and their hardening is in progress. Dzuko lily (Lilium chitrangadae) and Shiroy lily (Lilium mecklineae) are found in some restricted pockets of Ukhrul district of Manipur. In vitro multiplication of Dzuko lily and Shiroy lily has also been initiated under lab conditions in the institutes. Fruit Plants Citrus (Family: Rutaceae)

NE India is known as centre for origin of Citrus species. For commercial exploitation of valuable Citrus spp., production of large numbers virus free planting materials is required. In vitro micropropagation has been done by using C. reticulata, C. aurentifolia, C. macroptera and C. maxima. Further, in vitro mass multiplication of C. reticulata cv. Khasi, C. aurantium cv. Kachai and C. macroptera cv. local has been accomplished for large scale production and supply of planting materials to commercial growers. Zingers (Family: Zingiberaceae)

Many species of zingers are considered as vegetables, spices, condiments and some have high medicinal values. North-East region is considered as a center of biodiversity of zingers. Research work has been carried out to establish in vitro germplasm repository for selected species in the family Zingiberaceae. In vitro multiplications were achieved by using rhizome buds of C. longa L. cv. Lakadong, Hedychium coronarium Koenig, Kaempferia galanga, L. K. rotunda L., Zingiber cassumunar Roxb., Z. officinale Rosc., and Z. zerumbet Rosc. In vitro multiple shoot induction was also achieved in case of C. longa L. cv. Lakadong, K. galanga, K rotunda, Z. cassumnar and currently hardening trials are in progress. Using the protocols developed already, in vitro multiplication of C. longa cv. Lakadong, K. galalnga, C. speciosus, Z. cassumunar and Z. zerumbet is taken up for selling of seedlings to commercial growers. Prospecting of bioactive compounds in essential oils for therapeutic use.

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Aromatic and medicinal oils

In order to exploit potential aromatic and medicinal oils yielding plant species from Manipur and other north-eastern states, three plant species were initially selected on the basis of their availability and market potential of their medicinal and aromatic oils/main compounds. Identification of new sources of oil with potential for new entrepreneurship and essential oil-based industries for the region was also another basis of this research.

Gultheria fragrantissima (Family: Ericaceae) is a shrub prevalent in Shillong and other parts of Himalayan region of India. The essential oil was isolated from the leaves with about 3.0% oil yield. GC and GC-MS analysis of the oil was carried out and twenty compounds identified. The main constituent in the oil was methyl salicylate (99.05%). The process has been standardized for its utilization to interested entrepreneurs.

Eupatorium birmanicum DC. (Family: Asteraceae) locally known as Langthrei is an aromatic shrub, cultivated in Manipur and other of North Eastern states. The essential oil was isolated from the leaves of Eupatorium birmanicum with 0.18% yield. The physico-chemical properties of the oil were determined. GC and GC-MS analysis of the oil indicated that bornyl acetate (14.9%), caryophyllene (8.3%), methyl ether thymol (7.6%) and β-sesquiphellandrene (4.7%) were the main compounds.

Gynura cusimbua (Family: Asteraceae), a large size herb is commonly occurring as a weed in

Manipur. The juice of stem and leaves are applied to fresh wounds for stopping bleeding and fast healing in traditional medicines. The essential oil was isolated from the aerial parts of G. cusimbusa with 0.13% yield. The oil was analyzed by GC and GC-MS and forty seven compounds constituting 91.92% of the oil were identified. The major constituents of the oil were myrcene (31.0%) and β-phellandrene (12.43%). The result showed that G. cusimbusa could be utilized as a new source of essential oil and myrecene. Bioactive compounds from plants

Based on literature survey and availability of the important medicinal plants used by local people in traditional medicines and other purposes in north-eastern region including Manipur, Eryngium foetidum, Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus and Centella asiatica were selected for the isolation and identification of bioactive compounds for therapeutic uses.

Eryngium foetidum L. (Family: Umbelifereae) locally known as Awafadigom is a perennial spiny aromatic herbs widely occurring in Manipur and other north-eastern states. On hydrodistillation, its fresh leaves gave 0.15% of the volatile oil. Physico-chemical properties of the oil were determined and chemical analysis of the oil was carried out. Forty-four compounds accounting for 78.25% of the oil were identified.

The main components were E-2-dodecenal (38.87%), 2, 3, 6-trimethylbenzaldehyde (16.59%) and

dodecanal (8.89%). Petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol extracts of the aerial parts of Eryngium foetidum were prepared. The yields of the extracts were found to be 1.8, 2.0 and 9.0 percent on dry weight basis. Isolation and identification of the chemical compounds from various extracts is being continued.

Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus Nees. (Family:Acanthaceae) locally known as Nonmangkha sanamachu is a shrub widely growing in Manipur and the decoction of its leaves is used in fever and cough by local

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people. The leaves and flowers from this plant were collected from Imphal and extracted separately with petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol and the yield of the extracts were found to be 1.2, 2.5 and 8.3 percent and 0.5, 1.3 and 7.0% respectively. Isolation and identification of the chemical compounds from various extracts is being continued.

Centella asiatica L. (Family: Apiaceae), locally known as Peruk is a creeping herb used in stomach

ulcer, blood purifier and urinary trouble, dysentery, leucorrhoea, gonorrhea and hepatitis and skin diseases by local peoples. It has been observed that three varieties of C. asiatica are occurring in Imphal and thus selected to study the variability of asiaticoside content in their aerial parts. The aerial parts of fresh plant were dried, the petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol extracts were prepared and 0.7, 1.2 and 16.0 percent of the extracts were obtained. Further analysis of the different extracts is being continued. Zingiber and curcuma based herbal products for col, cough and pain:

A product (Haldi plus) from mixture of Turmeric oleoresin, gaultheria oil with other phyto-ingredients have been developed by the natural product chemistry scientist of the institute and result on limited test carried out on human, has shown this product to be effective against cold, headache, muscular pain and sprain. Similarly, a product named ‘zinger plus’which is a mixture of Z. cassumunar, Z. offcinale and Z. zerumbet oleoresins has been found to be very effective against cough. These products are in the process of large testing for commercialization.

Passion fruit seeds-source of Sources of Polyunsaturated edible Oils: In a recently conducted study, it has been observed that passion fruit (Passiflora edulisI) seeds and Plectranthus amboinicus seeds are rich sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids such as Linoleic acid (69%) & oleic acid (14%) totaling 83% unsaturated fatty acids (in case of passion fruit) and Linolenic acid (65%) and Linoleic acid (23%) totaling 88% unsaturated fatty acids (in case of Plectranthus amboinicus). The seeds of the two plants have been found to yield approximately 30 to 27% oils. The unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic and oleic acid have therapeutic use used to treat heart patients. Since passion fruit is abundantly available in the region and the seeds emerge as a byeproduct of the fruit juice making industry, there is great potential of commercialization of the polyunsaturated fatty acid. II. Microbial Resources

The research activity of microbial resources programme “Studies on the development of microbial resources associated with agricultural crops and fermented food products in the Indo-Burma region.” focus on isolation, characterization and screening of microorganisms for development of (1) biofertilizer, (2) biopesticides and (3) microbial starter consortia for improvement of traditional fermented food of the north eastern region of the country.

There is a linkage between the research under the microbial resources programme and the medicinal and horticultural plant resources programme. Biomass enhancement in commercial cultivation of medicinal plants, requires proper nourishment and control of pest and diseases and it is not desirable to use chemicals in management of nutrients and diseases and pest in medicinal plants. Furthermore, survival of the field planted tissue culture plantlets of medicinal and aromatic plants can be improved by use of organic sources of nutrients. Under these circumstances, microbial inocula has a major role along with compost and vermicompost. Thus development of improved compost and vermicompost is one of the major

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research thrusts in the institute. Because, it is produced under ambient environment, the quality and nutrient content of vermicompost are, in general, better than that of compost. However, major constraints in the Imphal valley and many other parts of NE India, is that the earthworm activity during the winter months is drastically reduced and the vermicompost producers face hurdles. Techniques have been developed in IBSD to produce earthworm culture and vermicompost using the exotic species, Eudrillus eugeniae, during winter months under plastic sheds, in which temperature can be maintained between 18 to 30 ºC. Similarly, research for enrichment of vermicompost with agriculturally important microorganisms AIM) is also in progress in the institute. Vermicompost carries a high load of beneficial microroganisms such as Azotobacter, Azospirillum, P solubilising bacteria besides many general purpose heterotrpoic bacteria and fungi. However, if improved strains of AIM bacteria is established in large quantity, the value of the vermicompost can increase greatly. To develop proper tools to monitor the survival, multiplication and persistence of the introduced bacteria is a challenge. Currently, antibiotic resistance markers have been used to monitor the introduced bacteria and encouraging results have been obtained with few superior strains of Azospirillum and Azotobacter species. Use of more reliable markers such as transformation of the strains with Lac Z and green fluorescent protein gene are also planned to be carried out.

Neptunia oleracea nodule bacteria as potential source of biofertilizer: Neptunia oleracea (NO) is a floating aquatic leguminous plant bearing profuse pink colour nodules

in its roots which remain dip in water. This bacterium has been purified and subjected to Kock’s potulate for confirmation as the root nodulating bacteria in NO. In repeated experiments, paranodules were observed on roots of rice grown on culture tubes (semi-solid Jenson’s medium) and pots (soil) due to inoculation of two day old sprouted seeds of rice with Neptunia nodule bacteria (NNB). Ehancement of rice root growth due to inoculation with NNB was observed in control environment experiments. Acetylene reduction assay (ARA) of rice roots to confirm N2 fixation due to inoculation and contribution of Neptunia to rice N requirement is currently in progress.

Blue Green Algae (BGA) as biofertilizers and source of single cell protein and natural colourants

IBSD has created a rich pool of cyanobacteria of more than 300 isolates from the north east India

A large number of these isolate are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen as evident from the nitrogenase activity [(Acetylene Reduction Assay (ARA) ]upto 0 to 7.06 n mole C2H4/µg Chl/h. Five isolates showed activity in the range 6.39-7.06 n mole C2H4/µg Chl/h. The potential of these isolates as biofertilizers on rice have been evaluated.

Currently, the research on BGA has been expanded to select BGA strains from the collection with potential as a source of single cell protein. The role of Spirulina as a source of vitamins, protein and antioxidants in phramceutical industry is well known and IBSD’s collection of BGA contains few isolates of Spirulina from NE India and these isolates are tested for these important properties. Similarly, some of the isolates are very rich in natural colouring agents such as phycocyacin and phycobillin for exploitation as a in food industry.

Selection of bacterial pesticide against soil borne plant pathogen:

Chemical control of wilt disease of vegetables is difficult to accomplish. Ten bacterial isolates were

tested for their antagonistic activity against five wilt disease causing soil-borne fungi, Macrophomina phaseolina, R. solani, A. niger, A. fumigatus, Fusarium oxysporum and S. sclerotiorum. Seven of these

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bacterial isolates were found to exhibit strong antagonisms in-vivo with highest level of antagonisms was shown by the isolate RFP 36.

Antagonistic activity of RPF 36 against Macrophomina phaseolina in dual culture assay plate was found to increase if the pathogen was inoculated on 2nd and 3rd day of bacterial streaking and this suggests enhanced secretion of active principles by the aged culture Growth promotion and bio-control effect of RPF 36

Inoculation of culture of RPF 36 alone or in presence of the wilt causer M. phaseoli to broad bean grown in a low P soil ( 5 ppm) resulted in much better growth of plant compared to growth of plant in M. phaseoli added soil. The dual activity (biocontrol and P-solubilization) of RPF 36 was clearly reflected in this in vitro experiment. Results of field experiments in micro plot have confirmed its antifungal activity. Currently, research is in progress to characterize the bioactive principles of the bacteria using HPLC, GC-MS and NMR and to carry out large scale field testing and develop formulations for commercial use. Fermented food research: Bacterial isolates of Hawaijar and mold and yeast of hamei

Fermented food microbiology research initially concentrated on the documentation of indigenous traditional knowledge (ITK) on process of preparation of fermented foods and beverages in Manipur and creation of a pool of microbial strains associated with hawaijar (traditional fermented soybean) and hamei (starter for traditional rice wine production).

Altogether, 126 bacterial isolates were obtained from hawaijar and 78 mold and 157 yeast isolates from hameiI and classification of these isolates have been carried out The isolates from hamei have been screened for their starch hydrolyzing activity (SHA) to detect industrially important isolates Their molecular characterization is currently in progress.

A large pool of soyben fermenting (Hawaijar) Bacillus has also been created and a consortium of eight isolates have been tested as starter culture in production of hawaijar of high quality. A striking discovery in the hawaijar fermenting Bacillus was that some of them exhibited very high level of fibrinolytic activity. The fibrinolytic enzymes are well recognized to have ability to prevent blood clotting and thus a new research area is emerging in the IBSD.

Aquatic bioresources Bioresources

The main research focuses have been conservation of the indigenous fishes of the region, development of seed production technologies for indigenous table fishes and formulation of low cost fish feed.

Induced breeding of Osteobrama belangeri (V)

Osteobrama belangeri (V), Pengba is an endemic and important food fish of the Indo-Burma region. Induced breeding has been successfully carried out for this endemic fish species in the month of

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August, 2004. One year old individuals (3 females and 5 males) growing in fiberglass tanks of 2.0m (L) x 1.0m (D) x 1.0m (W) dimension, were injected with two doses (1.5 and 2.0 mg/kg body weight) of carp pituitary gland (PG). Female brooder receiving PG @ 2.0mg/kg body weight showed fecundity @ 2.5 lakhs per kilogram body weight. The fertilization and hatching rate of eggs were 90% and 80%, respectively.

Development of fish feed pellets from non-conventional low cost locally available energy resources Fish feed in pellet forms have been formulated using mixture of wastes such as chicken gut, silkworm

pupa, unio meat, dried fish waste, aquatic weeds, waste of rice beer, rice bran. These feed pellets were supplemented with vegetable oil (5.0%, V/V) and vitamin and mineral mixture (2.0% V/V) and fed to Osteobrama belangeri (Val) fries @ 5% body weight. Fish growth, feeding efficiency, food consumption and feeding efficiency ratios were found to be best with chicken gut based diet. These results suggest that rearing of O. belangeri using low cost animal waste based feeds are practically feasible and can considerably reduce the cost of production of this dwindling fish resource

The bioresources data base unit has developed a model-digitized database of 'Bioresources of North-east' which include more than 3,000 species including 575 floras and 2466 fauna of north-east region using Visual Basic and MS Access. For the up-to-date information of researchers and their research activities as well as networking among the scientists of northeastern region, the development of 'Northeastern Scientist Database' has been initiated. Microbes Database compatible to 'Inventory of Microbial Resources of India' (MTCC) has been designed for the microbial data collected by the Institute. Separate databases on 'Zingeberales and Legumes of Manipur' with maximum useful characters (fields) and interactive search options is aslo in progress. Broadband Internet connectivity of 128 kbps from Software Technology Park of India (STPI) has been established and network-supporting equipments such as Router and Firewall have been installed. Website of the Institute developed and hosted on NIC Imphal server with the URL http://www.ibsd-imphal.nic.in with time-to-time updates.

Research collaboration with institute of national and internation repute is an important objective of IBSD. So far four net work projects involving the scientists of the North east India have been formulated under the medicinal and horticultural plants and microbial resources programme. The fermented food microbiology unit has established international collaboration with Italy to characterize the fermenting mcroflora of the rice wine starter. Besides these, the institute organize training and workshop to promote the activity concerning characterization, utilization and conservation of plant, microbes and aquatic bioresources of the region and in future he institute plans to open a full fledged programme on bioresources education and technology transfer (BETT) programme. IBSD became operational in 2003 and four years of a R & D institute is not long enough to create visibility in terms of technology generation and dissemination. However, several leads have emerged in the medicinal and aromatic and microbial research programmes as evident from the foregoing write-up, on which the institute will be carrying out research rigorously. As the institute grows with addition of more scientists, research programmes and technology output, a BETT programme will play a pivotal role in converting the bireources wealth of the region into currency of economic prosperity.

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Opportunities for cultivation of Medicinal and

Aromatic Plants in India

Satyabrata Maiti National Research Centre for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Boriavi 387 310, Anand, Gujarat E-mail: director@nrc-map.org www.nrc-map.org

Using medicinal and aromatic plants in improving the quality of life is a 5000 years legacy in India. India is also fortunate, perhaps, to have the richest reservoir of traditional herbal medicinal plants and prescriptions. The Indian system of medicines comprise of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani are having their long root in our society. Ayurveda is perhaps the oldest system of medicine predominantly use medicinal plants for their medicine preparation and formulations. Modern phramacopia also use medicinal plants substantially and about 25% of modern drugs derived from plants. The present era is witnessing a fascinating rejuvenation in the traditional system of medicine by the slogan of back to nature.

India’s plant bio-diversity is one of the richest in the world and estimated to have about 43000 of plant species on the earth. Western Ghat and Himalayas are the most tempting locations for those in the bio-industries causing a serious danger to the wealth due to its over exploitation causing serious depletion. About 7500 plant species out of 43000 that are said to exist in the country are recorded in various folklore medicines. About 1700 species are referred in Ayurvedic texts.

India has long history of using of herbal products not only as medicine but also for cosmetics, health hygiene, toiletries, fragrance and food supplements. The global herbal industry is projected to be worth USD 200 billion in 2008 and USD 5 trillion in 2050 (Source: The World Bank Report 2000). Functional food market is increasing in a very fast space. These foods are used for correction and maintenance of gut health, heart health, bone health and to improve immune function. A large number of tropical plants high in antioxidants, protein and immunomodulator content are good candidates for functional food to capture growing market. Present market is about 2.0 b US$ in Europe and about 5.0 b US$ in US. Similarly, at present herbal cosmetic is a new emerging field known as cosmeceuticals (functional make up) parallel to the trend of functional food. These are cosmetics and pharmaceuticals hybrids designed to promote the skin health and beauty. Some of the moisturizers, for example, are designed for trans-dermal system of nutrients delivery to the body. Present market of cosmeceuticals is 5.0 b US$ in Europe and 2.5 b US$ in US. Products of Aloe vera are now widely used in cosmetics. Similarly identifying traditional skin care and beauty products may offer good scope for future business.

India’s share in the growing world herbal market is negligible mainly because of inadequate investment in this sector in terms of research and validation of our old heritage knowledge in the light of modern science that is acceptable to the science led world. However, potential of India is immense, if orchestrated efforts are put forth with a clear vision to capture a lion share of the world herbal trade in next 10 years. We need to give a special emphasis on natural products derived from herbs, spices, aromatic and

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medicinal plants from the rich biodiversity of our tropical rain forest of western Ghat and temperate forests of Himalayas.

Status of Trade in Medicinal Plants Out of 8000 plant species recorded in medicinal use in India, more than 1000 are estimated to be in

commercial trade as plant raw drugs. Inventory of such species, prepared by FRLHT, based on extensive surveys of plant raw drug markets across the country and responses obtained from a few sampled ISM industries, enlists about 880 botanical species. Out of top 100 traded medicinal plants of India, Only 5 of these species are obtained entirely from cultivation, namely, Aloe barbadensis, Cassia angustifolia, Lowsonia inermis, Plantago ovata, and Trachyspermum ammi. The remaining 95 species occur in cultivated as well as wild state (41 species) or only in wild state (54 species). There is a need to develop appropriate strategies for cultivation of remaining species. Weakness of the MP sector These are the weakness of sector which needs immediate attention.

1. Poor data base (do not match with production, utilization and supply) 2. Lack of quality well defined quality standard of raw drug & ISM products 3. Lack of knowledge on quality aspects of variability available in nature 4. Inadvertent use of wrong plant species 5. Marketing: inefficient; informal; secretive and opportunistic 6. Lack of desire to collaborate and cooperate among stakeholders

Role of ICAR in Promotion of MP

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research established a National Research Centre for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (NRCMAP) on November 24, 1992 in a 20.2 hectare irrigated land at Boriavi in Anand district of Gujarat to work exclusively on medicinal and aromatic plants. The ICAR is also having All India Co-ordinated Research Projects on medicnal and aromatic plants since 1971 which has been renamed as All India Networking Research Project on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (AINPMAP) in the 10th five year plan. There are ten centres in SAUs distributed in different climatic conditions.

Our Strength

1. We have diverse climatic conditions for growing large number of MP and rich biodiversity from our tropical rain forest of western ghat and temperate forests of Himalayas.

2. We have created All India Networking Research Project centres located in almost all conditions. 3. NRCMAP offers a platform for G x E interaction study which is important for quality assurance of

MP. 4. NRCMAP gives a forum for germplasm assembly within the country.

Research Mandates

1. Develop Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for important medicinal plants through basic, strategic and applied research.

2. Germplasm enhancement of various medicinal and aromatic plants.

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3. Coordinate research under the All India Networking Research Project on Medicinal & Aromatic Plants

4. Act as a National Repository for the genetic resources of some important medicinal and aromatic plants

5. Acts as an Information Data Bank on medicinal and aromatic plants. 6. Transfer of technologies developed by the NRC to the farmers through cooperation with the

developmental agencies

Mandate Crops

1. Isabgol (Plantago ovata) 2. Senna (Cassia angustifolia) 3. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) 4. Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), 5. Guggal (Commiphora wightii), 6. Aloe (Aloe barbadensis), 7. Safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), 8. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), 9. Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii)

Our Research Thrusts Crop Improvement

1. Introduction, collection and Enhancement of germplasmBreeding for high yieldBreeding for qualityBreeding for disease - pests resistance

Crop Production 1. Development of Good Agricultural Practices 2. Water, Nutrient Integrated pest management3. Developing yield forecasting models Crop Protection 1. Development of IPM technology 2. Disease and Pest forecasting Quality Assessment 1. Development of new and fast techniques for quality assessment 2. Monitoring of quality of raw material 3. Fixing standards for raw material Post Harvest Management 1. Development of efficient drying system 2. Development of storage technology for reducing post harvest losses 3. Monitoring of aflatoxin contamination Biotechnology 1. Genetic Finger printing 2. Micro-propagation

Services Available 1. Consultancy for cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants 2. Contract research on any aspects of Medicinal and Aromatic crops

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3. Contract services such as testing of chemicals/products, soil test, plant analysis etc. 4. Genuine planting material of 300 plant species

Facilities available NRCMAP is having a modern sophisticated analytical laboratories which can be shared with the industries. Scope, Research and Extension need of medicinal plants in NE India E. Meru, B. K. Pandey and Y. C. Tripathi Bioprospecting & Indigenous Knowledge Division Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat Abstract

The medicinal properties of the plants reflect the creative powers of nature. If true remedies are found in nature then poisonous drugs and chemicals would be eliminated, and sickness would be rare. In Ayurveda about 2000 plant species are considered to have medicinal value, while the Chinese Pharmacopoeia lists over 5,700 traditional medicines, most of which are of plant origin. Medicinal plants have curative properties due to the presence of secondary plant metabolites in various complex chemicals substances of different composition are grouped as alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, saponin, essential oils etc. The quality and quantity of active principal contents of medicinal plants vary with different growth stages and depends on the harvesting & post harvest care. Superior clone/high yielding variety further expanded the scope of cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants. The state of Northeast India with its rich tribal culture, bio-diversity and varied agro-climatic conditions in divergent altitudes offers immense scope for the productions of various types of medicinal plants. In the NE India the tropical, temperate, high altitudes and alpine plants can be grow i.e. Amla, Agar, Sarpagandha, Aswagandha, Pipli, Ginseng, valeriana, Rubia, Swertia, Taxus, Aconite, Kutki, Podophyllum etc. The areas are suitable for cultivation of several economic important medicinal and aromatic plants. Cultivation and farming of medicinal plants requires skill and trend people. These plants can be grown in kitchen gardens, small plantations, large farms, eco-parks with greater area coverage. It is possible to grow them as, single species, intercrop or multi-tier plantation. They can also be incorporated into agroforestry models. JFM programme can also play a vital role in the field of production and in situ conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants. Training on various aspects of developed technologies of the medicinal plants are needed and by various means of extension, the technologies should be provided to progressive farmers/Forest Protection Committees /SHGs /NGOs /GOs in local languages Introduction

Plants are an integral part of nature. The medicinal properties of the plants reflect the creative powers of nature. They are the life-sustaining force on earth. They are designed with a specific purpose. There is a wonderful science in nature, in trees, herbs, roots and flowers which man has never fathomed. If true remedies are found in nature then poisonous drugs and chemicals would be eliminated, and sickness would be rare. World is endowed with a rich wealth of medicinal plants. It is estimated that around 70,000 plant species, from lichens to flowering trees, have been used at one time or another for medicinal purposes. In Ayurveda about 2000 plant species are considered to have medicinal value, while the Chinese Pharmacopoeia lists over 5,700 traditional medicines, most of which are of plant origin. Medicinal plants

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have curative properties due to the presence of various complex chemicals substances of different composition, which are found as secondary plant metabolites in one or more parts of these plants. These plant metabolites, according to their composition, are grouped as alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, essential oils etc. During the past few decades there have been a rapid extension of the allopathic system of medicinal treatment in India, it generated commercial demands for pharmacopoeia drug and their products in India. India has rich heritage of plant-based drugs both for preventive and curative medicine. Modern pharmaceutical practices have made it amply clear that the production of medicinal herbs is as important as any other food crop. The quality and quantity of active principal contents such as steroids, alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, saponin, etc. present as secondary metabolites in medicinal plants vary with different growth stages and depends on the harvesting & post harvest care of the herb.

The northeast region of India comprising eight states of the country covers an area of 262177 sq.

km.; about 71% of which is mountainous and remaining 29% is valley mainly of Brahmputra and Barak river systems. The state of Northeast India with its rich tribal culture, bio-diversity and varied agro-climatic conditions in divergent altitudes offers immense scope for the productions of various types of medicinal plants. Here the tropical, temperate, high altitudes and alpine plants can be grow i.e. Amla, Agar, Sarpagandha, Aswagandha, Pipli, Ginseng, valeriana, Rubia, Swertia, Taxus, Aconite, Kutki, Podophyllum etc. the areas are suitable for cultivation of several economic important medicinal and aromatic plants. Cultivation and farming of medicinal plants will require better understanding of the agro techniques and propagation techniques. These plants can be grown as home kitchen gardens, small plantations holders, large farms, eco parks with greater area coverage. It is possible to grow them as, single species, intercrop or multi-tier plantation. They can also be incorporated into agroforestry models.

Joint Forest Management Committees can also play a vital role in the field of production and in situ conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants. Training on various aspects of developed technologies of the medicinal plants are needed and by various means of extension, the technologies should be provided to progressive farmers/Forest Protection Committees /SHGs /NGOs /GOs in local languages

Global Scenario of Medicinal Plants

The global demand for medicinal plants is ever increasing. There is less or negligible efforts on scientific farming of medicinal plants are made and extensions of technologies are lagging behind. Unprecedented economic growth since the industrial revolution has come at the huge cost of environmental degradation. Forests are degrading at an alarming rate and plants are loosing their natural habit and habitat. According to the report of World Health Organization, a large population of the world relies on the traditional systems of medicines, largely plant based to meet their primary health care needs. The International market of herbal products is estimated to be US $ 62 billion, which is passed to grow to US $ 5 trillion by the year 2050. India's share in the global export market of medicinal plant related trade is less than 0.5%. In view of the innate Indian strengths, which include diverse ecosystems, technical & financial capacity and a strong manufacturing sector, the medicinal plant can become a huge export opportunity after fulfilling domestic needs.

In recent times, many medium and large-scale industries have come up in India and other

developing countries manufacturing cosmetic, pharmaceutical, nutraceuticals products etc from plant parts by using modern technology and quality control. A number of multinational companies are extracting phytochemicals viz., alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, etc. from plant parts for preparation of medicines. This new demand is generating considerable income at local and national levels. Moreover, finished products from medicinal plants are not classified in the national or international product and economic systems for

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trade and exports. This has resulted in neglect and low budgetary support for development of this vital sector, especially of rural economy.

Indian Scenario of Medicinal Plants

India has a rich heritage of traditional knowledge of medicine of plant origin that grow widely in

forest and in hill region. Some of these medicinal plants and their derivatives have found their use and required by pharmaceutical industries. The rich past alone is no guaranty for prosperous future unless we make persistent effort to harness the opportunities which science and technology can offer for the use of man kind. The natural resource of plants however, large extensive and exhaustible. Due to ruthless exploitation of medicinal plants without adopting conservation measure some important medicinal plants fall under threatened, rare and endangered category and time has now come to bring this medicinal wealth on the farmer’s field and even in the kitchen gardens of people of rural and urban areas. So, that the medicinal plants can be preserved, multiplied and used for common human ailments. Looking to the usefulness of these plants, there is heavy demand in ayurvadic /modern medicine industries. Developing the standards for quality and promoting them requires consensus and coordinated efforts. But most importantly in case of medicinal plants commitment would be required in all stages of cultivation, processing, packing and up to end use than only pressure on the natural forest would be reduced and conservation efforts will be fruitful to both mankind and nature.

Taking into consideration these points following traditionally and commercially important medicinal

plants can be propagated, cultivated and conserved successfully. The National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB) has identified and prioritized 32 species for large-scale cultivation in our country (Table- 1). These plants can be grown in homesteads, community and village lands, rural areas, vicinity of agricultural and horticultural fields, jhum fallows, forested locations, etc. in various altitudes with suitable species.

Out of 32 plants identified by NMPB, 25 medicinal plants can be well grown in the NE India. From

the experience gained in by survey and documentation by the Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat a few more species having market potential could be considered for cultivation and economic development of the region through proper awareness generation, extension of technologies, cultivation and development of market Pogostemon cablin, Rubia cordifolia L., Coptis teeta Wall., Panax sikkimensis, Podophyllum haxandrum Royle, Piper mullesua, Taxus wallichiana, (syn. T. baccata), Clerodendrum colebrookianum, Illicium griffithii, Aquilaria agallocha, Costus speciosus, Oroxylum indicum, Terminalia arjuna, Termanalia bellirica,Terminalia chebula, Acorus calamus, Dioscorea floribunda, Costus speciousus, Curcuma ceacia, Plumbago zeylanica, Cymbopogon martini etc. but there is lack of general awareness among the people about benefits of plantations and technology of cultivating them. This is largely because of non availability of information and cultivation packages. The Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat which has been working, in the field of medicinal plants in North east Indian states has come forward to fill this lacuna. Table 1:- List of priority species of medicinal plants identified by the NMPB, GoI. S. No.

Name of the species

Occurrence in NE india

1. Phyllanthus emblica. * 2. Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De Willd. * 3. Withania somenifera (L.) DunaL *

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4. Aconitum ferox Wall. * 5. Aegle marmelos (L). Corr. * 6. Phyllanthus amarus Schum & Thonn. (Syn. P. niruri L.) * 7. Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell. * 8. Santalum album L. 9. Swertia chirayita Buch-Hum. * 10. Tinospora cordifolia Miers. * 11. Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. 12. Commiphora wightii (Am.) Bhandari. * 13. Berberis aristata DC * 14. Plantago ovata Forsk. 15. Nardostachys jatamansi DC. * 16. Andrographis paniculata L. * 17. Gloriosa superba L. * 18. Garcinia indica L.

19. Saussurea costus C.B. Clark (Syn. S. lappa) * 20. Picrorhiza kurroa Benth. * 21. Glycirrhiza glabra L. * 22. Piper longum L. * 23. Solanum nigrum L. * 24. Chlorophytum arundinaceum Baker.

(Syn. C. borivillianum)

25. Coleus barbatus Benth. 26. Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. * 27. Cassia angustifolia . * 28. Asparagus racemosus Wind. * 29. Ocimum sanctum L. * 30. Embelia ribes Burm. f. * 31. Aconitum ferox Wall. * 32. Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy

Research and Extension aspects of medicinal plants

1. Selection criteria for cultivation of medicinal plants:-

While selecting medicinal plants for cultivation, certain criteria are to be followed. Considering the location, topography, agro-climatic conditions, and poor communication and transportation factors of NE region,

The first step is the selection of plants based on the following criteria:

1.1. These plants are appropriate to the agro-climatic conditions available at the place of collection and must be genuine cultivar

1.2. These are easy to grow and process, adopting simple technology appropriate to the skill of rural people.

1.3. The plants are of short gestation period

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1.4. The products i.e. aromatic oil or dry parts are high value and low volume commodity having sufficient self life

1.5. The products find ready market in national and international markets 1.6. The active components are not likely to be manufactured synthetically

1.7. The cultivation is directly related to the actual socio-economic upliftment of rural people

The second step will be to identify suitable locations appropriate to cultivate potential medicinal and aromatic plants and their agro-technology for large-scale organized cultivation. Genuine planting material must be obtained to avoid low price of final produce. and

Finally, the farmers should be helped in marketing their produce at reasonable rate. It would be very much encouraging if some sort of collection centre and buy-back arrangement could be made for assured market.

The central agency may be identified who will be responsible for the following function:

a. It will collect information about demand and supply of medicinal herbs and aromatic oil in national and international markets. Based on this, it will inform the cultivators for taking up those medicinal and aromatic plants which will fetch remunerative price.

b. It will disseminate all information regarding agro-technology, availability of basic planting materials, post-harvest technology and any other relevant information on medicinal and aromatic plants to the farmers. The agency may get this information from various R&D organizations, universities and web sites.

c. It will arrange contract farming and buy-back arrangement of medicinal & aromatic herbs.

d. It will properly dry, grade and pack the medicinal plants for final sale to traders /

e. Pharmaceutical industries at the best market price.

f. It will organize awareness and training programmes on medicinal & aromatic plant, with the help of district sub-centers of all the north eastern states, in different blocks so that more and more farmers can be benefited. The centre can invite experts as resource person from different organizations.

If this can be materialized the farmers of the region will not only get encouragement in taking up commercial cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plant but also get proper value of their produce. 2. Need to conserve indigenous knowledge

More than one hundred notified tribes strongly attached to their customs and traditions inhabit the region and maintain control over natural resources and are highly dependent on forest resources for their day-to-day requirement of food, fodder, shelter and medicine. There are many folklores and tales about plant, their blessings, origin, importance and importance of forest products. Inhabitants and various tribal communities have developed a health care tradition by trial and error method. This rich knowledge system if subjected to scientific scrutiny could benefit the humankind in many ways. The habitats and the environment in which the folklore evolved are fast disappearing due to modernization. Unfortunately, neither standard literature is available on this aspect nor any attempts have been to document these indigenous knowledge. Unless effective measures are taken to study and document this in a valuable knowledge bank – the indigenous knowledge (IK) will soon be lost forever. In recognition of this fact, there is a need to document the fast disappearing knowledge system and wisdom.

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A number of endemic medicinal plants are becoming endangered and some of them are at the verge of extinction. The native folks have learnt to utilize indigenous plants in various ways and much of this wealth is preserved as unwritten Materia Medica. In recent years, this knowledge is slowly fading. In view of these facts, enumeration and inventories of indigenous knowledge and medicinal flora of some important tribe and area need to be undertaken. Ex-situ conservation and propagation of selected medicinal plants is under progress. The information needs to be tested and validated for further commercial activities. 3. Need to Manage Forest and Conserve Biodiversity

Medicinal plant based Forest Resource Management with the objective of socioeconomic development, environmental protection and biodiversity conservation is gaining significant weightage as the forest area has been fast depleted, resulting in soil erosion, land degradation, environmental pollution, climate change and other natural calamities. Globally, the forest managers have been laying stress on NTFP-oriented sustainable forest management and slowly and steadily have been switching over to non-timber dominated forest management. Although India is known to have been managing forest for more than a century owing to the rich biodiversity spread over widely varied climatic conditions. The magnitude of dependence of the tribal on medicinal plants from the natural forests and the need to enlist their participation in the development, growth and marketing of medicinal plant has been recognized by the government and emphasized in the National Forest Policy 1988 statement that include meeting the requirements of fuel, wood, fodder, minor forest produce and small timber for the rural and tribal population in the basic objective. JFM Guide line 2000, recognizing the symbiotic relationship of the tribal with forests, the policy states that the primary task of all the agencies responsible for the forest management, including State Forest Departments (SFDs) should associate the tribal in the protection, regeneration and development of forest with a view to provide them gainful employment. It also prescribes that protection; regeneration and optimum collection and marketing of minor forest produce including medicinal plants should be provided through institutional arrangements.

This scenario is the resultant of over exploitation without replenishment of the growing stock. Despite several agenda and recommendations on conservation, the disappearance of natural capital is being continued unabated as before without considering earth's limiting factors. Since, the largest Earth Summit of UNCED held at Rio-de-Janeiro in June 1992, it is now considered to be the global mandate for Biodiversity Conservation. Green covers, the backbone of plant biodiversity that provide timber, food, fuel, fodder and many other usufructs including a number of medicinal plants of diverse utility have decreased alarmingly. The loss of biodiversity is decaying the socio-cultural structure of rural people as well as tribal who earn their livelihood from the forest. Hence, the ideal forest management should handle both timber and NTFP yielding species with equal weightage and preference to multi-purpose forest species including herb, shrubs and tree of economic importance, their propagation, cultural practice and protection.

4. Sustainable Harvesting and Resource Management

Unsustainable harvesting in the past has depleted forests below commercially viable levels in most of the parts of India including northeastern zones. Increased commercialization of certain medicinal plants has resulted in over-harvesting and now many of the valuable indigenous species are critically endangered. Increasing demand for medicinal plants led to over exploitation, unsustainable harvesting and finally to the virtual disappearance of several valuable species in the wild. Moreover, illegal trade and lack of adequate regeneration further accelerated the current rate of extinction and resultant resource crisis. A number of

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valuable species viz., Podophylum hexandrum, Coptis teeta, Aconitum sp. Berberis sp., Picrorhiza kurova, Panax pseudogingseng, Aquilaria agallocha have become threatened due to over exploitation. The growing population and emerging demands for botanical products in the medicine and cosmetic industry is leading to enhanced gathering of such material from forest areas even to an unsustainable level in many cases like Taxus leaves, Dioscorea tubers, wild orchids and bulbs, etc. According to conservation assessment and management plan workshop of WWF, 11 species of medicinal plants of the N.E. region are critically endangered and 3 have become vulnerable. As a result, medicinal plant resource becomes scarce and access of poorer sections has declined due to competition from outside, other collectors and middlemen as well as new restrictive government regulations for earning royalty. Such a situation calls for a reorientation of the government policies to prevent over exploitation of natural resources as well for ensuring equity in distribution to the local gatherers and primary processors. As a consequence to banning or restricting clear felling of trees, non-timber resources have gained more importance and are now considered as more economically viable proposition by implementing sound scientific methods of harvesting and propagation. Scientific and technological input coupled with policy guidelines and participatory approach for conservation and overall sustainable management of medicinal plants may save the resources from disaster of depletion and extinction. 5. In situ conservation

It was emphasized throughout discussions on in situ conservation that these methods involve more

than simply establishing protected natural areas which contain random or fragmentary populations of species which are wild relatives of crops. There are a number of component activities, which are essential if efforts are to be efficient, secure and sustainable as well as useful in crop improvement. All of these operations must be based on ecogeographical information. The general categories of activities which are required for in situ activities for crop germplasm conservation are as follows.

5.1 Initial survey includes taxonomic clarification, determination of distribution of species, correlation of ecological and geographical factors and determination of genotypic variability by growing out of samples or other experimental methods.

5.2 Determination of minimum requirements for conservation of targeted species such as number of populations, size of each population and ecological and environmental conditions.

5.3 Assessment and choice of sites in terms of minimum requirements for conservation including existing protected natural areas, non-allocated lands and lightly exploited sites which could be acquired or managed.

5.4 Reserve management includes formulation of "prescriptions" to off-set any negative ecological impacts from fragmentation, formulation of regulations and prescriptions to control human activities and to off-set negative impacts which are produced by them and implementation of prescriptions.

5.5 Monitoring and access to germplasm on-going research on targeted populations and genetic variability, regulation of procurement of genetic material within reserves so as to maintain minimum levels of conservation and documentation such as mapping, organization development and training guides.

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6. Biotechnological and Genetical approach

Flowering biology plays an important roll in setting of seed and establishment of new stock. In many plant species are depleting from the natural habitat, one of the resign is not to mature male and female flower at a time and compatibility. Plants facing regeneration problem due to immature seeds so need to study its flowering biology. Even some of superior germplasm of important medicinal plants are facing same problem need to study its flowering biology and the problem may be solved by application of suitable hormones and time management.

Tissue culture is another technology to propagate the plants for following reasons;

6.1 Clonal propagation of superior plants containing higher principal ingredients. 6.2 Regeneration problem by traditional methods. 6.3 Propagation of rare, threatened, endangered and extinct species. 6.4 Mass propagation in limited time. 6.5 In vitro production of bi products/ principal ingredient of medicinal plants.

7. Inoculation of AM fungi to increase productivity.

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi form an integral part of biological diversity in a particular ecosystem and contribute substantially to the establishment, productivity and longevity of natural or man-made ecosystems. AM fungi play very important role in the natural ecosystem because without AM fungi, many plants species cannot grow adequately particularly in P-deficient soil and many plants will be extinct in the absence of AM fungi.

AM fungal symbiotic association plays a major role in nutrient acquisition. AM fungal association has been reported from time to time in different host plants growing in the phosphorous deficit soils But less data available on AM fungal association with medicinal plants, which are important sources of many drugs. Growth and development of plants are influenced by large number of microorganisms that reside in the root zone. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are one of the important group of microorganisms that reside in the root zone and inside the root system symbiotically and plays an important roll in biomass production and influence the synthesis of principal ingredient in some of the medicinal plants. 8. Strategies for Conservation & Management North Eastern region is blessed with well-distributed long spell of rain and natural water resources in the tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate areas. Due to geographical isolation and lack of awareness, the people of the region are ignorant of price and importance in conservation of valuable medicinal and aromatic plants thus, collects the plants indiscriminately from wild source and sells to the traders at throwaway price. There are number of disadvantages in wild collection. The herbal drugs produced may not have the same therapeutic effect. Micro-Level Management through Participatory micro projects, social forestry and agroforestry programmes should integrate. Management of natural resources, promotion of forestry outside forest areas, development of appropriate harvesting, processing, storage and marketing of NTFPs. Such an approach could be used to address local needs. Under these programmes a large number of tree, shrubs, herbs and climbers can be introduced by finding out their mutual growing tendency and appropriate modeling to fulfill the need of varied range of medicinal plants. Scientific collection, processing and sustainable harvesting should be first oriented towards meeting local needs and then only commercial prospects can be explored. However, harvesting is being done on unsustainable basis as it is mostly market

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driven and latest technologies and tools for collection, post-harvest processing and storage have not percolated to grassroots level leading to low quality yield and lot of wastage. Primary production, processing and marketing are very much interlinked activities. As such, there is urgent need for organizing, through appropriate agencies, the training of local stakeholders in modern methods of sustainable harvesting. This will ensure value addition and ready acceptance of the products at attractive prices in the markets. 9. Conclusion

The global demand for medicinal plants is ever increasing. There is less or negligible efforts on scientific farming of medicinal plants are made and extensions of technologies are lagging behind. In the Northeast India, tropical, temperate, high altitudes and alpine plants can be grow i.e. Amla, Agar, Sarpagandha, Aswagandha, Pipli, Ginseng, valeriana, Rubia, Swertia, Taxus, Aconite, Kutki, Podophyllum etc. The areas are suitable for cultivation of several economic important medicinal and aromatic plants. Unprecedented economic growth since the industrial revolution has come at the huge cost of environmental degradation. Forests are degrading at an alarming rate and plants are loosing their natural habit and habitat. The role of medicinal plants in rural economy is crucial for meeting subsistence and cultural needs as well as for providing gainful employment and supplementary income from sale of such products. Therefore, extensive research in the sphere of resource assessment, technical and silvicultural needs, innovative management, marketing, etc are needed. The natural habitat of valuable medicinal plants are fast depleting due to ruthless harvesting, increasing market demand, shrinking of forest areas, expansion of agricultural activities, illegal trade and lack of adequate regeneration that needs immediate attention. There is urgent need to develop holistic policies that consider the need to protect these forest resources to benefit local communities and to meet their cultural and subsistence needs. It should also promote the development of primary industries, and enterprises for processing and marketing of goods and services, such as eco-tourism in collaboration with local stakeholders. Identity of medicinal plants should be established by suitably incorporating them in the policy and forest administration system. Better methods of assessment of the medicinal resources, conservation, cultivation, sustainable harvesting, processing and marketing of products should be developed. Involvement/ participation of private sector, local organization, community groups, cooperatives and financial institutions should also be promoted. Medicinal plants can be grown in kitchen gardens, small plantations, large farms, and eco- parks with greater area coverage. It is possible to grow them as, single species, intercrop or multi-tier plantation. They can also be incorporated into agroforestry models. JFM programme can also play a vital role in the field of production and in situ conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants. Cultivation and farming of medicinal plants requires skill and trend people therefore, a mission for extension of technology should be adopted and training and demonstration to be provided to appropriate persons. Training on various aspects of developed technologies of the medicinal plants are needed and by various means of extension, the technologies should be provided to progressive farmers/Forest Protection Committees /SHGs /NGOs /GOs in local languages

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Scope, Research and Extension need of medicinal plants in NE India

E. Meru, B. K. Pandey and Y. C. Tripathi Bioprospecting & Indigenous Knowledge Division Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat

Abstract

The medicinal properties of the plants reflect the creative powers of nature. If true remedies are

found in nature then poisonous drugs and chemicals would be eliminated, and sickness would be rare. In Ayurveda about 2000 plant species are considered to have medicinal value, while the Chinese Pharmacopoeia lists over 5,700 traditional medicines, most of which are of plant origin. Medicinal plants have curative properties due to the presence of secondary plant metabolites in various complex chemicals substances of different composition are grouped as alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, saponin, essential oils etc. The quality and quantity of active principal contents of medicinal plants vary with different growth stages and depends on the harvesting & post harvest care. Superior clone/high yielding variety further expanded the scope of cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants. The state of Northeast India with its rich tribal culture, bio-diversity and varied agro-climatic conditions in divergent altitudes offers immense scope for the productions of various types of medicinal plants. In the NE India the tropical, temperate, high altitudes and alpine plants can be grow i.e. Amla, Agar, Sarpagandha, Aswagandha, Pipli, Ginseng, valeriana, Rubia, Swertia, Taxus, Aconite, Kutki, Podophyllum etc. The areas are suitable for cultivation of several economic important medicinal and aromatic plants. Cultivation and farming of medicinal plants requires skill and trend people. These plants can be grown in kitchen gardens, small plantations, large farms, eco-parks with greater area coverage. It is possible to grow them as, single species, intercrop or multi-tier plantation. They can also be incorporated into agroforestry models. JFM programme can also play a vital role in the field of production and in situ conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants. Training on various aspects of developed technologies of the medicinal plants are needed and by various means of extension, the technologies should be provided to progressive farmers/Forest Protection Committees /SHGs /NGOs /GOs in local languages

Introduction

Plants are an integral part of nature. The medicinal properties of the plants reflect the creative powers of nature. They are the life-sustaining force on earth. They are designed with a specific purpose. There is a wonderful science in nature, in trees, herbs, roots and flowers which man has never fathomed. If true remedies are found in nature then poisonous drugs and chemicals would be eliminated, and sickness would be rare. World is endowed with a rich wealth of medicinal plants. It is estimated that around 70,000 plant species, from lichens to flowering trees, have been used at one time or another for medicinal purposes. In Ayurveda about 2000 plant species are considered to have medicinal value, while the Chinese Pharmacopoeia lists over 5,700 traditional medicines, most of which are of plant origin. Medicinal plants have curative properties due to the presence of various complex chemicals substances of different composition, which are found as secondary plant metabolites in one or more parts of these plants. These plant metabolites, according to their composition, are grouped as alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, essential oils etc. During the past few decades there have been a rapid extension of the allopathic system of medicinal treatment in India, it generated commercial demands for pharmacopoeia drug and their products in India. India has rich heritage of plant-based drugs both for preventive and curative medicine. Modern

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pharmaceutical practices have made it amply clear that the production of medicinal herbs is as important as any other food crop. The quality and quantity of active principal contents such as steroids, alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, saponin, etc. present as secondary metabolites in medicinal plants vary with different growth stages and depends on the harvesting & post harvest care of the herb.

The northeast region of India comprising eight states of the country covers an area of 262177 sq. km.; about 71% of which is mountainous and remaining 29% is valley mainly of Brahmputra and Barak river systems. The state of Northeast India with its rich tribal culture, bio-diversity and varied agro-climatic conditions in divergent altitudes offers immense scope for the productions of various types of medicinal plants. Here the tropical, temperate, high altitudes and alpine plants can be grow i.e. Amla, Agar, Sarpagandha, Aswagandha, Pipli, Ginseng, valeriana, Rubia, Swertia, Taxus, Aconite, Kutki, Podophyllum etc. the areas are suitable for cultivation of several economic important medicinal and aromatic plants. Cultivation and farming of medicinal plants will require better understanding of the agro techniques and propagation techniques. These plants can be grown as home kitchen gardens, small plantations holders, large farms, eco parks with greater area coverage.

It is possible to grow them as, single species, intercrop or multi-tier plantation. They can also be incorporated into agroforestry models.Joint Forest Management Committees can also play a vital role in the field of production and in situ conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants. Training on various aspects of developed technologies of the medicinal plants are needed and by various means of extension, the technologies should be provided to progressive farmers/Forest Protection Committees /SHGs /NGOs /GOs in local languages

Global Scenario of Medicinal Plants

The global demand for medicinal plants is ever increasing. There is less or negligible efforts on scientific farming of medicinal plants are made and extensions of technologies are lagging behind. Unprecedented economic growth since the industrial revolution has come at the huge cost of environmental degradation. Forests are degrading at an alarming rate and plants are loosing their natural habit and habitat. According to the report of World Health Organization, a large population of the world relies on the traditional systems of medicines, largely plant based to meet their primary health care needs. The International market of herbal products is estimated to be US $ 62 billion, which is passed to grow to US $ 5 trillion by the year 2050. India's share in the global export market of medicinal plant related trade is less than 0.5%. In view of the innate Indian strengths, which include diverse ecosystems, technical & financial capacity and a strong manufacturing sector, the medicinal plant can become a huge export opportunity after fulfilling domestic needs.

In recent times, many medium and large-scale industries have come up in India and other developing countries manufacturing cosmetic, pharmaceutical, nutraceuticals products etc from plant parts by using modern technology and quality control. A number of multinational companies are extracting phytochemicals viz., alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, etc. from plant parts for preparation of medicines. This new demand is generating considerable income at local and national levels. Moreover, finished products from medicinal plants are not classified in the national or international product and economic systems for trade and exports. This has resulted in neglect and low budgetary support for development of this vital sector, especially of rural economy.

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Indian Scenario of Medicinal Plants

India has a rich heritage of traditional knowledge of medicine of plant origin that grow widely in forest and in hill region. Some of these medicinal plants and their derivatives have found their use and required by pharmaceutical industries. The rich past alone is no guaranty for prosperous future unless we make persistent effort to harness the opportunities which science and technology can offer for the use of man kind. The natural resource of plants however, large extensive and exhaustible. Due to ruthless exploitation of medicinal plants without adopting conservation measure some important medicinal plants fall under threatened, rare and endangered category and time has now come to bring this medicinal wealth on the farmer’s field and even in the kitchen gardens of people of rural and urban areas. So, that the medicinal plants can be preserved, multiplied and used for common human ailments. Looking to the usefulness of these plants, there is heavy demand in ayurvadic /modern medicine industries. Developing the standards for quality and promoting them requires consensus and coordinated efforts. But most importantly in case of medicinal plants commitment would be required in all stages of cultivation, processing, packing and up to end use than only pressure on the natural forest would be reduced and conservation efforts will be fruitful to both mankind and nature.

Taking into consideration these points following traditionally and commercially important medicinal plants can be propagated, cultivated and conserved successfully. The National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB) has identified and prioritized 32 species for large-scale cultivation in our country (Table- 1). These plants can be grown in homesteads, community and village lands, rural areas, vicinity of agricultural and horticultural fields, jhum fallows, forested locations, etc. in various altitudes with suitable species.

Out of 32 plants identified by NMPB, 25 medicinal plants can be well grown in the NE India. From the experience gained in by survey and documentation by the Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat, a few more species having market potential could be considered for cultivation and economic development of the region through proper awareness generation, extension of technologies, cultivation and development of market - Pogostemon cablin, Rubia cordifolia L., Coptis teeta Wall., Panax sikkimensis, Podophyllum haxandrum Royle, Piper mullesua, Taxus wallichiana, (syn. T. baccata), Clerodendrum colebrookianum, Illicium griffithii, Aquilaria agallocha, Costus speciosus, Oroxylum indicum, Terminalia arjuna, Termanalia bellirica,Terminalia chebula, Acorus calamus, Dioscorea floribunda, Costus speciousus, Curcuma ceacia, Plumbago zeylanica, Cymbopogon martini etc. but there is lack of general awareness among the people about benefits of plantations and technology of cultivating them. This is largely because of non availability of information and cultivation packages. The Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat which has been working, in the field of medicinal plants in North east Indian states has come forward to fill this lacuna.

Table 1:- List of priority species of medicinal plants identified by the NMPB, GoI. S. No.

Name of the species

Occurrence in NE india

33. Phyllanthus emblica. * 34. Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De Willd. * 35. Withania somenifera (L.) DunaL * 36. Aconitum ferox Wall. * 37. Aegle marmelos (L). Corr. * 38. Phyllanthus amarus Schum & Thonn. (Syn. P. niruri L.) * 39. Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell. *

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40. Santalum album L. 41. Swertia chirayita Buch-Hum. * 42. Tinospora cordifolia Miers. * 43. Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. 44. Commiphora wightii (Am.) Bhandari. * 45. Berberis aristata DC * 46. Plantago ovata Forsk. 47. Nardostachys jatamansi DC. * 48. Andrographis paniculata L. * 49. Gloriosa superba L. * 50. Garcinia indica L.

51. Saussurea costus C.B. Clark (Syn. S. lappa) * 52. Picrorhiza kurroa Benth. * 53. Glycirrhiza glabra L. * 54. Piper longum L. * 55. Solanum nigrum L. * 56. Chlorophytum arundinaceum Baker.

(Syn. C. borivillianum)

57. Coleus barbatus Benth. 58. Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. * 59. Cassia angustifolia . * 60. Asparagus racemosus Wind. * 61. Ocimum sanctum L. * 62. Embelia ribes Burm. f. * 63. Aconitum ferox Wall. * 64. Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy

Research and Extension aspects of medicinal plants

1. Selection criteria for cultivation of medicinal plants:-

While selecting medicinal plants for cultivation, certain criteria are to be followed. Considering the location, topography, agro-climatic conditions, and poor communication and transportation factors of NE region,

The first step is the selection of plants based on the following criteria:

1.1. These plants are appropriate to the agro-climatic conditions available at the place of collection and must be genuine cultivar

1.2. These are easy to grow and process, adopting simple technology appropriate to the skill of rural people.

1.3. The plants are of short gestation period 1.4. The products i.e. aromatic oil or dry parts are high value and low volume commodity having sufficient self life 1.5. The products find ready market in national and international markets 1.6. The active components are not likely to be manufactured synthetically

1.7. The cultivation is directly related to the actual socio-economic upliftment of rural people

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The second step will be to identify suitable locations appropriate to cultivate potential medicinal and aromatic plants and their agro-technology for large-scale organized cultivation. Genuine planting material must be obtained to avoid low price of final produce. and

Finally, the farmers should be helped in marketing their produce at reasonable rate. It would be very much encouraging if some sort of collection centre and buy-back arrangement could be made for assured market.

The central agency may be identified who will be responsible for the following function:

g. It will collect information about demand and supply of medicinal herbs and aromatic oil in national and international markets. Based on this, it will inform the cultivators for taking up those medicinal and aromatic plants which will fetch remunerative price.

h. It will disseminate all information regarding agro-technology, availability of basic planting materials, post-harvest technology and any other relevant information on medicinal and aromatic plants to the farmers. The agency may get this information from various R&D organizations, universities and web sites.

i. It will arrange contract farming and buy-back arrangement of medicinal & aromatic herbs.

j. It will properly dry, grade and pack the medicinal plants for final sale to traders /

k. Pharmaceutical industries at the best market price.

l. It will organize awareness and training programmes on medicinal & aromatic plant, with the help of district sub-centers of all the north eastern states, in different blocks so that more and more farmers can be benefited. The centre can invite experts as resource person from different organizations.

If this can be materialized the farmers of the region will not only get encouragement in taking up commercial cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plant but also get proper value of their produce.

2. Need to conserve indigenous knowledge

More than one hundred notified tribes strongly attached to their customs and traditions inhabit the region and maintain control over natural resources and are highly dependent on forest resources for their day-to-day requirement of food, fodder, shelter and medicine. There are many folklores and tales about plant, their blessings, origin, importance and importance of forest products. Inhabitants and various tribal communities have developed a health care tradition by trial and error method. This rich knowledge system if subjected to scientific scrutiny could benefit the humankind in many ways. The habitats and the environment in which the folklore evolved are fast disappearing due to modernization. Unfortunately, neither standard literature is available on this aspect nor any attempts have been to document these indigenous knowledge. Unless effective measures are taken to study and document this in a valuable knowledge bank – the indigenous knowledge (IK) will soon be lost forever. In recognition of this fact, there is a need to document the fast disappearing knowledge system and wisdom.

A number of endemic medicinal plants are becoming endangered and some of them are at the verge of extinction. The native folks have learnt to utilize indigenous plants in various ways and much of this wealth is preserved as unwritten Materia Medica. In recent years, this knowledge is slowly fading. In view of these facts, enumeration and inventories of indigenous knowledge and medicinal flora of some important tribe and area need to be undertaken. Ex-situ conservation and propagation of selected medicinal plants is under progress. The information needs to be tested and validated for further commercial activities.

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3. Need to Manage Forest and Conserve Biodiversity

Medicinal plant based Forest Resource Management with the objective of socioeconomic development, environmental protection and biodiversity conservation is gaining significant weightage as the forest area has been fast depleted, resulting in soil erosion, land degradation, environmental pollution, climate change and other natural calamities. Globally, the forest managers have been laying stress on NTFP-oriented sustainable forest management and slowly and steadily have been switching over to non-timber dominated forest management. Although India is known to have been managing forest for more than a century owing to the rich biodiversity spread over widely varied climatic conditions. The magnitude of dependence of the tribal on medicinal plants from the natural forests and the need to enlist their participation in the development, growth and marketing of medicinal plant has been recognized by the government and emphasized in the National Forest Policy 1988 statement that include meeting the requirements of fuel, wood, fodder, minor forest produce and small timber for the rural and tribal population in the basic objective. JFM Guide line 2000, recognizing the symbiotic relationship of the tribal with forests, the policy states that the primary task of all the agencies responsible for the forest management, including State Forest Departments (SFDs) should associate the tribal in the protection, regeneration and development of forest with a view to provide them gainful employment. It also prescribes that protection; regeneration and optimum collection and marketing of minor forest produce including medicinal plants should be provided through institutional arrangements.

This scenario is the resultant of over exploitation without replenishment of the growing stock. Despite several agenda and recommendations on conservation, the disappearance of natural capital is being continued unabated as before without considering earth's limiting factors. Since, the largest Earth Summit of UNCED held at Rio-de-Janeiro in June 1992, it is now considered to be the global mandate for Biodiversity Conservation. Green covers, the backbone of plant biodiversity that provide timber, food, fuel, fodder and many other usufructs including a number of medicinal plants of diverse utility have decreased alarmingly. The loss of biodiversity is decaying the socio-cultural structure of rural people as well as tribal who earn their livelihood from the forest. Hence, the ideal forest management should handle both timber and NTFP yielding species with equal weightage and preference to multi-purpose forest species including herb, shrubs and tree of economic importance, their propagation, cultural practice and protection.

4. Sustainable Harvesting and Resource Management

Unsustainable harvesting in the past has depleted forests below commercially viable levels in most of the parts of India including northeastern zones. Increased commercialization of certain medicinal plants has resulted in over-harvesting and now many of the valuable indigenous species are critically endangered. Increasing demand for medicinal plants led to over exploitation, unsustainable harvesting and finally to the virtual disappearance of several valuable species in the wild. Moreover, illegal trade and lack of adequate regeneration further accelerated the current rate of extinction and resultant resource crisis. A number of valuable species viz., Podophylum hexandrum, Coptis teeta, Aconitum sp. Berberis sp., Picrorhiza kurova, Panax pseudogingseng, Aquilaria agallocha have become threatened due to over exploitation. The growing population and emerging demands for botanical products in the medicine and cosmetic industry is leading to enhanced gathering of such material from forest areas even to an unsustainable level in many cases like Taxus leaves, Dioscorea tubers, wild orchids and bulbs, etc. According to conservation assessment and management plan workshop of WWF, 11 species of medicinal plants of the N.E. region are critically endangered and 3 have become vulnerable. As a result, medicinal plant resource becomes scarce and access of poorer sections has declined due to competition from outside, other collectors and middlemen as well as

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new restrictive government regulations for earning royalty. Such a situation calls for a reorientation of the government policies to prevent over exploitation of natural resources as well for ensuring equity in distribution to the local gatherers and primary processors. As a consequence to banning or restricting clear felling of trees, non-timber resources have gained more importance and are now considered as more economically viable proposition by implementing sound scientific methods of harvesting and propagation. Scientific and technological input coupled with policy guidelines and participatory approach for conservation and overall sustainable management of medicinal plants may save the resources from disaster of depletion and extinction.

5. In situ conservation

It was emphasized throughout discussions on in situ conservation that these methods involve more than simply establishing protected natural areas which contain random or fragmentary populations of species which are wild relatives of crops. There are a number of component activities, which are essential if efforts are to be efficient, secure and sustainable as well as useful in crop improvement. All of these operations must be based on ecogeographical information. The general categories of activities which are required for in situ activities for crop germplasm conservation are as follows.

5.1 Initial survey includes taxonomic clarification, determination of distribution of species, correlation of ecological and geographical factors and determination of genotypic variability by growing out of samples or other experimental methods.

5.2 Determination of minimum requirements for conservation of targeted species such as number of populations, size of each population and ecological and environmental conditions.

5.3 Assessment and choice of sites in terms of minimum requirements for conservation including existing protected natural areas, non-allocated lands and lightly exploited sites which could be acquired or managed.

5.4 Reserve management includes formulation of "prescriptions" to off-set any negative ecological impacts from fragmentation, formulation of regulations and prescriptions to control human activities and to off-set negative impacts which are produced by them and implementation of prescriptions.

5.5 Monitoring and access to germplasm on-going research on targeted populations and genetic variability, regulation of procurement of genetic material within reserves so as to maintain minimum levels of conservation and documentation such as mapping, organization development and training guides.

6. Biotechnological and Genetical approach

Flowering biology plays an important roll in setting of seed and establishment of new stock. In many plant species are depleting from the natural habitat, one of the resign is not to mature male and female flower at a time and compatibility. Plants facing regeneration problem due to immature seeds so need to study its flowering biology. Even some of superior germplasm of important medicinal plants are facing

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same problem need to study its flowering biology and the problem may be solved by application of suitable hormones and time management.

Tissue culture is another technology to propagate the plants for following reasons;

6.1 Clonal propagation of superior plants containing higher principal ingredients. 6.2 Regeneration problem by traditional methods. 6.3 Propagation of rare, threatened, endangered and extinct species. 6.4 Mass propagation in limited time. 6.5 In vitro production of bi products/ principal ingredient of medicinal plants.

7. Inoculation of AM fungi to increase productivity.

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi form an integral part of biological diversity in a particular ecosystem and contribute substantially to the establishment, productivity and longevity of natural or man-made ecosystems. AM fungi play very important role in the natural ecosystem because without AM fungi, many plants species cannot grow adequately particularly in P-deficient soil and many plants will be extinct in the absence of AM fungi.

AM fungal symbiotic association plays a major role in nutrient acquisition. AM fungal association has been reported from time to time in different host plants growing in the phosphorous deficit soils But less data available on AM fungal association with medicinal plants, which are important sources of many drugs. Growth and development of plants are influenced by large number of microorganisms that reside in the root zone. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are one of the important group of microorganisms that reside in the root zone and inside the root system symbiotically and plays an important roll in biomass production and influence the synthesis of principal ingredient in some of the medicinal plants.

8. Strategies for Conservation & Management

North Eastern region is blessed with well-distributed long spell of rain and natural water resources in the tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate areas. Due to geographical isolation and lack of awareness, the people of the region are ignorant of price and importance in conservation of valuable medicinal and aromatic plants thus, collects the plants indiscriminately from wild source and sells to the traders at throwaway price. There are number of disadvantages in wild collection. The herbal drugs produced may not have the same therapeutic effect. Micro-Level Management through Participatory micro projects, social forestry and agroforestry programmes should integrate. Management of natural resources, promotion of forestry outside forest areas, development of appropriate harvesting, processing, storage and marketing of NTFPs. Such an approach could be used to address local needs. Under these programmes a large number of tree, shrubs, herbs and climbers can be introduced by finding out their mutual growing tendency and appropriate modeling to fulfill the need of varied range of medicinal plants. Scientific collection, processing and sustainable harvesting should be first oriented towards meeting local needs and then only commercial prospects can be explored. However, harvesting is being done on unsustainable basis as it is mostly market driven and latest technologies and tools for collection, post-harvest processing and storage have not percolated to grassroots level leading to low quality yield and lot of wastage. Primary production, processing and marketing are very much interlinked activities. As such, there is urgent need for organizing, through appropriate agencies, the training of local stakeholders in modern methods of sustainable harvesting. This will ensure value addition and ready acceptance of the products at attractive prices in the markets.

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9. Conclusion

The global demand for medicinal plants is ever increasing. There is less or negligible efforts on scientific farming of medicinal plants are made and extensions of technologies are lagging behind. In the Northeast India, tropical, temperate, high altitudes and alpine plants can be grow i.e. Amla, Agar, Sarpagandha, Aswagandha, Pipli, Ginseng, valeriana, Rubia, Swertia, Taxus, Aconite, Kutki, Podophyllum etc. The areas are suitable for cultivation of several economic important medicinal and aromatic plants. Unprecedented economic growth since the industrial revolution has come at the huge cost of environmental degradation. Forests are degrading at an alarming rate and plants are loosing their natural habit and habitat. The role of medicinal plants in rural economy is crucial for meeting subsistence and cultural needs as well as for providing gainful employment and supplementary income from sale of such products. Therefore, extensive research in the sphere of resource assessment, technical and silvicultural needs, innovative management, marketing, etc are needed. The natural habitat of valuable medicinal plants are fast depleting due to ruthless harvesting, increasing market demand, shrinking of forest areas, expansion of agricultural activities, illegal trade and lack of adequate regeneration that needs immediate attention. There is urgent need to develop holistic policies that consider the need to protect these forest resources to benefit local communities and to meet their cultural and subsistence needs. It should also promote the development of primary industries, and enterprises for processing and marketing of goods and services, such as eco-tourism in collaboration with local stakeholders. Identity of medicinal plants should be established by suitably incorporating them in the policy and forest administration system. Better methods of assessment of the medicinal resources, conservation, cultivation, sustainable harvesting, processing and marketing of products should be developed. Involvement/ participation of private sector, local organization, community groups, cooperatives and financial institutions should also be promoted. Medicinal plants can be grown in kitchen gardens, small plantations, large farms, and eco- parks with greater area coverage. It is possible to grow them as, single species, intercrop or multi-tier plantation. They can also be incorporated into agroforestry models. JFM programme can also play a vital role in the field of production and in situ conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants. Cultivation and farming of medicinal plants requires skill and trend people therefore, a mission for extension of technology should be adopted and training and demonstration to be provided to appropriate persons. Training on various aspects of developed technologies of the medicinal plants are needed and by various means of extension, the technologies should be provided to progressive farmers/Forest Protection Committees /SHGs /NGOs /GOs in local languages.

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WOMEN AS STEWARDS OF BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

AND ITS SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT

Dr. Medhabati Kangabam Lecturer in PG Department of Botany D.M. College of Science, Imphal Introduction

It is admitted that Women play a key role in conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Traditionally they occupy a high profile of being stewards in promoting conservation and development of genetic diversity for household food, health and nutritional security. It is estimated that women produce 80% of the food in Africa, 60% in Asia and 10% in Latin America (Schafer et al. 2002). In every traditional society women are considered to possess more working knowledge than men on the food, nutritional, therapeutic, cultural and spiritual values of local biodiversity resources women are thus the carriers of valuable traditional knowledge pertaining to conservation and improvement of biological and genetic resources and sustainable management of local ecosystems.

The involvement of women in supporting location – specific biotechnologies, herbal drug and pharmaceutical sectors is also becoming apparent in recent years. As Schafer et al. (2002) pointed out “Women’s knowledge and use of ecosystems, plant cultivation practices, conservation processes, storage and the production of medicinal remedies are fundamental for a sustainable biodiversity management”. As women constitute 50% of the total population of the world, they still hold working force in any activity of the world. What is called for is the need of empowerment of women to the occasion.

The World Bank defines empowerment as “The process of creating the capacity of individuals or groups to make choices and to transform these choices into desired actions and outcomes. Control to this process are actions which both build individual and collective assets and improve the efficiency and fairness of the organizational and institutional contexts which govern the use of these assets”.

The question of empowerment is multidimensional and refers to the expansion of freedom of choice and action in all spheres (Social, economic, cultural and political) to shape one’s life. It also implies control over resources and decision. It is reported that in the informal or unorganized sector, women constitute 90% of the total workers.

Empowering Rural Women for Biodiversity Management :

It may be recalled that women in different capacities play the role of custodian of traditional values and belief in the society. Schafer et al. (2002) have made a critical analysis of the key issues centered on women empowerment and sustainable development from the perspectives of CBD. They have highlighted

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the pivotal role that women play in several important sectors of natural resource management, including biodiversity and the traditional knowledge associated with it, and also have identified the central issues of concern with regard to empowering women for building up a development paradigm that is ethically sound, ecologically sustainable and economically viable.

The major bottlenecks or impediments that Schafer et al. (2002) recognized with regard to women empowerment include :

• Livelihood insecurity and time constraints that the rural women face when their resource base and livelihood options are threatened due to human- made and other factors.

• Unequal access to resources and benefit sharing options.

• Unequal Rights (including community resource rights and intellectual property rights) and entitlements.

• Knowledge Gap between men and women.

Despite the significant role women play in conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, women in developing countries are deprived of their customary or legal rights on access to and ownership of natural and economic resources. Empowerment of women and ensuring equal participation of women in all planning and policy-decision processes related to biodiversity and other cross sectors are recognized as the important prerequisites for sustainable development.

National and Local Biodiversity Action Plans and Policies for women empowerment

The international policies and legal frameworks such as CBD, Agenda 21, GSPC, etc. have sensitized the Governments of the Member States to evolve national legislations, and action plans to achieve the goal of sustainable development through a number of environmentally sound and economically viable activities. Many countries, including India have come out with their own national laws and action plans to meet the country's national development through sustainable practices of conservation and utilization of biodiversity and other natural resources. These policy instruments ensure equal participation of women in all planning and policy -decision processes and their empowerment and economic freedom in all relevant sectoral and cross-sectoral activities involving biodiversity. It wil be a sensational and sensible phase.

Biodiversity and Women Empowerment Policies and Programmes in Indian Context

India is also moving forward in biodiversity and Women Empwerment Policies and programmes. India has recently enacted two important national legislations:

1. The Biological Diversity Act (December 2002);

2. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (November 2001). The Government of India is in the process of finalizing another important legislation: The Patents (Second Amendment)

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Bill 1999. One of the positive features of these legislations is the provision of appropriate clauses for integrating gender equity in all vital aspects of implementation of the Acts and Bill.

The Biological Diversity Act, though not contains any specific clauses for protection of women’s rights, it provides for equal status to both men and women on access to biological resources, bio-survey and bio-utilization, benefit sharing, and biodiversity conservation and management at national, state and local levels. Similarly, the Protection of Plant Variety & Farmers’ Rights Act has appropriate provisions that can benefit women substantially on their contributions to conservation and cultivation and improvement of agro-biodiversity and other plant genetic resources that might lead to development of a new plant variety.

The National Agriculture Policy 2000 of India calls for initiating appropriate structural, functional and institutional measures to empower women and build their capabilities, and improve their access to inputs, technology and other farming resources. The Agriculture Policy also requires the Government to recognize women’s rights on land as a prerequisite measure to rural development and land reforms.

The Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India is finalizing a very comprehensive and dynamic “National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan-India” (NBSAP-India). This action plan outlines the biodiversity profile and the wealth of traditional knowledge associated with biodiversity, and discusses the ongoing initiative on conservation, sustainable use of wild and domesticated biodiversity in India, and the benefit sharing models developed base on sustainable use of : biodiversity and associated traditional knowledge. The draft document finally suggests the strategies and actions needed to meet the national targets and goals of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

NBSAP identifies several strategies and policy measures for implementing grass root level conservation and development programmes, based on conservation and sustainable utilization of wild and domesticated biodiversity and traditional knowledge associated with them. Some of the suggested strategies include integrating gender equity in to agriculture and in to national and state level policy and strategy documents, recognizing land and water right for women, providing incentives to women in maintaining biodiversity, establishment rural enterprises based on traditional crops, and evolving and implementing equitable benefit sharing models without gender biases.

Women Empowerment and Community Outreach Programmes in India

A number of Government departments and NGOs have initiated innovative grass-root level projects and programmes aimed at empowering rural communities, especially women for conservation, sustainable utilization and value- addition of local biodiversity and traditional knowledge, and for developing appropriate sui generic models of benefit sharing and intellectual property protection.

Joint Forest Management

The joint Forest Management (JFM) Programme, launched by MoEF, Government of India (since 1990) is successful participatory management strategy for the protection and sustainable management of forests by involving tribal or village communities living in or near the forest areas. JFM is now being implemented in 22 States. About 36,130 Forest Protection committees (FPC) are managing a total of 10.25 million hectare of forest area (FSI 2000) under the JFM programme. This programme is a good

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management strategy that can reduce the conflicts between local communities and the protected area management authorities, and can support the livelihood of the dependant communities, especially women, through sustainable use of the forest resources, majority of them include medicinal plants and other NTFPs. It is a productive and rewarding experience if we can implement the scheme on priority basis with sustainability returns.

It is obviously realize that building a strong and modern nation and to secure its rightful place in the fraternity of nations, sustainable development in rural areas is a essential prerequisite for India. The rural poor are now being exposed as a resource in the strategy development. Now the stage is clear for action.

DST-NBRI initiative on Women Empowerment through cultivation of medicinal plants

The Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India has launched an ‘All India Coordinated Action Oriented Project for Cultivation of Medicinal Plants’ with the purpose of reviving the local health tradition and empowering the rural folk, especially women to develop location-specific semi-processed or fully processed herbal products from local medicinal plants. NBRI, Lucknow is the co-ordinating-cum training centre of this project and this institute has under taken several training programmes covering field work-cum demonstration and workshop in nursery techniques, cultivation, pre and post harvest technologies of medicinal plants and simple scientific methods of preparation of herbal remedies for treating some common ailments.

Herb for All & Health for All and Plants for All and Wealth for All

Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI), Thiruvananthapuram experimented an innovative action oriented programme in Kerala during 1995-1999. This was an outreach programme aimed at empowering the rural people, particularly the women/housewives in homestead level (Home Garden) conservation and sustainable utilisation of rare, endangered and economically important local plant species useful in nutrition and primary health care.

NGO initiatives on Community and Women Empowerment programme

The Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT), Bangalore has been involved in developing forest gene banks foe medicinal plants by involving various stakeholder institutions and local/traditional communities including women. FRLHT’s Home Garden Project is also an appreciable endeavor which provides ample opportunities for the rural women to develop different kinds of home gardens as per their growing needs.

M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Chennai is also involved in several community development projects aimed at conservation and sustainable utilization of agro-biodiversity and associated traditional knowledge systems, documentation and scientific up-gradation of “eco-technologies” as practiced by rural and marginal farmers and conservation of natural life support systems. MSSRF is also co-ordinating a national project supported by ICAR on documentation of indigenous knowledge related to agro-biodiversity in India, besides other project and schemes related to study and analyse women’s role and their current status of participation in R&D in traditional as well as modern biotechnology and other entrepreneurships.

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Manipur is considered as a hotbed of rich and diverse biodiversity. If the women of Manipur can have access to the management of biodiversity the projected gain will be immense and endurable. A pilot project on database of biodiversity of the region is urgently felt. They can be fully empower to achieve a substantial goal of employment generation through the avenue of the promotion of biodiversity techniques and processes. If we can take up a network of women entrepreneurship working as self help groups will give the desired result in the near future.

Conclusion

The broad objective of this paper is to help in revival and in revitalization of health promotive and protective dietary patterns that utilize biodiversity, as also towards strengthening of efforts for building capacities of women as stewards of ecological knowledge with improved livelihoods.

References

Narayanan, K. 2003 Sustainable use of local Biodiversity and women Empowerment : South Asian Regional Training Workshop for Empowerment of Women with Traditional Knowledge for Sustainable Utilization of Local biological Resources. April 7-16, 2003.

Mahapatra, S. 1996. Sustainable management of natural resources : Yojana June 1996 Vol. 40 : No. 6.

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What does ASU Ind Need from North East India

by Ranjit Puranik CEO, Shree Dhootapapeshwar Ltd. Hon General Secretary, ADMA

The AYUSH Sector in India is the oldest healthcare support known to society in this part of the world. The AYUSH sciences have been compiled from experiential wisdom over the years and earliest references date back to 3500 B.C. This ancient knowledge has been compiled in Pharmacopoeia and passed on from one generation to another primarily through mode of practice and word of mouth. Mankind and society has drawn great advantage from these traditional healthcare sciences and this wisdom stock is found relevant even today. In recent times the pharmacopoeia have been published and 54 such compilations have been recognized in the First Schedule of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and form the basis of the Ayurvedic sector in India. Facts about AYUSH Sector and Industry Given below is a table that summarizes the AYUSH Sector and Industry in India today : S.No. Facilities Ayurveda Unani

Siddha Yoga Naturo

pathy Homeop athy

Total

1 Hospitals 753 74 276 7 21 223 1355 2 Beds 35182 3774 2386 105 622 11205 53296 3 Dispensaries 15193 1153 444 71 55 5634 22635 4

Regd. Practioners 438721 43578 17560 0 541 217460 717860 (i) I. Qualified 339233 22241 4963 - 492 150267 517196 (ii) Non IQ 99488 21337 12597 - 49 67193 200664

5 (i) Colleges (UG) 219 37 6 - 10 178 450 (ii) Admission Capacity (UG)

9865 1525 320 - 385 12785 24880

6

(i) Colleges (PG) 57 8 3 - - 31 99 Exclusive PG Colleges

2 1 1 - - 2 6

(ii) Admission Capacity (PG)

905 73 110 - - 1040 2128

Admission Capacity (Exclusive PG)

40 28 30 - - 99 197

7 Manufacturing Units

7997 391 446 - - 659 9493

The above Table indicates that we have over 22,000 primary health clinics in India with the support

of 1355 hospitals and a provision of over 53000 beds. In the AYUSH sector we have over 700,000 traditional practitioners and add around 8000 graduates every year from 450 undergraduate colleges. On the

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industry front, we estimate the market size to be approximately Rs.5,000 Crores coming from 1500 Ayurvedic, Siddha & Unani Classical formulations and over 30,000 branded formulations. There are over 9400 licensed manufacturers and majority of them would be complying with Schedule T – Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. It would not be boastful to state that such a large presence of the AYUSH sector in India is vital to our National Health Programme and no other traditional medicine (other than Traditional Chinese Medicine) around the world can boast such a sectoral presence in today’s times. AYUSH Sector Market: Within the industry we estimate that the market is broken into the following segments :

2006 Value Esti.2012 Value

OTC 3630 6000 Rx 750 1500 Classical 500 1000 Exports 120 1200 Foods -- 500 Cosmetics -- 500 ___

5000 Crs. 10700 Crs

Taking an estimate of what the industry would look like in the year 2012 we can estimate that it will be boom time for the ASU industry. We foresee a double digit growth potential. We foresee almost all segments within the ASU Sector doubling in the medium term with 2 new categories namely Cosmetics and Food products registering the maximum growth. In the coming times we are going to see a growth in personalized medicine and higher consumer spending to treat lifestyle disorders. With all these opportunities, the traditional sciences which have stood the test of time will prove to be most relevant in catering to health care opportunities like personalized medicine for which modern sciences have not provided any credible solutions. The world over we are seeing economic prosperity changing habits of society and consumers. A greater focus on nutrition and preventative healthcare will create an opportunity for traditional sciences to provide food products customized on the Tridoshic principles of Ayurveda. Tridosha essentially refers to the 3 life forces – Varta, Pitta and Kapha. A combitorial balance of the 3 life forces determine a persons constitution. The Tridoshic approach in preventive healthcare ensures an appropriate balance of these life forces within the body metabolism, by which perfect health is not only attainable but maintainable.

As society enjoys the fruits of economic boom the attention will also focus upon Cosmetics. The traditional sciences have extensive chapters that detail therapies for enhancement and maintenance of ones urge to remain beautiful. We foresee an exponential growth in the cosmetic offerings from traditional sciences. As society registers economic boom so will it experience the cycles of anxiety and stress. We are already witnessing a growth in the healthcare and wellness segments. Numerous Spas, massage therapies and wellness advisors are catering to the needs of evolving modern society. Even in conservative society like India one would see a surge in this segment. The recent growth and patronage of Yoga as a science is one such outcome of societies need for a wellness and health regimen.

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Globally demand for dietary supplements, food supplements and natural solutions for medicinal

requirements have already registered their mark. Once considered an impregnable fortress and domain of the modern pharmaceutical industry the US-FDA, has also accepted that 70% of consumers in developed markets rely upon natural products for their healthcare requirements. Surveys undertaken in the United States of America and countries of European Union indicate that almost 90% of the consumers have relied upon or rely upon traditional and complimentary medicine which include natural products and therapy for their healthcare requirement.

All of the above indicate great opportunity and exponential growth in the medium term for the traditional sciences which offer products and services that guarantee complete harmony between Man and his Universe. Inputs Used by ASU Industry: The Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani industry uses the following inputs : a. Medicinal plants b. Minerals c. Metals d. Animal region products e. Marine region products

All of the above natural inputs have traditional trade channels through which industry procures these vital inputs. These traditional trade channels have served the ASU industry since times in memorial and are robust enough to sustain change of government and re-alignment of international borders. With over 1200 items required for manufacturing traditional medicines these trade channels function smoothly and without hindrance in these times of modern trade barriers. Many attempts have been made to gauge the consumption patterns of natural inputs used by the ASU industry and some of the recent surveys are listed below: i. Task force report set put by the Planning Commission – 1998 ii. CERPA Survey – 2000 iii. FRLHT Survey for NMPB – 2007 (yet to be published)

In ADMA we have conducted a small survey between leading manufacturers and have compiled a master list of 337 medicinal plants consumed. This master list is further categorized as medicinal plants on the basis of habitat, gestation period and as also classified them as being - NWFP or cultivable species. Cultivation approach for Medicinal Plants :

An opportunity to backward integrate and cultivate either through the farm sector or with a joint sector approach involving concerned stakeholders like ASU industry, community, Forest Dept. and other agencies / NGO, is immense. Every region needs to formulate their own focus plan to cater to this opportunity. Attempts in the past have been made to tap this demand potential and action with no planning, will result in cases like that for Aloe vera, Safed musli, where there was cultivation and supply but no

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demand. These disasters are best avoided and there is a need for a planned and strategy based approach for development of the medicinal plants sector.

To approach medicinal plants it is very important that one focuses upon a few species and learns everything there is to learn about their cultivation practices. There is immense scope for value addition and therefore a thorough homework of everything to do with the medicinal plant is required to plod ahead. Few medicinal plants can receive full attention and focus better than an unplanned foray. An individual farmer or ideally a group of farmers could take the process of a focused approach forward towards great benefit. In the medicinal plant sector today there are naturally occurring Mandis which have come about like Ashwagandha from Neemuch, Isabgol from Sidhpur, Amla from Pratapgadh and Haldi from Sangli. Focus on a few species can lead to an establishment of a natural Mandi which would bring great prosperity and will aid the commoditization of the agro produce. Standardization of grades and packaging can even lead to internet based trading and transactions. Without a focused approach we would have a scattered and incomplete result of cultivating medicinal plants. The farmer would continue to remain vulnerable to the vagaries of the market channels.

Every programme for cultivation must follow certain basic principles whilst approaching medicinal plant cultivation. Some of the fundamental requirements to tap this opportunity are – a) Accept complete responsibility for ones own action and well being. This is to say, from a farmers

perspective – homework is self responsibility and no agency or institution will aid beyond a point in medicinal plant cultivation programmes.

b) Ensure that every cultivation programme is supported with a valid and credible buy back guarantee from the ultimate consumer. May he be owner, trader or exporter.

c) Support the cultivation programme with validated Quality Planting Material whose quality profile i\has been defined as per the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India or as per the profile desired by the purchaser. No ambiguity on this essential should be encouraged and this is in the interest of fair trade.

It is essential that all cultivation activities here henceforth follow a basic principle of the ‘Organic cultivation’. Consultants and agencies have complicated the certification mechanism making it very expensive and cumbersome. May be it is required for certification purpose but a strict practice in actuality would have a more permanent and far reaching impact on the medicinal plant output at the outset itself. There is no choice but to have an organic cultivation approach for medicinal plants. Medicinal plants with residual pesticides and chemicals are banned for ASU medicinal production. Individual farmers experimenting for the first time with cultivation of medicinal plants may do so by

initiating trial plots as pilot studies. It is more advisable for a group of farmers coming together for this activity. In this manner not only is the experience shared along with the benefits but there is a very definite hedge against risk involved. Moreover the volume of medicinal plant offered to the market will also result a better economic quantum and bargaining position vis-à-vis a low individual yield. Medicinal Plants Collection from Forests :

Good Collection practices are extremely important when we talk about medicinal plants being sourced from the forest. There are many annually harvested medicinal plants - shrubs, leaves, fruits, etc.

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which can be collected from the forest without any fear of their sustainable extraction. What is most important for collection practices is when we come to collection of barks, fruits, roots and flowers. Sometimes it has been observed that absence of knowledge and training leads to un-sustainable practices in collection of medicinal plants from a forest. Whole branches from trees are chopped for the sake of a few flowers or fruits. Whole trees are felled for roots, bark and heartwood. How long will nature continue to provide medicinal plants, if such practices continue. There is an urgent requirement to address the issues regarding Good Collection Practices.

The DFO incharge of Dhamtari range in Chattisgarh has designed a certification system for collected medicinal plants. With this system one is able to track the quantity, quality, parts extracted as well as the area from which a particular medicinal plant resource has been sourced, lot wise. This system is formatted on very simple rules of recording the chain of custody and is followed judiciously in that range. The DFO concerned has published the system in a hand book and this could be a reference resource for Foresters wishing to employ such systems in their regions. We need to arrive at a naturally occurring Input-Output Ratio for medicinal plants extracted from a particular forest area. Documentation would have to be perfected to lay out the statistics and monitor the regeneration cycle. One would be able to promulgate programmes to put sufficient amount of medicinal plant seeds, seedlings and other planting material back into the Forest to ensure that a sustainable supply of medicinal plants is regenerated depending on the extraction taking place in a particular season and Forest area. Infact when communities see the advantage of supporting regeneration they themselves would conduct the cycle judiciously. It is just a matter of will and ability to extend oneself to take the first step in this direction.

Conservation as a phrase refers to protection in an in-situ condition. The word conservation somehow has been narrowly inferred not to include regeneration. Let us pledge to enhance the meaning of conservation to extend to regeneration also. Let us pledge that no conservation programme would be treated as complete without the regeneration feature being part of the same. This slight change in view point will pay us immense dividends in times to come. Current Status in the Medicinal Plants sector :

Whilst all of the preceding paragraphs have submission about the great opportunity in cultivation of medicinal plants we also need to take a reality check on the status within the sector prevalent today. This trade in medicinal plants is extremely secretive and a closed community of traders operate the channels. Naturally there are certain pitfalls which need to be understood in the medicinal plant trade. Enlisting some of them we can summarise as below – • Lack of complete transparency in operation of the trade channels in context of rates of purchase and

sale in various markets • Lack of data regarding species wise demand and consumption in various segments of the industry • A complete absence of dialogue between farmer and Collector with the end user / consumer of the

medicinal plant resource. • Almost 70% of the medicinal plants are still collected by the communities as NWFP and supplied to

industry. This channel depends on the forest for sourcing of medicinal plants and this raises issues regarding sustainability of the same.

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• Extraction of the material resource from the forest also raises many questions regarding the legal procurement by the trade. This illegal procurement at the first instance also jeopardizes the entire chain of custody in medicinal plants trade to tow a line that is not above board.

• The Regulations that govern NWFP are not suited for a robust trade in medicinal plants. Most of the regulations do not fester or promote transparency. Most of the procedures are so cumbersome that even a complying stakeholder is forced to resort to malpractice.

A review of the regulations in place is underway by way of dialogue between Industry and Trade and it

is hoped that a new regulatory phase is unfurled.

It is a matter of time before such cumbersome regulations and a conservative attitude within the sector gives way for a new progressive environ. Most pitfalls are surmountable and it is hoped that in the coming times with greater economic opportunities we would be able to look forward to transparent and clear systems in place leading to a surge in availability and commerce in medicinal plants. What ADMA Can do for the North East Cultivator / Collector :

ADMA as an Association represents members who contribute almost 85% of the commerce in the ASU Industry. ADMA as an Association is poised to facilitate a handshake between cultivators and collectors and the ASU Industry. One could promote large projects and these proposals can have a firm by-back guarantee from the ASU Industry. ADMA can facilitate this dialogue. Co-ordinating, transfer of technology and initiating Agro technique intervention where requirement is also something that ADMA can dove tail. On the global canvas the requirements for documentation and facilitation continue to change from time to time. ADMA membership with its vast exposure to stipulations put up by Drug Regulatory Authority is in a position to continuously advise on such requirements. As discussed earlier an impossible Regulatory Regime creates hardships in the smooth flow of commerce. ADMA currently initiates dialogue with Ministry of Environment & Forest, National Bio-Diversity Authority, National Medicinal Plant Board, Dept. of Bio Technology, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Commerce, etc. to ensure that regulatory hardships are not only mitigated but policies are amended into progressive tools to boost commerce. These are some of the many contributions that can be expected from ADMA as an Association representing Ayurved, Siddha and Unani Industry. Summary :

If one is to ask again as to “What does ASU Industry wants from North East India” – in reply we would be able to simply state -

• Medicinal plants which conform to standards as defined in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API)

• Medicinal plants which are certified as sustainably collected • Cultivated species which rely upon a defined Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) protocol • Medicinal plants whose packaging norms are standardized and predefined to suit the material

handled • Complete transparency in documentation defining the chain of custody for the natural resource • Organically cultivated medicinal plants, ideal would be certified resource • Completely legally procured medicinal plants backed up with requisite documentation

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• Single window interface that facilitates quick trade transactions with minimum of variables and maximum of ease

The Industry is soon realizing that backward integration is required and in the near future one would see

a transformation in attitude moving towards cultivation and sustainable collection. What is required are small first steps that facilitate trade and move the entire process forward from North East India. Proposals are welcome Ranjit Puranik rap@sdlindia.com .

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ccCOMMUNITY ORIENTED SUPPLY CHAIN MECHANISMS FOR MEDICINAL PLANTS

NB BRINDAVANAM, Head, Bio-Resources Development Dabur Research Foundation, 22, Site-IV, SAHIBABAD –201 010 Dist. Ghaziabad (UP), India Introduction:

The words biodiversity and forest wealth obviously denote to an age-long coexistence of highly diverse botanical species in one geographic unit. The concept of Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) by virtue of its spirit, aims at “utilization of biodiversity in favor of dependent communities”. In other terms, the ‘forest based communities’ fill the need gaps of civilized societies – and market any of the marketable bio-resources. Obviously, the practice is to utilize selected plant species on the basis of community’s own knowledge about the specific needs of their ‘civilized buyer’. In today’s context, there has been a persistent demand for medicinal plants, which are integral part of NTFP’s at one hand. On the other, many states in the country are bestowed with acclaimed biodiversity. And yet, the dependent communities are seen to struggle with harsh realities of marketability of a marketable product available at their end. This situation might be termed as ‘business paradox’. It is business paradox, because neither the buyer is happy nor the seller in the business of NTFP or its component, the medicinal plants. Though, this adverse phenomenon prevails globally, perhaps, the North East states are worst affected in relation to many other states.

In this context, it is pertinent to note that, “marketability” of any product does not merely depend on

the product per-se even if it is in demand. The process is essentially, influenced by wide array of contributory factors. Of them, functional efficiency of the supply chain carries most critical importance. In the context of Ayurvedic medicinal plants, the emphasis on “supply chain efficiency” increase multi-fold due to wider array of complexities.

In absence of an adequate attention to this critical factor, the scenario of medicinal plants remained

in dormancy in spite of the entire ongoing endeavor for its sustainable development. In order to set a positive direction for the segment in near future, it would be useful to examine the current scenario governing the supply chains for medicinal plants.

Supply Chain for Medicinal Plants: From a Historic Perspective:

The practice of collecting medicinal plants from wild and enhance their shelf life largely, by sun drying has been in vogue through centuries. During pre-historic days, the physician himself was playing a dual role of being a pharmacist and physician. In this dual role, he was responsible for collection of crude herbs from wild; formulate the medicines and their eventual dispensing to the needy patients.

Perhaps, the forest dweller played a facilitating role by helping the physician in this process. Charaka Samhita1 (originating around 1500 BC) advises the physician at one place- to take help from forest dwellers in identification of required medicinal plants (scientifically termed as pharmacognosy) as they have ‘hands-on knowledge’ about them. As the time passed, the forest-based communities preserved the

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list of subject species that have a known demand in the practice of ‘civilized medicine’ and in the surrounding urban units.

During later centuries, the exchange of medicinal plants apparently, took a different turn. Reducing the burden of the physician, the communities might have started delivering the goods to the end user at his doorstep. Perhaps, this initiative from the community could have foundations in his own livelihood needs. At the same time, the process helped the ‘buyer’ –by reducing one step of a complicated process. Nonetheless the process has only two ends viz. the supplier and the buyer.

Between 18th and 19th centuries, the practicing physician slowly started shedding his role as a pharmacist. Taking cues from modern pharmaceutical industry- the Ayurvedic practice as a profession found the need for segregating the roles of pharmacist and physician.

More with a sense of patriotism, few practicing physicians moved into pharmaceutical sector establishing processing units for Ayurvedic medicines. As known in the history, most of Ayurvedic pharmaceutical units in India were started during 1850 – 1890 AD. Practically speaking, this phase of evolution was need based, un-planned and need to be seen more as an emotional development than a scientific development2.

One of the major problems that confronted the budding industry was the supply of crude herbs. The meager quantities delivered by few individuals to practicing physicians obviously were insufficient. Thus, came into existence, the role of ‘volume aggregators’. More often than not, one or two specific forest zones within the vicinity also failed to meet the demands (both in terms of diversity and volume of commodities). Hence the functional manufacturing units started to look beyond their own operational jurisdictions and engaged ‘aggregators’.

Incidentally, the aggregator himself didn’t have all the wherewithals to handle the complexity of the process. But rising to the occasion, few of them succeeded in creating needful networks for aggregating diverse plant species originating in varied geo-climatic sources. These networks eventually emerged as middlemen.

Incidentally, in spite of all its existence through one hundred and odd years- the trading mechanisms of wild medicinal plants remained unstructured –for the intrinsic reasons of its own.

Commodities & Volumes:

In today’s context, there are at least, two obvious differences in utilization of medicinal plants. Modern pharmaceutical industries use the medicinal plant as starter material to isolate one or two specific chemical substances contained within. Hence the biomass requirements will be high. The volume demand is also coupled with critical quality requirements. This factor is further coupled with an advantage of lesser number of subject species needed by this industry.

On the other hand, the Ayurvedic industry uses a larger variety of medicinal plants traded as NTFP. To available estimates a total of 436 plant species emanating from forest zones enter the wholesale markets of medicinal plants in India. However, only 60-70 of these species attracts tangible volumes of business3. According to one reliable report on consumption patterns of medicinal plants4, 66 plant species have recognized annual demands touching/crossing 200 MT and above. 95 commodities are consumed in the order of 1 MT and 199 MT. Rest of un-covered commodities may be presumed to have annual demands less than 1.00 MT. Interestingly, these commodities can’t’ be written off from the usage lists because of their criticality in the Ayurvedic processes.

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As regards to quality requirements, the system adopts more complex policies and procedures. Instead of looking highly objectified analysis for markers, it emphasizes on greater phenomena like ‘totality’ employing more of organoleptic and physico-chemical analyses. Material qualification thus, allows a consolidation the species from multiple locations- without insistence upon geo-climatic specificity.

This very prevailing scenario governing Ayurvedic medicinal plants seek specialized efficiencies needed for sectoral supply chain. Also, it is pertinent to note that, these very complexities related to this sector have contributed to various technical, legal and commercial issues ailing the system through all these bygone years3.

Obviously, the supply chain for Ayurvedic medicinal plants should ideally have four distinct merits:

1. Efficiency to handle the larger number of plant species

2. Efficiencies to accept lower demand volumes for majority of species

3. Competencies to meet contradictions in the prevailing legal systems

4. Competencies to ensure sustainability of resources

Prevailing Supply Chain for Crude Medicinal Plants:

Broadly speaking three specific classes of supply chains are coexisting in India now- irrespective of the harmony between them viz Private, State owned and Cooperative modes.

1. The Privately Owned Supply Chain: Perhaps, this route of material delivery accounts for a larger chunk of trading channel for transfer of produce from forests to the factory. Within the private supply channels there prevails a sub-classification as described below:

1.1. Contractual Collection of MFP5: For a variety of NTFP, the state government auctions the rights of collection of selected NTFP and in a selected geographic unit (normally one forest division) to individual entrepreneur for one or more seasons. In addition to the royalty payable on the basis of final bid – the said contractor needs to pay the collection and transport costs. The contractor in turn, makes his own arrangements for forward business with the commodity. While the auction happens for a selected jurisdiction, the State Government remains non-committal regarding the volumes available in the allocated area for the collection.

Many a time, the contractor may not have a direct access to the end-user. Therefore, he establishes his forward links through commission agents with a wholesale marketer. Another important aspect of this contractual supply chain is that- the contractor doesn’t have any right to obstruct any forest dweller to collect one head load of the said material. However, in terms of legal practices- only the assigned contractor can obtain needful transit permits.

Often it is also seen that, the contractor would sub-lease the area to local strongmen against a fixed sum of profitability. In few cases, Government may decide not to entertain offers from out-siders but legally enable local people to participate the process to deter such trading practices. In selected cases, the local communities are assured a minimum price per kg by the contractual process but are bound to sell their collection only to pre-fixed contractor as a matter of monopoly.

In any case the contractual process (whether assigned to local businessmen or from outside the jurisdiction) - doesn’t give any significant opportunity to dependent communities. They are paid only for daily wages and a fixed portion of royalty from contractual rights.

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1.2. Non-Contractual Private Channel: The process begins with an individual collector of the forest produce often a villager or a forest dweller. The primary processing involves only, the drying of harvested material. Head loads of dried materials are then shifted to village level/ cluster level weekly markets. It was seen in a field study that, a village level buyer has an upper hand in rate fixation mechanism by arm-twisting tactics. Often he would reject to buy because of so called poor quality. The procured level of material reaches the Commission agent in nearby town. The buying by commission agent normally buys the supply on the basis of ‘an instruction’ from a state level aggregator. The material reaches the national level aggregator through another commission agent. In this process, most of the buying at bottom level happens- on the basis of hints received from the top-rung aggregator.

Value addition in Private Supply Channels: Measures like sorting/ grading is the only value addition that might happen during the entire course of supply process. The level, at which such activity takes place, is variable with the commodity. At most of the occasions – this process is taken-up by state-level entrepreneur on the suggestions/ instructions from national aggregator who has a general understanding related the basic quality requirements of his buyer/ end-user.

2. State Owned Enterprises: In selected cases, the State Government puts controls on open marketing of NTFP. Normally, this

practice is opted as a welfare measure for the forest based communities. In such cases, the Government confers monopoly procurement rights to state owned enterprise. The agency buys the produce at a pre-fixed minimum support price.

While this process brought-in, some degree of business security to the communities initially– the agencies tend to fail in generating forward market linkages. When the agency fails to sell the stocks on hand, it finds no other options than to stop the procurement. In this scenario the communities fall in frustrating situations, as they don’t have any other means to market the collected forest produce.

3. Federation Ownership of Supply Chains: In few states endeavor is on, to promote a 3-tier structure of cooperative unions for plant collectors.

Again this scheme is available for select types of forest produce. Accordingly, the Village level/Block level cooperative union works to aggregate the commodity from individual collectors. In the next step- the material is shifted to district level federation and then to the state-level federation.

The plant collector gets his returns in three installments in this process. On the day of submission of his collection- he gets the basic price. As the material is traded –off to the district level the 1st round profit is disbursed. The second round of profit is also expected from state level federation. The state level federation also aims at some degree of value addition.

In case of Tamarind collection- the experiments in the AP are worth emulating in bringing all the specific advantages from this kind of supply chain. The Girijan Cooperative Corporation markets value added Tamarind products directly. Though, the market reach of the end products from this initiative may not be very deep; due to their own set of constraints- the end user is often found to be happy with the value for money he gets.

From a community point of view, this kind of supply chain would be logical. As of now, there is mixed response to these experimental initiatives. Given their stage of infancy, the approach may have these teething troubles but needs a careful correction of all incidental mistakes.

Conclusions & Suggestions for Community Oriented Supply Chains:

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As cited earlier, the business of medicinal plants today is a paradox. The supplier is obviously disillusioned about its potential to ensure a comfortable livelihood. On the other hand, the end user faces persistent pressures on account of technical and legal compliances of the material inputs. The interventional initiatives by different states don’t seem to have touched the ground realities neither at the buyer’s neither level nor at the supplier’s level. The need of the hour is to create a supply chain which has distinct ends at both the sides. The need of the times is for a supply chain which operates with knowledge base.

For this purpose, 3-tier structure is preferable. This approach should have distinctly different mandates:

« Communities at village/block level undertake the tasks of sorting/ grading in addition to the collection/ cultivation and drying. As of today, the communities are not involved in these processes.

« At the second tier, positioned at district level will get due freedom to explore the opportunities for marketability of raw materials.

« The state level organization should exclusively be working on development and marketing of value added products. At the same time, it should be noted that, production of value added products in drugs & pharmaceutical industry is knowledge driven as well as ‘capital intense’. With increasing national and international regulatory eyes on it, the Ayurvedic Industry is evolving in a new direction unknown hitherto. As such localized value addition can’t cut much of an ice in the markets unlike the handicrafts.

In such a scenario, the district level federation would have two options for eventual business transaction between the open market and the state federation.

Role of Corporate Houses: In today’s market scenario of herbal medicines/ consumer products– the ‘trace-ability’ of raw material is becoming a critical parameter. In view of this development- the corporate houses need move downwards in the value chain of starter materials. In case of endangered/ threatened species- business houses are actively moving for ‘contract farming’. A similar initiative would be needed in case of wild medicinal plants too, through competency development programs.

References:

1. Sharma PV (1981): in English Translation to Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana, published by Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, Chapter-IX, Sl. 25, Vol-I, pg-62.

2. Narayana DBA, Katiyar CK & Brindavanam NB (1996): in The Pharmacist’s Year Book, 2nd edition, Ed. By Dandiya PC, Gurbani NK & Zafer ZYK, publ. by CBS Publishers & Distributors, New Delhi, Chapter-VII ‘Ayurvedic Pharmaceuticals-An Overview’, Pg-46-61

3. Brindavanam NB (2004): in Searching Synergy (Bull No: 359) edited by Alam G & Belt J, published by Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), Netherlands: Technical, Legal and Commercial Issues in the Medicinal Plants Trade, pg-73-78

4. Anonymous (2002): Demand for Selected medicinal Plants, Published by Centre for Research, Planning and Action, New Delhi in collaboration with Ministry of health & family Welfare, Department of Indian Systems of Medicine & World Health Organization, Vol-I, Annexure-2.1 a, pg-152-155

5. Jain Ashok K (2000): in Regulation of Collection, Transit and Trade of Medicinal Plants & Other Non-Timber Forest Products in India, Published by Traffic India, Worldwide Fund for Nature, India, New Delhi.

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‘Experience of TRIFED in marketing of Medicinal Plants’ to be presented in the National Workshop on potential and planning for conservation and

development of commercially important Medicinal Plant in the North Eastern India during 12-13 July at RIMS Campus Imphal (Manipur)

R.K.SINGH, DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER – TRIFED, HQ, NEW DELHI

(1) TRIFED Genesis: Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd., known as ‘TRIFED’ came into existence on 6.8.1987 under the administrative control of the then Ministry of Welfare, Govt. of India, (presently under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt. of India) consequent upon its registration as a Multi-State Cooperative Society under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 1984 with the basic mandate to bring about socio-economic development of tribals of the country by institutionalising the trade of natural products grown/collected by them and providing marketing support to State Tribal Development Coop.Corporations (TDCCs) and other State level Agencies engaged in procurement of such products from tribals to ensure fair prices and stop their exploitation by middlemen/unscrupulous traders. The broad objectives of TRIFED as enumerated in its earlier Bye-laws registered at the time of its formation were as under :

i) To organise and plan the growth and development of natural products and their trade on rational, scientific and commercial basis in the interest of the tribal population in the country ;

ii) To strive to ensure higher earning and larger employment opportunities for the tribal population by

formulation of suitable economic schemes based on natural products ; iii) To ensure full utilisation of natural products available in the tribal areas including farm and forest

produce by exploring new uses for the products and by improving their marketability through organised effort;

iv) To boost up the economic and commercial viability of the TDCCs, FDCs and other State level

agencies dealing with procurement, processing and marketing of natural products by providing marketing support to them with a view to achieve the above objectives ;

v) To arrange finances for itself and its supported activities with the above end in view; and vi) To identify items of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) in different States to be brought under the ambit

of the cooperative marketing and make recommendations for fixation of minimum prices of such MFP in the tribal areas by each State.

(2) Past history :

Since inception, the Federation focused its activities on procurement of the produce of tribals with the idea of providing remunerative prices to the tribals and also to help Member Societies in disposing their

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stocks procured from tribals as per their mandate. The total procurement of both Minor Forest Produce (MFP) & Agricultural Produce (AP) since inception till June, 2002 stood at Rs.877 Crores. There was an expectation that through commercial operation TRIFED would generate profit to make it self sustaining organisation. However, it could never be possible to meet such expectation because on the one hand TRIFED was expected to do the welfare by providing remunerative prices to tribals and on the other hand, earn profit in competition with unscrupulous private traders, that too after payment of higher prices to tribals. It was gradually realised that it may not always be possible to reconcile the welfare and commercial viable objectives.

(3) Course correction - the new mandate and objective :

After a thorough review and careful consideration of the past performance, TRIFED, in the year 2002-03 reoriented its activities and shifted the focus from direct trading activities to procurement & sales of MFP & AP commodities towards its basic mandate of Marketing Development of tribal products. TRIFED revised/amended its Bye-laws in accordance with the provision of the new Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act 2002 and Rules made thereunder which came into force w.e.f. 2.4.2003. As per the new Bye-laws, the main object of TRIFED is to serve the interest of its members in more than one State for the social and economic betterment of its members by conducting its affairs in professional, democratic and autonomous manner through self help and mutual cooperation for undertaking marketing development of the tribal products. (4) Present Focus of TRIFED : I. Marketing initiatives: A. Through own outlets B. Through Tie-up State Emporia II. Handicraft Sector: Creation of Self Help Group

Capacity Building Design Development III. MFP Sector: Marketing Development MFP produce collected by tribals MSP Operation for NTFP Training & Skill Up-gradation for scientific harvesting IV. R&D Sector: Quality Control : Testing & Certification, Quality Standard Development, Storage norms. Research & Development : New product development, find out new uses of MFP items etc. (5) Past activities of TRIFED in the area of Medicinal Plants:

(i) Procurement and Marketing:

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TRIFED has been engaged in procurement and marketing of various Minor Forest Produces including Medicinal Herbs since its inception. The procurement of Myrobalan has been undertaken by TRIFED in bulk almost every year. However, the quantity of the other herbs procured is meagre. The details of Medicinal Herbs procured by TRIFED during the last three years (1999-2000) to 2001-2002 are as below:

(A) PROCUREMENT FIGURE OF VARIOUS MEDICINAL HERBS DURING THE YEAR

1999-2000

S. No. Commodity Qty. in MT

Value (Rs. Lakhs) Procuring Branch Offices

1 Bee wax 2.22 2.52 Calcutta 2 Laham bark 19.20 2.45 Guwahati 3 Fresh ginger 8.80 2.83 Guwahati 4 Stone flower 5.63 6.27 Guwahati 5 Marking nut 308.98 9.54 Bhubaneshwar,

Hyderabad 6 Myrobalan 2085.81 89.82 Bhubaneshwar,

Hyderabad & Chennai 7 Chobchini 2.47 3.13 Guwahati 8 Soapnut 70.79 7.03 Chennai 9 Shikakai 129.00 14.53 Mysore, Jagdalpur 10 Karkatia seed 23.05 0.76 Jagdalpur 11 Van jeera 0.99 0.24 Jagdalpur 12 Marorfali 0.17 0.01 Jagdalpur 13 Chirota (Puwad seed) 786.00 30.59 Madhya Pradesh

Total 3443.11 169.72 (B) PROCUREMENT FIGURE OF VARIOUS MEDICINAL HERBS DURING THE YEAR

2000-2001

S.No. Commodity Qty. in MTs Value (Rs.Lakhs) 1 Baheda 47.78 1.16 2 Myrobalan 2430.00 108.18 3 Laham Bark 0.00 0.00 4 Dry Amla 9.09 2.1 5 Bee Wax 0.00 0.00 6 Bibiding 0.04 0.01 7 Chobchini 2.41 1.59 8 Honey 0.00 0.00 9 Shikakai 0.00 0.00 10 Chirota 0.00 0.00 11 Karkati 44.85 1.79

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12 Puwad Seed 609.35 20.74 13 Stone Flower 17.80 11.48 Total 3161.32 147.05

(C) ROCUREMENT FIGURE OF VARIOUS MEDICINAL HERBS DURING THE YEAR 2001-2002

S.No. Commodity Qty. in MTs Value (Rs.Lakhs) 1 Baheda 21.137 0.36 2 Myrobalan 1500.00 150.00 3 Puwad Seed 55.583 1.84 4 Dry Amla 4.223 0.87 5 Bee Wax 0.072 0.08 6 Green Amla 6.704 0.21 7 Annato Seed 0.462 0.15 Total 1588.181 153.51

(ii) Training of TRIFED officers in Medicinal Herbs

To improve the knowledge and develop expertise in handling Medicinal Herbs, TRIFED organised training to its officers and staff at Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow in the year 2000-2001. 19 officers/staff participated in the programme in two separate batches.

(iii) Training to tribal farmers in cultivation processing and marketing of Medicinal Herbs In the year 2000-2001 TRIFED organised a workshop and training programme on cultivation processing and marketing of Medicinal Herbs at Dindori (Madhya Pradesh). 50 tribals families participated in the programme.

(6) CONSTRAINT IN MARKETING OF MEDICINAL HERBS 1. Most of the medicinal herbs do not find an immediate consumption market locally, so

collector/cultivator of medicinal herbs are compelled to sell their product to local traders who serve as the sole disposal outlet. These traders have direct link with other wholesale market and probably with the pharmaceutical industry too, often deal in variety of raw drugs including spices and condiments and other agricultural produce. Many of them deal with Medicinal Herbs only during a particular season. Many of them also serve as pooling agents for another big traders in the cities. Thus, in the absence of an outlet that exclusively deal with a particular Medicinal Plants or group of medicinal plants, the farmers constantly remains at the mercy of these general traders to get their produce sold in time.

2. These traders who are otherwise regular buyer of prime produce sometimes exhibited no buying the same and concoct various reasons to keep the farmer under a constant threat and compiling them to sell the produce for price quoted.

3. Medicinal Plants do not command any minimum support price unlike other crop and also the total quantity of a Medicinal Plants produce seen in the market at a given time is not significant and enough when compared to the quantity of other agricultural produce. The Marketing Cooperative/Federation also do not consider to procure these items.

4. In absence of marketing support from the Government the farmers again role back into the strangle holes of the Mafiya in the market.

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5. The existing marketing network of Medicinal Plants is generally more confined and restricted unlike the agriculture produce. In absence of an alternative and competitive market farmer have to rely upon the existing narrow market and the prevailing pricing policy decided by traders.

6. Local lending phenomenon developed and introduced by the traders community many decades ago still alive keeping the farmers under the constant and recurrent debt while ensuring the traders a sustain supply of the required quantity of the produce.

7. Want of space to store the produce until it fetches a good price and the dire necessity to recover the money invested on the crop force the farmer to sell the produce immediately after harvest.

(7) PRESENT ACTIVITYIES RELATING TO MINOR FOREST PRODUCE AND MEDICINAL HERBS (i) A demonstrative project on cultivation of Safed Musli and Amla on 4 acre land at Jagdalpur

(Chhattisgarh). This project was implemented in the year 2004-06 at the cost of Rs.20 lakhs under which 200 local tribals, farmers were given training on seed production, preparation of land, plantation of crop, irrigation, weeding, manuring, processing, storage and marketing, etc. Experience of TRIFED was not good as at the time of harvest the demand of Safed Musli had diminished drastically it was found economically unviable to cultivate safed musli on agricultural land, however by this project TRIFED has succeeded in socio-economic empowerment by giving them employment of 9676 mandays. (ii) A demonstrative project on cultivation of Stevia at Jagdalpur

(Chhattisgarh). It envisages training and demonstration on various aspects of cultivation processing and marketing of Stevia for 150 tribal farmers. The estimated cost of the project is Rs.11 lakhs for plantation of Stevia in 4 acre of land. As the experience of TRIFED in cultivation and marketing of Safed Musli was not encouraging. TRIFED has cautiously decided to undertake the cultivation on 1 acre of land to get first hand experience for cultivation and marketing of the produce. The first harvest of Stevia crop in 1 acre of land has been obtained and efforts on for sale of dried Stevia leaves. Based on market survey and experience the area of cultivation of Stevia will be increased.

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(iii) Project on economic empowerment of tribals through skill upgradation in collection and extraction as well as awareness of processing and marketing of wild Honey. The project envisages training to 5275 honey gatherers in collection of hygienic quality of honey in eco-friendly manner in the States of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Kerala. The project is under progress, so far, 3200 tribal honey gatherers have been trained and provided with necessary equipment for scientific harvesting of honey. (iii) Project on economic empowerment of tribals through skill

upgradation in collection and extraction as well as awareness of processing and marketing of Gum Karaya.

The project envisages training to 10000 Gum pickers in the States of Andhra pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra in scientific tapping of Gum Karaya without inflicting serious injuries to the Gum Karaya trees. So far training to 3600 Gum pickers have been provided and also necessary tool kits have been distributed.

Besides above TRIFED has undertaken following income generating project for tribals:- (a) Skill and entrepreneurship development of two women SHGs in making hill brooms by using hill

grass as raw material. (b) Training of 690 tribals from the States of Orissa, West Bengal,Madhya Pradesh,Chhatisgarh and

Jharkhand in making of moulded leaf cup and plates by using biofuel run moulding machine. (c) Training of tribals in cultivation, processing and marketing of Lac. In the past TRIFED had

sponsored every year one batch of tribal beneficiaries selected from the States of Jharkhand,Orissa

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Madhya Pradesh etc. for training in Lac cultivation at ILRI-Ranchi. During last year TRIFED arranged training for 80 tribal beneficiaries at ILRI-Ranchi.

(d) TRIFED has also arranged linkages of five tribals (some more have been empanelled for the next

batches) with Sanjeevani Ayurvedeic Centre, New Delhi for their training in Ayurvedya and natural therapies treatment. After three months training these tribals would be issued necessary certificates. They can practise naturopathy treatment under the supervision of above agency so as to suppliment their income.

All the above projects have been taken on pilot scale. However, TRIFED intends to expand these activities on broader scale to benefit larger tribal population of the country. ……

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ROLE OF NABARD IN PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF COMMERCIALLY IMPRORTANT MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC

PLANTS IN NORTH EASTERN STATES

SS MALANI Deputy General Manager (Tech) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Manipur Regional Office, Imphal. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is the apex financial institution, was formed in 1982 and owned by Government of India and Reserve Bank of India with the mandate for the development of agriculture in rural India. The main function of NABARD is to act as a Development Banker and Refinance agency. Credit planning:

• NABARD prepares potential linked credit plans (PLPs) for all the districts in the country. • It maps the potential available for development in agriculture and rural development in the districts. • It projects the credit requirement, taking into account the long term physical potential, availability

of infrastructure, extension services, marketing support and the strength and weaknesses of rural financial institutions.

• It prepares state focus paper based on district credit plans. • Monitoring the flow ground level credit. • Issuing policy and operational guidelines to rural financial institutions (RFIs).

Promotion and development: • Institutional development of client organizations. • Capacity building in partner institutions. • Dissemination of innovative products and ideas. • Support experimentation with new models and practices in development and credit delivery. • Supporting Research and Development (R&D). • Assisting RBI/GOI in formulation of policies relating to rural credit. • Promotion of rural non-farm sector. • Promotion of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme. • Promotion of micro credit innovations. • Consultancy services.

Role of NABARD in promotion and development of Medicinal and Aromatics plants The Indian system of medicines is well known due its well established components of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy medicine systems. The documentary evidence shows that 90% of the medicines are of plant origin and available in each and every corner of the country. However, out of the total demand of these phytomedicines (plant based), 90% are reported to be collected from the forests and wild, majority of which are either extinct. Endangered or gone into short supply leading to adulteration and

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substandard substitution. The systematic information collected by many reputed organizations, scientists, planners and industries on these aspects have strongly advocated for their in situ conservation and cultivation. This provides tremendous opportunity for large scale commercial cultivation of Medicinal and aromatic plants. The growing demand for domestic and global consumption has further accelerated the need for cultivation of more and more of such crops. It is pertinent to mention that “Health for all” being the focal theme of our National Health Policy becomes more relevant when we add the demand of veterinary medicines and further demand of land/soil which has become infertile due to loss of humus and nutrients, which has opened a new era of organic farming. Though studies have been conducted from time to time, by many expert groups and agencies to quantify the demand and supply gap of medicinal and aromatic plants, NABARD has attempted a holistic approach to elucidate the importance of these new crops not merely to man but to his domestic animals, plants and soil. Therefore, the spectrum of development of such crops is drawn as under:-

i. Herbal medicines. ii. Herbal cosmetics/perfumes. iii. Neutraceuticals. iv. Aromatic and spices. v. Bio pesticides. vi. Veterinary medicine. vii. Natural dyes and food colours. viii. Non edibles oil, oil cakes etc. It is also imperative to mention that though GOI has created National Medicinal Plants Board, an apex

body, coordinating in medicinal plants sector, accelerated efforts are yet required to consolidate such a vast spectrum of crop diversification due to rapidly emerging global demand on one hand, and to generate rural employment and income on the other.

It is, therefore, high time that all of us should endeavour for a gradual change of the existing practice of sourcing the plant material from the forests (about 90-95%) through collection in respect of medicinal and aromatic plants and to start cultivation practices of new cops having high commercial and economic value, suitable to the different agro-climatic zones.

Farmer’s need and technical support

When we talk about cultivation of herbal crops, the foremost issue that comes to our mind is the availability of the standard of agro-technology for the crops that have domestic and global demand. Adoption of pre and post harvest production technology for cultivation of herbal crops by the farmers through systematic training is essential for developing a strong production base for supply to the industry. Hence all the stakeholders have the responsibility to ensure that the farmers, who are most vital in the whole chain supply, are adequately equipped to follow Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) for quality production.

Research Need

The active ingredients for the medicinal plant are sensitive to micro agro climatic conditions and hence, it is imperative to develop location specific package of practices for adoption by the farmers. In this context, the role of Research Institutes and our scientist become very important. While the Research Institute needs to standardize location specific production technology and post harvest management for good agricultural practices for the farmers, they should also focus their research on formulation and development of new products for the industry. The product line should not only be for human health but also for emerging potential in veterinary sector.

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Indian pharma industry “The Indian pharma industry has shown remarkable growth and maturity during the last four decades, unparalleled in any industrial segment. Capital investments grew from Rs. 140 crores in 1965-66 to over Rs. 3000 crores in 2000-01, during the same period bulk drugs from Rs. 18 crores to over Rs. 4000 crores, formulations from 150 crores to Rs. 20,000 crores, export from Rs. 3 crores to Rs. 8000 crores and R&D expenditure from Rs. 3 crores to Rs. 400 crores. Inspite of such phenomenal growth in value terms, India which has 16% of the world’s population produces only 1.2% of global output of pharmaceuticals and the annual per capita consumption of drugs in India is one of the lowest in the world at US$3.” This focuses upon the magnitude of demand and supply gap of investment opportunities and challenges for the industry. It is also quite interesting to note that the pharma sector is among the few sophisticated manufacturing sectors whose exports Rs. 5000 crores exceed the imports. This includes approximately Rs. 2000 crores export from herbal sector alone. Scope for commercial cultivation of MAPs in North eastern states: The favourable agro climatic conditions provide immense scope for commercial cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants in north eastern states. Out of 20 highly traded medicinal plants species in the country, more than 7 are found in its natural habitat in the forests of north eastern states which indicates enormous potential for commercial exploitation of these species. Only limiting factor is marketing, transport etc. Investment and Financial Institutions: As we are aware, credit is a critical component for any development process. Financial Institutions/Banks need to play a more pro active role for development of this sector. In the absence of any authentic information regarding exact area under cultivation of various herbal crops, NABARD, pays on available information and interpolating the data on production of various crops, as estimated an area of 10 lakh acre under herbal crops, of which about 7 lakh acres is under established medicinal and aromatic crops. Based on these assumption, it is estimated that more than Rs. 500 crores is needed annually only for cultivation and primary processing at the farmers level. If the credit needs of the industry are taken into account, the amount would be quite substantial and will cross the annual investment potential of Rs. 1000 crores. This offers a great business opportunity for the banks and financial institutions of extending credit to financially viable projects under medicinal, aromatic and herbal sectors. This will open up a new investment avenue for diversifying agricultural credit, especially when the banks are finding it difficult to achieving the stipulated target of 18% under agricultural advances. Support from NABARD: NABARD has taken distinct policy initiative and created an enabling environment for the financial institutions by providing bankable models of some 50 medicinal and aromatic crops, indicating the unit cost and scale of finance at the state level. This will act as ready reckoner to the bankers and will facilitate the investment and credit procedure instantly. With a view to sensitize the officials of financial institutions, state government, NGOs, farmers etc, NABARD has organized 8 Zonal Level Orientation cum Training Programmes by reputed Technical Institutions and about 30 Workshops and Seminars at state and district level. Formulation of Model bankable scheme on cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants:

116

Some of details/inputs required in formulation of bankable scheme are as under: • Name of the crop. • Botanical Name. • Common/Vernacular Name. • Agro/Climatic suitability. • Planting material- Source. • Chemical composition & its commercial application. • Demand supply Gap-Specific market/Buyers. • Plant parts used-Root, stem, seed, flowers etc. • Cost of cultivation, gestation period and maintenance cost. • Yield, sale price and income generation. • Repayment schedule. • Processing infrastructure (post harvest) required, process flow chart. • Central/state government support for marketing. • Forward and backward linkages, contract farming etc. • Subsidy from central/state Medicinal Plants Board.

Infrastructure- Post harvest (Processing of MAPs): The following activities are eligible for institutional finance:

• Development of land. • Fencing. • Purchases of machineries and distillation unit. • Lab equipment. • Grading and standardization unit. • Electrical installation. • Vehicles. • Installation of machineries. • Working capital for one cycle. • Packing materials. • Marketing. • Any other need based capital expenditure.

Potential for cultivating dye yielding medicinal plants species in north eastern states: Chromaculture is emerging discipline in agriculture concerned with cultivation of plants that yield dye. There is tremendous demand of natural dye both in domestic and international market especially for colouration of textiles. It is, therefore, necessary to identify suitable dye yielding plants for large scale commercial cultivation in its natural habitat. Initiative from NABARD in promotion of dye yielding medicinal plants: Proposal under farm innovation and promotion fund Project: Cultivation of Rubia sikkimensis and Rubia cordifolia for used in herbal medicine and colouration of textiles.

Presently NABARD HO/Manipur Regional Office under its farm innovation and promotion fund has sanctioned a very innovative proposal to an NGO on experimental basis in Senapati district of Manipur for cultivation of 2 medicinal plants species- Rubia sikkimensis and Rubia cordifolia for extraction of dye

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to be used ion colouration of textiles. Both the species are naturally grown in the forests of Senapati distriuct and also in adjoining areas. Roots and stems of these plants yield the brilliant red dye. The roots of Rubia sikkimensis contain pupurin as principle colouring matter (0.37-0.50%). The colouring matter present in the roots of Rubia cordifolia is a mixture of pupurin (dry hydroxyl anthroquinone) and manjustine (xanthropurpurin-2 carboxylic acid). Objective:

• To identify alternative cash crop for commercial cultivation. • To reduce industrial pollution by the application of natural dye. • To improve the employment opportunities in the state. • To bring the large area under commercial cultivation of dye yielding species. • To preserve the local dye yielding plants under its natural habitat.

NABNARD Consultancy Services Private Limited (NABCONS): NABCONS was set up on 17th November, 2003, which provides consultancy services in agriculture, agro processing and infrastructure projects, institutional development, micro finance, watershed development, non farm enterprises, training, potential identification and related areas. The clients of NABARD include GOI, state Government, Banks, international bodies, corporate entities and individuals. Constraints, suggestion, linkages and policy issues:

• Standardization of local specific cultivation practices for identified MAPs. • Identification of specific roles, responsibility and opportunities of each stakeholder. • Effective coordination and building a partnership relation amo0ng the stakeholders. • Multiplication of demand specific true to type quality planting material. • Compilation/list of producers, buyers and processors for knowledge of farmers. • Identification of crop specific demand for market driven production by the farmers. • Improvement of banking network and bankers to appreciate investment opportunity for smooth and

increased flow of credit. • Synergy among the line departments, banks, research institutions, NGOs, farmers etc. • Market intelligence, data base, long term potential. • Suitable market interventions by state/ central agencies in case of glut by fixing MSP for major

MAPs. • Prevailing land tenure system(NE states) needs suitable land reforms or bankers to find alternative

approach in financing MAPs. • Need based research on MAPs by CSIR, ICAR, Agricultural Universities etc. • Promotion of contract farming with buy back arrangements. • Cultivation of MAPs in compact Blocks.

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PRESENTATION ON

“Marketing of Medicinal Plants from North Eastern States for AYUSH Industry”.

S.K. CHADHADIRECTOR

DEPARTMENT OF AYUSHGOVERNMENT OF INDIA

AYUSH AT A GLANCE

ØExports from AYUSH sector from India close to Rs. 1000 crore in 2006-07.

ØMedicinal Plants and extracts were between Rs. 600-700 crores.

ØThere are about 9500 manufacturing units in the AYUSH sector.

ØAbout 100 firms with turnover of Rs. 5.00 croresand above.

ØPredominantly a small scale industrial sector.

PLANT SPECIES USED IN ALL THE CODIFIED

SYSTEMS OF MEDICINE IN INDIA

192WESTERN6.

468HOMOEOPATHY5.

253SOWA-RIGPA4.

503UNANI3.

1128SIDDHA2.

1587AYURVEDA1.

Plant SpeciesSystem of MedicineSl. No.

PART-WISE BREAK UP OF TRADED BOTANICALS

1289Total no. of traded botanicals

3Oil

4Galls

20Wood

37Exudates

84Flowers

140Leaves

162Stems

168Whole Plants

333Fruits

338Roots

TOTAL COUNTMAJOR CATEGORY OF PARTS TRADED

AYUSH SECTOR EXPORTS –

CURRENT STATUS

(Rs. In crores)

402.39T O T A L

0.42Siddha5.

1.89Unani4.

2.05Homoeopathy3.

10.11Bio-chemic2.

387.92Ayurveda1.

2004-05CommoditySl. No.

MANUFACTURING UNITS

9493T O T A L

-NATUROPATHY6.

-YOGA5.

659HOMOEOPATHY4.

446SIDDHA3.

391UNANI2.

7997AYURVEDA1.

Manufacturing Units

SystemSL. No.

NORTH EAST REGION

North East Region :Ø Has profusion of habitats.Ø Biota with high level of endemism.Ø 200 of the 315 families of Angiosperms found in India.Ø Accounts for nearly 50% of the total number of plants in

India.Ø 135 tribes out of 450 residing in India.

LOCAL HEALTH TRADITIONS

Ø NE Region has rich and varied traditions of folk medicine.

Ø Folk Medicine is an invaluable resource for health care.Ø Traditional health practices in the Region have not been

studied fully.Ø Validation and mainstreaming of such health practices

still remains a challenge.

]

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DEMOGRAPHY

ØPopulation of North Eastern Region 388.55 Lakhs (2002 Census) i.e. 3.78% of total population of India.

ØTotal area 2.62 lakh sq. km. i.e. 7.9% of total geographical area of the country.

ØDecadal growth rate for the region 21.61 slightly higher than the national average of 21.54.

ØDensity 148 persons per square KM is much lower than the national average of 313.

DEMOGRAPHIC INDICATORS(Source : 2001 Census)

69.68

73.66

67.11

88.49

63.31

68.87

64.28

61.11

%age of Literates to Population

>=7

875

948

900

935

972

978

935

893

Sex ratio

33.06

16.03

64.53

28.82

30.65

17.94

18.92

27.00

Decadal growth rate

76

305

120

42

103

104

340

13

Density per Sq. KM.

ASSAM HAS 68.5% OF THE POPULATION OF NE

5.40Sikkim8.

31.99Tripura7.

19.90Nagaland6.

8.88Mizoram5.

23.19Meghalaya4.

21.67Manipur3.

266.65Assam2.

10.98ArunachalPradesh

1.

Total population (in lakh)

StatesSl. No.

RECORDED FOREST AREA(Area in Km sq)

6293

5841

8629

16717

9496

17418

27018

51540

Recorded Forest Area (2003)

10486Tripura8.

7096Sikkim7.

16579Nagaland6.

21081Mizoram5.

22429Meghalaya4.

22327Manipur3.

78438Assam2.

83743Arunachal Pradesh1.

Geographic Area

StatesSl. No.

PROJECTS SANCTIONED IN X PLAN(Rs. In Lakhs)

3240.3T O T A L

150.4Tripura8.

402.8Sikkim7.

205.8Nagaland6.

220.0Mizoram5.

177.5Meghalaya4.

1337.2Manipur3.

275.7Assam2.

471Arunachal Pradesh1.

Total Grant ReleasedStatesSl. No.

MARKETING SCENARIO

ØCollectors from wild sell in weekly markets at much lower prices.

ØMiddlemen rule by controlling the prices.ØVendors from mainland operate and profit.ØOrganized ‘MANDIS’ not there.ØIndustry purchases from small and big

dealers.ØQuality of raw materials is often a

casuality.

CHALLENGES

ØSustainable harvesting from wild.ØProduction of large quantities of raw materials.ØOrganizing the cultivators / collectors.ØPayment of better prices to primary collectors.ØBetter grading and storage facilities.ØOrganized procurement and marketing

practices.ØGenerations of employment opportunities.

LIKELY OPTIONS

ØPromotion of cultivation of important commercially viable species in community / private lands.

ØClusters of such cultivators to be identified.Ø Involvement of FDAs in in-situ and ex-situ

conservation.ØFormation of district level co-operatives.ØCreation of sheds for drying, sorting and

storage.ØTesting of quality of raw materials.

Contd. ..

Ø Identification of a State level organization for testing / marketing.

ØForest Corporations / Federations can take up this job immediately.

ØAvailability of different types of medicinal plants with chemical qualities to be displayed on the website.

ØAYUSH Industry can contact the Corporations / Federations for raw material directly.

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AVAILABILITY OF FUNDING

ØNMPB is embarking upon schemes to provide a huge boost to Medicinal Plants Sector in XI Plan.

ØMore species being covered under subsidy framework for contractual farming.

ØEstablishment of seed centres, nurseries for production of quality planting material.

ØAssistance for common storage godowns, grading and packing halls.

Establishment of Medicinal Plants Processing Zones

Ø Funds to be available for setting up of Medicinal Plants Processing Zones (MPPZs) on regional basis.

Ø Can be located at a place well connected with national markets.

Ø MPPZs to have facilities for drying, storage, grading, packing, etc.

Ø Laboratories for testing of raw material and value-added items, certification.

Ø Production and export from the region will get a boost.Ø The sector has under-performed in X Plan and there is

scope and opportunity to plan, execute and reap the benefits for the economy of the Region.

DEVELOPING MARKETING STRATEGIES

/ LINKAGES

ØLinkages with cultivators / farmer clusters / district co-operatives.

ØVendor Development.ØLinkages with AYUSH Industry Associations.ØLinkages with individual industries.ØParticipation in National / International AROGYA

festivals.ØParticipation in export festivals / exhibitions.

THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES GALORE FOR NORTH EAST!

ITS TIME TO ACT & ACT FAST

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MEDICINAL PLANTS IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH – PROSPECTS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

G.N. SINHA, IFS, MEMBER SECRETARY and CEO, APSMPB AND D. YONGGAM, RO, APSMPB, ITANAGAR Abstract

Few places on earth match the biological diversity of Arunachal Pradesh which contains 4800 species of flora out of which many are endemic to Arunachal Pradesh. The plants, mammals, birds, insects and a multitude of other life forms constitute various ecosystems and maintain vital ecological processes in Arunachal Pradesh. The inter-connected benefit of conservation has implications for the economic well being, political stability and the survival of diverse cultures in the region. The goods and services provided by the natural resources are immeasurable and the livelihoods of people of Arunachal Pradesh are dependent on the conservation and sustainable use of these resources including Medicinal and Aromatic plants (MAP). This sector offers great promise for economic development of people of the State. The APSMPB after its latest restructuring has ambitious plans for development of this sector.

Introduction Arunachal Pradesh is situated at the extreme northeast corner of India, bordering Bhutan in the west, Tibet in the north, China in the northeast, Myanmar (Burma) in the east and the state of Assam and Nagaland in the south. It lies between 26° 28’ & 29° 30’ north latitude and 91° 30’ & 97° 30’ east longitude covering an area of 83,743 sq. km. It is a complex mountain system of eastern Himalaya with altitude varying from 100m in case of Siwalik formations from the plains of Assam to Himalayas up to 7700m along the Tibet – China border. Hill ridges and valleys characterize the rugged terrain of the state. Numerous streams and rivers, dissecting the varied topography of the state, maintain the natural drainage system. The soil, in general, has high degree of acidity due to heavy rainfall and rich in humus with higher percentage of nitrogen. The state of Arunachal Pradesh is recognized as one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world. The forest cover of the state is estimated to be 68,621 sq. km., which is about 61.54% of the total geographical areas. A major part of it still enjoys primary forests though they are quickly eroding due to various biotic and abiotic interferences. Arunachal Pradesh covers the largest part of the eastern Himalaya, which is strikingly different from the rest of the Himalayas as it receives higher rainfall, incidence of high temperature, scanty snowfall and high humidity etc. The state has more then twenty different forest types offering shelter to well over 6000 of flowering plants. The forest of Arunachal Pradesh is rich store house of important drug yielding plants, including many species of aromatic and spice plants. It is more spectacular and unique in case of high altitude medicinal plants that generally occur in the temperate belts between 1800 to 3000m altitude. Cordicep sinensis, Illicium, Nardostachys, Taxus, Gaultheria, Aquilaria agallocha, Homolomena aromatica, Valeriana, Aconitum, Berberis, Bergenia, Coptis, Fritillaria, Gentiana, Gymnadaenia, Hypericum, Picrorrhiza, Podophyllum, Rheum, Swertia etc. are some of the important medicinal plants that are being exploited. Availability of wide range of agroclimatic conditions has favoured the growth of warm loving tropical

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plants to cold tolerant alpine herbs. So far more then 500 different species of medicinal plants have been catalogued from the state. People and Traditional knowledge The state has over 25 major tribes and more then 110 sub tribes inhabiting the state and the ethnic interaction by number of these tribes have all contributed to the richness of the medicinal flora. Further, the region being located in the middle of some of the best-known medicinal systems like Indian system (Ayurveda) towards north, Tibetan and Chinese systems towards north etc., the indigenous knowledge base of the people of the region regarding the utilization of the plants is very high. Quite unfortunately their knowledge has not been properly documented or any serious attempt made to take advantage of this immense treasure of traditional knowledge. Different ethnic communities of the state have been using these rich medicinal plants since time immemorial. They have well developed practices of treatment where natural products only are used as medicines. In almost every village there will be some elderly persons engaged in treatment of ailing population. They deliver effective healthcare to the otherwise isolated and remote villages in a much cheaper manner. Some of them are so popular in certain specialized treatments that people from far and wide travel to them for treatment. But this system is also in a dying state with the invasion of western medicines into these forbidden lands. Since there is no documentation of their information and practices we are bound to lose some very vital cure even before others know about it. Village people generally use medicinal plants commonly available in and around their locality for their day –to – day requirements. Due to uncertainties associated with availability of certain species at the time of requirement they prefer to cultivate those plants of their own. Aconitum, Balsam, Coptis, Clerodendron, Impatiens, Piper, Pathos, Spilanthus, Stephania, etc. are some such plants which are commonly cultivated. Their noble practice ensures sustainable utilization of the valuable germplasms. Trade Some of the medicinal plants available in the state are also used in various other systems of medicine like – Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homoeopathy and even in allopathy. Such species have got tremendous market potentials and are being extracted on large scale from wild sources unscientifically. Much damage has already been caused to the high altitude species as the difficult condition limits the regeneration prospects of such species. This has led to unprecedented erosion of this valuable germplasm in the recent past. There is no organized marketing network for this purpose and government intervention is almost negligible. With increased demands some species get collected in such huge quantities at alarming rates that these species now survive with limited population only and are virtually being wiped out of the state. Prospects Arunachal Pradesh, as already mentioned, has large number of medicinal plants. Among them are a variety of species suitable for almost all agro-climatic conditions and widely differing habitat conditions. Thanks to its wide geographical area and physiographical features, there are more than enough land for cultivation of many of the indigenous and exotic species. The people of the state are mainly agriculture oriented and are experts in cultivation of plants in hilly terrain. The shifting cultivation practiced by the people also leave large area as fallows which can be profitably used for cultivation of medicinal plants. We have different species that can be cultivated under forest plantations, marshy areas, open areas, marginal lands, jhum fallows and waste lands.

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Taking advantage of the divergent habits of medicinal plants, multi-tier cropping and inter cropping are possible. Such cultivation will not only add to the productivity but also provide a source of income in a perennial manner to farmers. Most of the herbaceous species have short gestation period and yield economic returns quickly. This is a feature, which is bound to attract villagers to go in for such ventures. In general forestry the case is different and the farmer has to wait for too long a period before the economic benefits could be reaped. As larger share of medicinal plants are found in the interior villages and rural areas where employment avenues are limited, enterprises based on medicinal plants have potential for employment generation for rural unemployed women, in all fields like farming, tending, harvesting, post harvesting, value addition and related fields. This will also generate employment in allied sectors. Challenges Ahead Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP) provide a window of opportunity to concurrently strengthen health, food, and nutrition and livelihood security of the environment. Their potential is especially immense in the tribal context where traditional systems of medicine have been used over the years to address human, animal and plant health. Globally also, the potential is being recognized and it is becoming increasingly apparent that “Health for All” can be assured only by strengthening traditional systems of medicine. Business opportunities in recent year are expanding due to diversified usages of herbals in Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic and Agro-Chemical Industries. According to a World Bank Study, the world market is poised to grow to US $ 5 trillion by 2050. This being the Scenario, Arunachal Pradesh as one of the biodiversity hot spots with a rich heritage of traditional medicine has the potential to be a leading player in the sector. This calls for major sprucing up first on the domestic front in the areas of cultivation, research, standardization and regulation to ensure safety, quality and efficacy, pricing and marketing. A strategy has to be undertaken simultaneously to place our products in the national as well as international market. The key challenges in this endeavor are gearing up supplies via large scale cultivation and appropriate post-harvest technologies. This again calls for immediate research into development of sources for quality planting material (QPM) and standardization of agro-technologies, thus, medicinal Plant sector can be a major area for generation of employment and income. Traditionally, medicinal plants constitute the principal health care resources for the majority of our population. But there is a decline of folk traditional medicine which is a source of primary health care. Constraints

i) The major constraint for cultivation of Medicinal Plants are non-availability of quality planting material, lack of development and extension support in the cultivation and processing and unorganized marketing.

ii) Medicinal plant trade is inefficient, imperfect, informal and opportunistic. Till date, no authentic recorded information is available about the volume of trade of medicinal and aromatic plants within the State. Some of key factors are also the lack of information on market prices and the market, proper support from banks and financial institutions etc. There is no systematic distribution and marketing network till now.

iii) Unsustainable Wild Harvesting – The collectors exploit the plants by unscientific method of collection from the wild. Due to the ignorance of the collector coupled with the need to earn more, the whole plant is destroyed.

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Hence, in the absence of any regulatory mechanism, the trade of medicinal Plants in particular is very secretive. Prices of individual medicinal plants vary with demand, availability and quality.

iv) The cost of production is usually high for the cultivated crops as compared to those collected from the wild as a result of which the cultivation of the crops has not been attractive proposition for the farmers until financial support is provided.

v) Lack of Co-ordination amongst various stakeholders. vi) Policies regulating safety and efficacy need to be evolved based on recognition of the

uniqueness of tribal and folk medicines, and this should be linked to intellectual property rights to ensure that community benefit from the use of their technology.

vii) A regulatory system is urgently needed to restrain indiscriminate and illegal wild harvest etc. The WHO has introduced a series of guidelines for collection, cultivation, production, certification, registration and marketing of medicinal plant through five important practices viz. Good Agriculture Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), and Good Selling Practice (GSP). The Indian Medicinal Plants based Industry is yet to adopt it. It is extremely relevant to not only conserve the rich herbal Biodiversity but also to cultivate it for utilization by the industries to meet the domestic needs and to maintain desired quality standards. Sustainable production and continuous value addition will ensure effective conservation of the targeted population and species. Shift from collection and conservation mode to conservation and cultivation will ensure purity, authenticity and availability of medicinal and aromatic plants for pharmaceutical and aroma industries. New Initiatives Arunachal Pradesh Medicinal Plant Board was constituted by the State Govt. in 2001. Minister Health and Family Welfare was designated as the Chairman while Secretary Health as the Vice-Chairman, and Director, AIYUSH was working as the Member Secretary of the board. In May 2005, state govt. changed the Member Secretary and appointed Director, State Forest Research Institute as Member Secretary. Other than contract farming by the entrepreneurs on funds received from the Govt. of India not much progress could be made. Therefore, matter was taken up with the state govt. for transferring the board to the Department of Environment & Forests. Finally, in the month of July 2007 the board was shifted to the department of environment & forests with a sitting MLA as its Chairman. Principal Chief Conservator of Forest & Principal Secretary, Environment & Forests has been designated as vice-chairman while Director State Forest Research Institute as Member Secretary and CEO of the board. It is hope that this arrangement will facilitate development of medicinal plant sector in Arunachal Pradesh as activities of the board are similar to the works performed by forest officials. It is proposed to designate Divisional Forest Officers as ex-officio District Medicinal Plant officer. It is also proposed to prepare Action Plan for cultivation and marketing of medicinal plant with active involvement of Divisional Forest Officers. Every forest division will have a demonstration farm and sale cum collection center where contract farmers can easily come and sell their medicinal plant products. Medicinal plant industries and traders can then buy raw materials from these centers which will also be having prior certification. Arunachal Pradesh Medicinal Plant Board has already started this process sometime back when Dr. Sukdev Singh, IFS of Uttranchal had come to Itanagar and had demonstrated the success story of Uttranchal. Arunachal Pradesh Medicinal Plant Board proposes to work in close coordination with Uttranchal Medicinal Plant Board and Uttranchal Forest Corporation for development of medicinal plant sector in this state.

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In addition to this APMPB also envisages doing the following:

i) Proposes to take initiation to establish a full fledged digital herbal Herbarium. ii) Proposes to take initiative for establishment and construction of raw herbal drug museum for

medicinal plants. iii) Database and marketing linkage mechanism with all north-eastern states. iv) Conduction of awareness-cum-training camps on medicinal plants cultivation through various

agencies including educational institutions. v) Proposes to enlist / enroll more no. of the local traditional healers in the State and motivate them

for cultivating medicinal herbs. vi) Proposes to establish processing unit. vii) Proposes to have mobile herbarium unit to bring awareness among the people. viii) Proposes to establish herbal parks / research station in different agro climatic zones in each

district Head Qtrs. ix) Proposes to develop documentation of locally available unidentified herbs through local

traditional healers. x) Proposes to conduct more survey and documentation of Medicinal Plants of Arunachal Pradesh

in different agro-climatic zones.

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STATUS & ACTION PLAN FOR DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN ASSAM

Dr. R.M. Dubey, IFS, Conservator of Forests, Research & Education Circle, Assam 1. INTRODUCTION:

Assam has a rich tradition of conservation and utilization of medicinal plants in the life of the indigenous people. The traditional herbal foodstuffs and medicines had a great role in the health and hygiene of the indigenous people of the state. The state had been harvesting the available Non Timber Forest Produces (NTFPs) including medicinal plants and selling them through established procedures under Assam Coupe and Mahal Rules. There had been a lot of degradation in the wealth of these resources in recent past due to tremendous pressure on forest resources from increasing population of the state. The forest faced severe onslaught in the hands of anti social/ extremists element operating from forest areas which also contributed to loss of biodiversity of the forest as a whole. Besides these, natural calamities like recurrent floods, earthquakes, etc, compelled the people in villages outside the forest areas to migrate to forest area for shelter leading to loss of floral and faunal diversity of many forest areas. Till recent past the state forest department had been focusing mainly on economically important timber species and in the working plans only a brief prescription regarding exploitation and disposal of various NTFPs including Medicinal Plants had been finding a place. However the Research wing of the state had been working on the nursery and cultivation techniques of many medicinal plants since long. Though, the department evolved adequate knowledge about cultivation and propagation of many medicinal plant resources of the state but no major initiatives could be taken to conserve the resource base and propagate them in forest as well as non-forest areas on commercial considerations. Since last couple of years the North Eastern Financial Development Corporation of India (NEDFI), has sponsored some studies with regard to standardization of plantation technique and also to work out the economics of raising/cultivating medicinal plants on farmers lands. NEDFI has come out with the publication of handbook on about 35 number of medicinal and aromatic plants especially focusing the need of cultivators. In a limited way some private growers have adopted cultivation of medicinal plants as an agricultural practice. The cultivation of Patchauli, an aromatic oil yielding plant in Assam, had been very profitable to the farmers for first few years, but the import permission granted by Govt. of India, has adversely affected the cultivation of this plant by farmers in the state. Though there had been awareness among the farmers for cultivation of medicinal plants, but because of lack of proper marketing linkage the promotion of cultivation is not getting desired boost. Further the lack of assured supply of quality planting stock had also been one of reasons for slow progress. While the farmers outside the forest areas are slowly and slowly taking up cultivation of medicinal plants there had been no concerted effort on the part of the department for enhancing the productivity of forest areas with regard to medicinal plants. Many of medicinal plants of the states which find use in day today life of the people are becoming endangered or threatened. The state being the sole custodian of its forest resources, the prime concern before the it is to conserve the vast Medicinal plant resources, which are

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endemic to the state. NE Region being one of the hotspot biodiversity areas, the conservation of these resources along with diverse flora and fauna is of utmost importance. The state forest policy Assam 2004 enunciates conservation of all floral and faunal species in their habitats with the active participation of communities, dependent on these resources for their livelihood. The policy also lay emphasis on taking up of various developmental efforts for promotion of conservation alongwith augmentation of income of the dependant populations. All the international mandates, national commitments, Assam Forest Policy 2004 insist on threat assessment of different taxa and conservation and sustainable use of biological resources. Thus it has becomes very important to build capacity and a network of trained people in this sector to conserve the medicinal plants and also to adopt their cultivation on commercial line. 2. DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAMMES: CURRENT STATUS. The forest department has been undertaking medicinal plantations under research trails since last 30-40 years. Many trails had been made primarily to establish the plantation/nursery techniques in the past. There were many research plots of Agar and Sandalwood in the state raised during late sixties and early seventies. It is very unfortunate that silvicultural plots could not be maintained as had been envisaged in the study primarily due to paucity of fund and also because of problems posed by encroachers and miscreants behind illicit feelings. Though we lost many valuable Sandalwood and Agar plots in the hand of miscreants but there are still few plots having luxuriant growth of these plants. Besides the sample plots of Agar and Chandan the department has raised successful plantations of Terminelia balerica, Termilia chebula, Terminilia arjuna, Emblia officinale, etc. which are more than 35 years old in forest areas. Some of these plantations are protected well in forest area. Though the medicinal plants were being raised under state plan schemes in little way but the cultivation of medicinal plant received a boost during 2006-07 when the research wing of the department approached the National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB) with project proposal for assistance. The project proposal submitted to NMPB and their current status is shown in the table below: Sl No. Name of Proposa Project/ Cost

(Lakhs) Current Status

1 Establishment of Demonstraion Centre (Harbel Garden) & Nursery at Gharmura Hailakandi District

Rs 22.10 Proposal sanctioned for Rs 22.00 lakhs and Rs 10.00 lakhs released for 2006-07

2 Ex-situ cultivation of selected Medicinal plants through the Establishment of Demonstration Centre & Nursery By DFO Genetic Cell Division, Assam, Guwahati

Rs 28.50 Proposal sanctioned for Rs 25.00 lakhs and Rs 10.00 lakhs released for 2006-07

3 Ex-situ cultivation of selected Medicinal plants through the Establishment of Demonstration Centre & Nursery By Silviculturist, Assam, Guwahati

Rs 28.50 Under consideration

4 Proposal for Development of Medicinal Rs 27.55 Proposal under

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plant Conservation Area Network in Upper Assam

consideration

5 Proposal for Development of Medicinal plant Conservation Area Network in Lower Assam & Barak Valley

Rs 27.55 Proposal under consideration

6 Setting up of Medicinal plant Development Areas and Marketing Structure at FDA level in Assam

Rs 30.00 Proposal sanctioned

7 Establishment of Sustainable Harvest Sites for prioritized species of Medicinal plants

Rs 29.20 Proposal under consideration

8 Establishment of Seed Centres for Higly traded and RET Medicinal plants.

Rs 30.00 Proposal under consideration

9 Raising & Nurseries of Medicinal Plants Rs 30.00 Proposal sanctioned

Besides the research wing of the Department NMPB has also funded the Karbi-Anglong Autonomous Council (Silvicultural Division: Hill Areas) by sanctioning a project of raising of 15 ha. of medicinal plantation during 2005-06 at a cost of Rs. 30.00 lakhs. The Silvicultural Division, Diphu has raised the plantation successfully and they has also come out with a publication of “Medicinal Plants of Assam with special reference to Karbi-Anglong”. The schemes of “Herbal Garden cum Demonstration Centers and Nurseries” sanctioned by NMPB during 2006-07 are being implemented by DFO, Hailakandi, Genetic Cell Division, Silviculturist Assam, Assam Forest School and Assam Forest Guard School. It is expected that by the end of August 2007, the fund released by NMPB as first installment would be fully utilized. Under the scheme for “Development of Medicinal plant” covering 100 ha. area under plantation, the 10 territorial divisions in different regions of the state have been allocated fund to raise 10 ha. plantation of specified medicinal plants in their respective territories of the 10 Divisions. Two divisions (Haltugaon and Aic valley division) are focusing on Amlokhi (Emblica Officinale) only. The department has made arrangement for procurement of high quality seedlings from a nursery in Pratapgarh, UP. Approx. 10,000 seedlings are expected to reach Assam by 20th July which may be planted up during this season only. 3. PROBLEM AREAS: Illicit collection and disposal of medicinal plants from wild at a micro level by large number of collectors and their sale to middle men has been a serious problem. However with the network of JFMCs being increased slowly and slowly the illicit collection would be brought to control. The working plans of forest divisions do not contain elaborate prescriptions with regard to harvest and replenishment of minor forest produce including medicinal and aromatic plants. Authentic information about availability of medicinal and aromatic plants in the forest as well as non-forest areas is lacking as a result no plan for processing / value addition could be drawn. Only qualitative inference is feasible with regard to availability of medicinal / aromatic plants in the state. A detailed quantitative assessment of medicinal and aromatic plant products is necessary.

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Though there is hardly any coupe / mahal of collection of medicinal plants is in operation in the state but many plant parts of medicinal value are either being processed in the state or taken outside. This is mainly because of low-level of collection of such plant parts from large number of open forest / non-forest pockets. Intensive cultivation of endemic medicinal plants in therefore necessary. Non-existent marketing structure for medicinal plants. Low awareness level of profitability of medicinal plants. Very low or non-adoption of medicinal plant cultivation as a livelihood practice among cultivations of the state. 4. ACTION PLAN (2006-2007): Promotion of Medicinal Plant Cultivation: The State Government has earmarked Rs. 100.00 lakhs out of the state funds for setting up of 6 medicinal plant cultivation areas cum gardens in the Districts of Jorhat (Titabor), Nagaon (Samaguri), Kamrup, Sonitpur (Gahpur), Kokrajhar and Karimganj. The broad idea is to setup in future atleast one such garden in each district for demonstration purposes. Cultivation of Medicinal Plant under Horticulture Mission: It is proposed to raise plantation of medicinal crops over an area of 1430 ha. through 23 Forest Development Agencies (FDAs) at a cost of Rs. 398.00 lakhs with the basic aim of upgrading the livelihood status of JFMC Members. Cultivation of Medicinal Plants under Food Security Mission: A scheme similar to one at point 4.2 is proposed under Food Security Mission also covering an area of 1433 ha. at a cost of Rs. 400.00 lakhs. NMPB supported projects: Besides three number of on going projects, the forest department is anticipating approval of NMPB of 5 number of projects as listed at serial no. 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 of the Table at para 2.3. Further the department intends to seek additional similar projects for wider area coverage in the state under Medicinal Plants so as to become a large producer of identified medicinal plants of commercial importance with the help of JFMC members with the basic aim of improving their livelihood.

----------------------X--X---------------------- Road Map of Assam in MAP sectors – a brief abstract

Presented by Dr. R. K. Sharma, MD, Ph. D Nodal Officer, State Medicinal Plants Board, Assam Tele-fax : 0361-2231359, Mobile - 094350-46978 E-mail : ramakanta.sh@rediffmail.com smpb@assam.nic.in Background information The Northeast India is very much rich in plant resources. The region, on account of its unique ecological diversities, represents an important floristic zone in the world in respect of biodiversity (Khoshoo 1992). The biogeographic zone of this region is the most significant one among the ten biogeographic zones of India (Rodger and Panwar 1988) and represents a transition among the Indian, Indo-Malayan and Indo-

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Chinese biogeographic regions as well as meeting place of Himalayan mountains with that Peninsyular India. The region thus acts as a biogeographic gateway for plant migration at the community and species level and in endemic. Out of total nos. of about 17,500 flowering plant species estimated to occur in India, about 50% (>8,500 species) hail from this region and out of about 315 flowering plant families, more than 200 families are represented in the region (Mao and Hynniewta 2000). Among them, several plant species are also endemic. About the total 5725 endemic species in India, the region shares approximately 1808 species, which is largest concentration of endemic species in India (Nayar 1966). Among the Northeastern states, Assam is promising in its biodiversity and holds immense promise for conservation and sustainable use of its rich biological resources (Bhagabati et al 2006). This enduring diversity of the region immensely provides unique plant diversity out of which several species are medicinal plant. Geography, Climate and Soil

The state Assam extends longitudinally from 24'09' to 27' 58'N and horizontally from 89'42' to 96'01'E. The state has an area of 78,523 sq. km. climatically the year may be divided into the cold season and the rainy. The cold weather lasts from October to February and the rest of the year is rainy. The southwest monsoon begins from middle of June. Although, rainfall occurs through out the year, however, the precipitation is more in monsoon season (1700 mm), in which a large part of the annual rainfall is concentrated. Thus Assam receives annual rainfall of 2700 mm in a year. There are also two months of cyclonic activity preceding the monsoon, and rainfall at other times of the year as well. The topography and the warm and humid climate are conducive to plant and vegetation growth The Soils of Assam has been classified into red loam soil, lateritic soil and alluvial soil. The entire Mizo hills, part of Cachar, Garo, Khasi-Jaintia hills and Sibsagar are capped by red loam soil. A small part of Cachar, large areas of Khasi and Jaintia hills, part of Sibsagar and Nowgong are covered by lateritic soil. The entire Lakhimpur, Darrang, Kamrup, Goalpara, part of Garo hills and Sibsagar are made up of alluvial soil cover. . The Inceptisols are the dominant soils covering 41.4 per cent area followed by Entisols (33.6%), Alfisols (11.3%) and Ultisols (5.6%).

Forest type etc The forest cover of Assam extends up to 35% of the total geographic area. As per estimate of the State Forest Department, the total area under Reserved Forest is 14,066.43 sq. km, while the area under proposed Reserved Forest constitutes 3,102.76 sq. km, comprising 20% area under Reserved Forest. The wild life protected areas in Assam is 3925 sq. km having the following categories of wildlife forests: 1. National Park 5 Nos (1978.00 sq. km) 2. Wildlife Sanctuary 18 Nos. (1932.00 sq. km) 3. Proposed W.L. Sanctuary 2 Nos. (15.39 sq. km) In this wildlife sanctuaries and national park, hundreds of medicinal plants occur naturally. Cultivation of medicinal plants in Assam is still scarce and people collect these plants from the forest. Different parts of medicinal plants are used parallelly in various purposes, as all parts of such plants possess medicinal value (Fig. 1), for which collection of medicinal plants from natural forest is a destructive process and encourage to remove the whole plants. At present, 90% collection of medicinal plants is from the wild, generating about 40 million mandays employment (part and full) and since 70% of plants collections involve destructive harvesting many plants are endangered or vulnerable or threatened. Despite of lacking its cultivation, medicinal plants of Assam lure large nos. of traders which encourages illegal trade of medicinal

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plants from this region. Illegal traders collect these plants from its natural habitats through the local agents and thus the business forms a strong network involving various intermediate people at local, regional and national level. Occasionally, the news of illegal trade of medicinal plants arises at different news media. Dependence of local population on medicinal plants, state economy The tribal groups, which remain at large quantity in Assam, have long tradition of using medicinal plants in their folklore medicines. In fact, traditional knowledge of different ethnic groups of Assam is the vast source of ethno-pharmacological information. Such traditional knowledge evolved from their experience and refinement of knowledge of generations of livelihood as all of them live in close proximity of nature. Most of such ethno-pharmacological information remain concentrated on a single people, preferably the head of the village, and passed from one generation to another. The tribal people completely depend on medicinal plants for curing their diseases. Survey, inventorization and documentation of medicinal plants biodiversity Medicinal plant biodiversity of Assam includes hundreds of endemic, rare and endangered species. Unfortunately, no any systematic surveys and scientific exploitation of medicinal plants so far been conducted in the state. For documenting the comprehensive package of practices of each medicinal plant occur in Assam, exploration of medicinal plants and documentation of its ecological requirement is much essential. Although various institutions, colleges, NGOs are been involved recently on surveys of medicinal plants, but their endeavor is quite limited and confined to certain areas only. The coverage of such activities need to be increased for systematic surveys and documentation of the medicinal plant flora of Assam. Rare, endangered and threatened species Natural habitat destruction of last few decades and illegal trades cause erosion of medicinal plant diversity rapidly. These activities lead several medicinal plants to extinction. Therefore, it is necessary to impose some regulations for restricting the use of some medicinal plants which are already threatened. The Botanical Survey of India identified several species of plants and grouped as extinct, critically endangered, endangered and rare and habitats of many of such plants are in Assam. Apart from this, 113 species and 89 species are designated as endangered and vulnerable plant species respectively. Indian Red Data book describes 43 plant species of Assam as endangered (Anon 2002). However, the quantity of species may be increased, as the there are still a limited work have been conducted in this respect so far. A list of threatened species of different districts of Assam are presented in Table 1. Habitats for focusing in-situ conservation To protect the genetic diversity of medicinal plant, it is necessary to conserve medicinal plant in-situ or conservation in their natural habitats along with their wild relatives. The approach is useful as it will take care of several medicinal plants in the same vicinity and could protect them from human intervention. The biosphere reserves, national parks, wild life sanctuaries, sacred groves and other protected areas are serving as the in-situ conservation sites. However, the conservation programme will get momentum if sufficient management policies for these protected areas could be undertaken. In every such policy, local people need to be involved for the success of conservation plan. By considering the importance, the nos. of wildlife sanctuaries in Assam need to be increased.

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Ex-situ conservation Although, in-situ conservation of medicinal plants are preferred due to operation of natural evolution process, however, ex-situ conservation i.e. conservation outside the natural habitats are also important. In Assam, a few initiatives are observed in this direction. (i) Field genebank: The plantlets are maintained in-vivo in green houses or as field planting. Few universities and research institutes of Assam have initiated the endeavor to some extent. (ii) Botanical Gardens: Investment is the main constrains of botanical garden, however, the attempt is essential for keeping the genetic variability of medicinal plants. The following are some of such botanical garden of Assam:-

(a) North-East Ecology Park, Regional Research Laboratory, Jorhat (b) Botanical Garden, Guwahati Zoo, Guwahati (c) Botanical Garden, Hafflong (d) Plantation of Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat (e) Regional Research Centre (Ayurveda), Govt Ayurvedic College, Guwahati (f) Jokai Botanical Garden cum Germplasm Centre, Dibrugarh

(iii) Herbal Gardens: Herbal gardens help in conservation of important medicinal plants under close supervision. Several institutes of Assam have created herbal gardens of medicinal plants. A few of them are:

(a) Township Campus, Numaligarh Refinery Ltd., Golaghat (b) Department of Agronomy, Assam Agricultural University (c) North East Regional Institute of Land and Water Management, Tezpur (d) Department of Life Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh

Apart from this, several NGOs and people from different parts of Assam collectively or individually develop several herbal gardens under the assistance of Technology Mission Scheme. A few of such growers who receives assistance from Technology Mission during 2003-2005 are: 1. Madan Bargohain Village: Kadam Gohain gaon G.P Kadam Dev Block: Bagi Nadi Sub-div: N. Lakhimpur

2. Madhukan Agarwala Makuma Road Hapajan Tinsukia

3. Bangaigaon youth Development Society Chapaguri-I Vidyapur Bongagaon

4. Sripada Choudhury Vill: Bezkuchi Civil Sub-div: Bajali Patacharcuchi Barpeta

5. Haren Nath Vll: Baruadoloni Dev Block; Bihaguri Sonitpur

6. Bhaskarjyoti Saikia Da-Chuburi Dev Block: Gabhura Sonitpur

7. Bhaskar Hazarika Vill: Madhupur Dev Block: Bghmara Sonitpur

8. Md. Anowar Hussain Pub Bengrnaati Dev Block: Pakhimaria G.P: Bengrnaati Nagaon

9. Sri Hem Bhuyan S/o Lt. Cheniram Bhuyan Vill. Sapekhati P.O. Sissibargaon Dhemaji

10. Sri Bidyut Kr. Deuri 11. Sri Sashi Mohan Das 12. Sri Nabarune Krishi

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S/o Lt. Guibor Deuri Vill. & P.O. Bardeurigaon Lakhimpur

Vill. Bondha Sidoni Gorh P.O. Bongora Bazar Barpeta

Samitee Secy. Manab Sarma Vill. Bengapara P.O. Sarthebari Barpeta

13. Md. Omar Ali Ahmed S/o Lt. Samsuddin Ahmed Vill. Kuruwabahi P.O. Bhelowguri Nagaon

14. Md. Sirajuddin Sarkar S/o Gulomar Rahman Sarkar Vill. Dakhin Tubuki P.O. Jumurmur Nagaon

(iv) Seed Gene bank: Gene bank is long term repositories of germplasms. Due to the importance of ex-situ conservation strategy, the National Genebank established at NBPGR has declared as national heritage. (v) “In-vitro” Conservation: Under complete aseptic condition, each plant parts i.e. root, stem, leaf, hypocotyls, axillary buds, embryo, single cell and naked protoplast, can be grown successfully in culture within a limited area and can be maintained in normal culture room for a number of years. However, efforts should be made towards evolving, simple, efficient and economically viable technique that ensure rapid multiplication and genetic stability of germplasm. (vi) Cryo-banks and Conservation of Germ-plasm: This strategy for long term conservation is still in its infancy. But NBPGR conserves 220 accessions of different crops belonging to 85 genera and about 100 species. This strategy is required to be standardized. Clusters for cultivation, district-wise mapping and extent thereof Clusters would be formed among beneficiaries in the district level for extension of MAP technology suitable for the districts. The group of cultivators would be under registered NGOs responsible for training under the guidance of experts. The clusters should be under the administrative control of the registered NGO who will be responsible for guidance and implementation of the cultivation of various schemes. Species to be cultivated region-wise The cultivation of medicinal plants in Assam is limited. Recently very few growers come out for cultivation in small-scale under govt. assisted fund. To conserve medicinal plants in the states, it is necessary to encourage cultivation of medicinal plants in the states. In different agro-climatic zones of Assam, a few medicinal plants may be advocated for cultivation at farmers level (Table 2), however, attempt are in progress regarding prioritization of such plants. Sources of certified seeds and QPM Quality planting materials and seeds will be produced by recognized NGOs having suitable infra-structures and experience in the area. In the respect, the planting materials will be certified by recognized organizations like North East Institute of Science & Technology (Formerly, Regional Research Laboratory), Jorhat, State Agricultural University, State Horticultural Department, ICAR Research Complex for NE region and State Medicinal Plant Board. Methodology for promoting rare, endangered medicinal plants including trees

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The most threatened species will be promoted by establishing standard herbal garden and maintaining genebanks at suitable locations. Prospecting plant species will be promoted through extensive plantations and development of protocols for micro-propagation of the rare and endangered species. Efforts should be made to preserve threatened species through Cryo-preservation for future use. Year-wise physical target and financial outlays The projects will be supported based on suitable milestones and measurable physical targets as specific periods. Financial outlays will depend upon approved budgetary allotment. Period financial release will depend upon physical verification of progress in implementation area. Linkage Joint Forest Management (JFM) group JFM programme should cover the degraded as well as good forests (except in the protected area network) and the distance should be within 5 kms. of a village. The plan should be different for different habitats, however, in good forest (crown density above 40%), no alteration should be permitted in the silvicultural prescription prescribed in the working plan but to promote regeneration, development and sustainable harvesting of non-timber forest product. In Assam, selection of some areas within each of agro-climatic zone under JFM should be prioritized. Assam Forest Policy – 2002 emphasis on enrichment of plantations in open forests and protection of natural regeneration through Forest Development Agencies, which are confederation of Joint Forest Management Committees and Eco-Development Committees in respective divisions. Linkage with other programs, schemes like NHM, NHB and state plan scheme Whenever necessary, linkages will be established with such agencies by the beneficiary organizations for promotion of MAP cultivation, processing, value addition and specially marketing aspects. Organizational aspects for implementation and monitoring (FDA’s/JFM’s) The promotional projects will be implemented through NGOs at cluster levels which will be monitored by SMPB with the help of experts from R & D organization of central or state level. In case of R & D projects, the findings will be transferred to grass root level through SMPB. Contractual projects will be implemented by the beneficiaries after by-back agreement with reputed end users. Mapping of industries, traders, exporters Suitable units will be identified zone-wise among the industries operating for processing the raw materials generated by the clusters and prospective buyers/traders will be designated for marketing the products at national and international level. Marketing and market intelligence

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The cultivation will be implemented based on market surveys at domestic and export level. In this respect, guidance will be given by R & D organization to identify the prospective crops in respect to local and export demand. Linkage with R & D organization/institutions for R & D support and certifications R & D organizations will be invited for technology intervention in vital areas for developing suitable cultivation packages, conservation strategies for respective zones and certification of authentic quality planting material (QPM) to be used for cluster level cultivation. In this aspects, organization like CSIR, ICAR, ICFRI, SAUs, Govt. Ayurvedic Colleges having relevant expertise may be linked. Testing laboratories for raw data In this respect, organizations having suitable infra-structures, expertise and experience for considerable periods in the sector like CSIR laboratories, Ayurvedic Colleges and Drug testing laboratory may help in testing of the raw drugs. Linkage with NGOs/private organizations for QPM and project implementation The projects will be implemented at cluster levels through certified NGOs having experienced in MAP cultivations, while production of QPM and quality seeds will be done under the guidance and certification of reputed institutions like CSIR, ICAR, ICFRI, SAUs, Govt. Ayurvedic Colleges. HRD, capacity buildings and training in medicinal plants and institutions identified for the purpose As and when necessary, identified beneficiaries will be exposed to orientations in MAP sectors at R & D institutions and private reputed companies in different aspects like cultivation processing, value addition, pilot plant studies and marketing. Monitoring and evaluation Monitoring will be done periodically at the beginning, midterm and final evaluation by experts of reputed central and state organization deputed by committee of the SMPB Evaluation of the project will be done based on the following criteria as applicable *Conservation. *Propagation / cultivation / nursery development and supply of quality planting material. * Harvesting. * Post – harvesting. *Semi – processing and, *Marketing and employment generation.

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Action Plan

1. Inventorization, determination of biodiversity status and identification of threatened species.

2. Identification of commercially prospective MAP plants especially for respective agro-climatic zones.

3. Large-scale plantations at suitable locations. 4. R & D evaluation of commercially prospective plants for developing effective

technologies for further propagation, processing technology and marketing prospects. 5. Popularization of prospective plant at suitable location by involving indigenous people. 6. In-situ conservation by maintaining herbal garden and creating awareness among rural

masses for preservation of MAP with their involvement. 7. Research on frontier areas like Cryo-preservation of threatened species and value

addition in respect of the potential plant species.

Wood3% Stem

8%

Flower10%

Leaf6%

Whole Plant16%

FruitBark14%

Rhizome4%

Root27%

Seed5%

Fig. 1. Different parts of medicinal plant used. Table 1. Some threatened medicinal plant species of different agro-climatic zone of Assam Sl. No.

Agro-climatic zone Threatened medicinal plant

1. Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone

Adenanthera pavonina, Argyreia speciosa, Averrhoa carambola, Chrysophyllum roxburghii, Cicca acida, Dioscorea sp., Diospyros peregrine, Eclipta sp., Flacourtia cataphracta, Heliotropium indicum, Ichnocarpus frutescens, Rauwolfia serpentine, Rubia cordifolia, Spondias mangifera

2. Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone

Aquilaria agallocha, Butea frondosa, Costus specisous, Croton tiglium, Dracaena angustifolia, Drosera sp., Euryyale ferox, Flemingia strobilifera, Hodgsonia macrocarpa, Holarrhena antidoisantarica, Lasia spinosa, Oroxylum

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indicum, Pandanus odoratissimus, Piper longum, Plumbago rosea, Rauwolfia serpentine, Smilex macrophylla, Talauma hodgsonii, Terminalia arjuna, Tinospora sp., Wedelia calendulaceae

3. Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone

Flacourtia cataphracta, Oroxylum indicum

4. North Bank Plan Zone Bombax malabaricum, Cassia fistula, Croton tiglium, Ficus bengalensis, Flacourtia cataphracta, Garcinia kydia, Michelia champaka, Myrica nagi, Spondias mangifera

5. Hill Zone Aquilaria malaccansis, Argiopteris evecta, Babusa mastersii, Costus speciosus, Dendrocalamus strictus, Elaeocarpus sphericus, Rauwolfia serpentine

6. Barak Valley Zone Dioscorea sp., Gardenia sp. Table 2. Suitable medicinal plants in different agro-climatic conditions of Assam Sl. No.

Agro-climatic zone Threatened medicinal plant

1. Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone

Acorus calamus Adenanthera pavonina, Alternanthera philoxeroides Argyreia speciosa, Averrhoa carambola, Cassia sophera Centella asiatica Chrysophyllum roxburghii, Cicca acida, Cissampelos pareira Colocasia esculenta Commelina benghalensis Desmodium gangeticum Dioscorea sp., Diospyros peregrine, Eclipta sp., Enydra fluctuans Euryale ferox Evolvulvus nummularius Flacourtia cataphracta, Heliotropium indicum, Houttunia cordata Ichnocarpus frutescens, Impatiens balsamina Leucas aspera

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Ludwigia adscedens M. vaginalis Monochoria hastuna N. esculenta N. nouchali N. pubescens Nymphaea alba Nymphaea alba Nymphoides indica Ottelia alismoides Pipermia pellucida Pistia stratiotes Rauwolfia serpentine, Rubia cordifolia, Rubus moluccanus Sagittaria guayanensis Spilenthes acmella Spondias mangifera Trapa natans

2. Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone

Adhatoda vasica Aquilaria agallocha, Aristolochia indica Averrhoa carambola Azadirachta indica Bryophyllum calycinum Butea frondosa, Caesalpinia bonducella Centella asiatica Costus specisous, Croton tiglium, Dracaena angustifolia, Drosera sp., Drymaria cordata Euryyale ferox, Flemingia strobilifera, Girardinia zeylanica Heptapleurum venulosum Heteropanax fragrans Hodgsonia macrocarpa, Holarrhena antidoisantarica, Hydrocotyle rotundifolia Lasia spinosa, Oroxylum indicum, Paederia foetida Pandanus odoratissimus, Perilla ocimoides

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Phyllanthus emplica Piper longum, Plumbago rosea, Pondias pinnata Psidium guajava Rauwolfia serpentine, Sida cordifolia Sida cordifolia Smilax lanceifolia Smilex macrophylla, Solanum indicum Syzygium cumini T. chebula Talauma hodgsonii, Terminalia arjuna Terminalia arjuna, Terminalia belerica Tinospora sp., Urena lobata Vernonia volkameriaefolia Wedelia calendulaceae

3. Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone

Achyranthus aspera Adhatoda zeylanica Aegle marmelos Alstonia scholaris Clerodendrum viscosum Costus speciosus Flacourtia cataphracta, Gmelina arborea Houttuynia cordata Mimosa pudica Oroxylum indicum Phyllanthus emplica Plantago major Rauwolfia serpentine T. bellitica T. chebula Terminalia arjuna

4. North Bank Plan Zone Acacia farnesiana Acorus calamus Aegle marmelos Alstonia scholaris Ananas comosus Bombax malabaricum, Calotropis gigantean

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Cassia alata Cassia fistula, Christella parasiticus Clerondendrum colebrokianum Commelina benghalensis Costus speciosus Croton tiglium, Curcuma caesia Cymbopogon nardus Dendrocnide sinuta Eclipta prostrate Ficus bengalensis, Flacourtia cataphracta, Garcinia kydia, Michelia champaka, Myrica nagi, Spondias mangifera Vitex negundo

5. Hill Zone Aquilaria malaccansis, Argiopteris evecta, Babusa mastersii, Costus speciosus, Dendrocalamus strictus, Elaeocarpus sphericus, Rauwolfia serpentine

6. Barak Valley Zone Aegle marmelos Curcuma caesia Cymbopogon nardus Dioscorea sp., Gardenia sp. Vitex negundo

MEDICINAL PLANTS SECTOR IN MEGHALAYA: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION

*Robin Shullai, **H.C.Chaudhury and ***K.S.Lyngdoh Department of Forests & Environment, Government of Meghalaya

Introduction Meghalaya, literally meaning “abode of clouds” was carved out of Assam as an autonomous state in April 1970 and was declared a full-fledged State in 21st January 1972. A narrow strip shaped state having total geographical area of 22,429 square kilometer is located in the North-Eastern region of the country between 25º02”N to 26º06”N latitude and 89º48”E to 92º50”E longitude. The entire Meghalaya is fully landlocked and is bounded on north and eastern side by Assam. On the south and south-western side it shares 423 km long international boundary with Bangladesh. The state has most of its land covered by hills interspersed

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with gorges and small valleys. Endowed with dense forests and rivers cascading down undulating terrain, it is one of the most scenic of the north-eastern states. People The latest (2001) census for the state indicates a population of 23,06,069, out of which 90.4% are tribals. From 1991 to 2001, the population has grown at a rate of 29.94%, which is faster than the average national decadal growth rate of 21.34%. However, the population density of the state at 103 persons per square km is still much below the national average. The sex ratio for the State is 975 females per 1000 males, against the national average of 933 females per 1000 males. Physiography The Khasi and Jaintia Hills region covering central and eastern part of the state is predominantly inhabited by Khasi, Jaintia, Bhoi and War tribes collectively known as the Hynniewtrep. These tribes, belonging to Mon-Khmer group of the Proto Australoid race are believed to be one of the earliest settlers of this race in the Indian sub-continent. The Garo Hills region located in western part of the state is inhabited by the people belonging to the Garo tribe, also known as Achiks. They belong to the Bodo group of the Mongoloid race having entirely different origin from the Hynniewtrep tribe. Both the Hynniewtrep tribe. Both the Hynniewtrep and Achiks are among the few tribes which follow matrilineal as well as matriarchal system of lineage and social administration. Physiographically, the state can be divided into three broad parts namely, western Meghalaya, Central Meghalaya and Eastern Meghalaya. The height of hills in the Western Meghalaya or Garo Hills ranges between 450 m to 600 m and the general alignment of the hills is in the north-south direction. The Central Meghalaya is further divided into three physiographic units viz. low hills of northern belt with hills reaching upto 1000 m with the average height ranging from 300 to 900 m, the central upland zone hills with east west alignment and having the highest peak of the state (Shillong Peak-1966 m) and the southern belt consisting of low hills and valleys facing the Surma plain in Bangladesh with steep and abrupt slopes. Eastern Meghalaya is marked by hills with west-east alignment. The height of the peaks and ridges varies from 1050 m to 1350 m. The southern portion has steep escarpments parallel to the central Meghalaya southern belt. Forests As per the latest State of Forest Report-2003 published by the Forest Survey of India, forests cover almost three fourth of the total geographical area of state. District wise forest cover is given in Table-2 below:

Table-2: Actual Forest Cover Existing in various Districts of Meghalaya (area in square kilometers)

District Geographical Forest Cover Area Very Moderate Open Total Dense Dense 1 2 3 4 5 6 East Khasi Hills District 2820 - 643 1234 1877 (12.57) (22.80) (43.76) (66.56) Ri Bhoi District 2376 95 768 1230 2093 (10.59) (4.00) (32.32) (51.77) (88.09) West Khasi Hills District 5247 1 1554 2302 3857

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(23.39) (0.02) (29.62) (43.87) (73.50) Jaintia Hills District 3819 - 1006 1451 2457 (17.03) (26.34) (37.99) (64.34) East Garo Hills District 2603 68 585 1486 2139 (11.61) (2.61) ((22.47) (57.09) (82.17) South Garo Hills District 1849 4 595 858 1457 (8.24) (0.22) (32.18) (46.40) (78.80) West Garo Hills District 3715 - 1172 1787 2959 (16.56) (31.55) (48.10) (79.65) Total 22,429 168 6323 10,348 16,839 (0.75) (28.19) (46.14) (75.08)

(figure in parenthesis indicates percentage of geographical area)

Successive State of Forest Report (SFRs) by the Forest Survey of India have shown gradual increase in forest cover of State. As per the latest SFR per capita forest availability in the state at 0.73 hectare per person is 12.50 times more than the average per capita forest availability at 0.058 hectare per person for the country as a whole. Medicinal Plants The biodiversity rich forests of Meghalaya harbour a variety of medicinal, aromatic and industrial use floral species. Medicinal plants based health care system practiced by the traditional healers, locally known as the kaviraj is well entrenched in the state and plays important role in health care of its predominant tribal population. Though a detailed study to assess availability and distribution of various medicinal and aromatic plants in the state has not been undertaken, natural existence of a large number of medicinal and aromatic plant species in the state is well known. Important among these are Abroma angusta, Achyranthes aspera, Acorus calamus, Adenostemma lavenia, Adhatoda vesica, Adhatoda zeylanica, Adiantum phillippense, Aegle marmelos, Aegeratum conyzoides, Ajuga bracteosa, Albizzia chinensis, Allium hookeri, Allium tuberosum, Aloevera barbenoides, Alpinia bracteata, Alpinia galangal, Alstonia scholaris, Alysicarpus monilifer, Amaranthus gangeticus, Ambrosta artimisifolia, Amomum dealbatum, Anancardium occidentale, Anthocephalus chinensis, Antidesma bunius, Aporusa dioica, Arisaema jacquemonii, Aristolochia cathcartii, Aristolochia saccata, A. tagala, Artimisia nilagirica, Arum dioscoridis, Asparagus racemosus, Barleria cristata, Bixa, orelna, Begonia roxburghii, Bryophyllum calycinum, Cassia tora, Catharanthus roseus, Centella asiatica, Cephaelis ipecacuaha, Cinnamomum tamala, Clerodendrum serratum, C. viscosum, Colocasia affinis, Corcorus capsularis, Coriandum sativum, Cympopogon flexuosus, C, winterianus, Curcuma longa, Cuscuta reflexa, Desmodium triquetrum, Emblica officinalis, Gaultheria fragrantissima, Gloriosa superba, Gossypium arboretum, Hibiscus rosa sinensis, Holorrhena antodysentrica, Jatropha curcus, Litsea cubeba, Lycopodium clavatum, Melastoma malabaricum, Mikania micarantha, Mimosa pudica, Momordica charantia, Nicotiana tabaccum, Ocimum sanctum, Oroxylum indicum, Oxalis corymbosa, Paederia foetida, Panax pseudoginseng, Phyllanthus niruri, Pinus khasiana, Piper longum, Plantago major, Polygonum affine, P. chinense, Potentila fulgens, Nepenthes khasiana, Rauvolfia serpentine, Saraca asoca, Scoparia dulcis, Smilax glabra, Solanum indicum, S. khasianum, S.

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myriacanthum, S. nigrum, S. torvum, Swertia chirata, Spilanthes paniculata, Tabernaemontana divaricata, Taxus baccata, Terminalia chebula, T. bellerica, T. arjuna, Tylophora asthmatica, Urena lobata, Zanthozylum armatum, Zingiber officinalis. Medicinal and aromatic plants have potential to play an important role in economic upliftment of its rural population. However, in the absence of adequate institutional support for their cultivation, collection, harvesting, processing and marketing, only a small fraction of its vast economic potential is presently being tapped. SWOT Analysis of Medicinal Plants Sector in Meghalaya Strengths

• Varied and Highly Conducive Ecological, Climatic and Edaphic Conditions for Existence and Gregarious Growth of a variety of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Species.

• Rich Diversity of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Species. • Rich Heritage of Traditional Knowledge of Herbal Medicines. • Substantial Percent of Population is still Dependent on Medicinal Plants Meet Their Primary Health

Care Needs. • Potential to Usher in Ecological Prudent and Environmentally Secure Properity.

Weaknesses • Mainly Based on Unregulated and Unscientific Collection from Wild. • Lack of Marketing and Processing Linkages. • Dominance of Trade by Middle-Man. • Lack of Authentic Inventorization and Resource Assessment. • Lack of Documentation of Traditional Knowledge. • Intentional Culling of Many Useful Medicinal Plants Species- Mainly Due to Ignorance. • Relatively Poor Population and Restricted Distribution of Many Useful Medicinal Plant Species. • Lack of Quality Planting Stock Production Infrastructure. • Absence of Past History of Cultivation of Medicinal Plants. • Lack of Farmers Having Requisite Skills to Undertake Cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic

Plants. Opportunities

• Worldwide Growing Demand of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and Derivatives Thereof. • Growing Awareness about Importance of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. • Institutional Framework for Promotion of Medicinal Plants is already in Place. • Liberal Funding for North-Eastern States may be utilized to Promote Medicinal and Aromatic

Plants Sector in the State. • Labour Intensive Cultivation, Collection, Processing and Marketing of Medicinal Plants has

Potential to Act as Tool of Inclusive Growth. Threats

• Over-Extraction from Wild may Result in Resource Depletion and Species Extinction. • Habitat Destruction Due to Deforestation, Uncontrolled Grazing, Mining and Jhum Cultivation. • Mass Cultivation in Forest Area may Result in Irreversible Diversion of Forest Land and Depletion

of Forest Cover. • Diversion of Limited Cultivable Land and Tilling Hands may Adversely Affect Food Security in the

Already Food Deficient State.

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Institutional Mechanism for Promotion of Medicinal Plants Sector in the State In order to facilitate development of medicinal plants sector in the state, the Meghalaya State Medicinal Plants Board (MSMPB) has been established in the month pf March, 2006 as a state level nodal body under the Forests and Environment Department, Government of Meghalaya. The MSMPB having legal status of a Soceity registered under Meghalaya Societies Registration Act, 1983 has its headquarters at the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Lower Lachumiere, Shillong. Executive Body of the MSMPB is headed by the Chief Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya. Chief Conservator of Forests (Territorial) in his capacity of member-secretary, is responsible for day to day functioning of the MSMPB. In order to facilitate creation of bare minimum infrastructure facilities and to meet its day to day running expenses, the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) has released a grant of Rs. 10.00 lakhs for purchase of equipments (Rs. 1.50 lakhs), to defray bare minimum office expenses (Rs. 1.50 lakhs), payment of TS/POL (rs. 1.50 lakhs), organization of meeting/conferences (Rs. 1.50 lakhs) and preparation of action plan/road-map for development of medicinal plants sector in the state (Rs. 2.50 lakhs). During a little over one year of its existence, the MSMPB has already started making its presence felt. A brief summary of the activities undertaken by it till date is as below:

• Purchased bare minimum office infrastructures like computer, photocopier, fax machine etc. • Organized one day Workshop cum Seminars for promotion of medicinal plants sector in the state in

all the three bio-geographic regions of the state at Shillong, Tura and Jowai. Each workshop was attended by about 50 to 100 farmers, forest officials, scientist, academicians, traditional healers (kaviraj), officials of various line departments, members of NGOs and media personnel have greatly helped in creating awareness about the importance of medicinal plants sector in general and various schemes funded by the NMPB and procedure to avail financial assistance from it in particular.

• Processed and forwarded five promotional projects for availing financial assistance from the NMPB, out of which three projects for raising of quality plantin stock of identified medicinal tree species by the Khasi Hills Territorial Division and the Jaintia Hills Territorial Division during a period of three years have already been sanctioned by the NMPB. First instalment of Rs. 5.00 lakhs for each of the above projects having total outlay of Rs. 10.00 lakhs (Rupees ten lakhs) only has been released in favour of the concerned implementing agency.

• Various audio/visual publicity measures are being undertaken to create suitable awareness among the public.

• Registration of farmers/growers/manufacturers to facilitate them to avail financial assistance from the MSMPB is under process.

• Work for preparation of Action Plan/Road Map for promotion of medicinal plants sector in the state has been awarded to the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) as a consultancy project on payment of total consultancy fee of Rs. 2.50 lakhs in three instalments of Rs. 1.25 lakhs, 0.625 lakhs and Rs. 0.625 lakhs respectively. The draft Action Plan cum Road Map has already been received from the above consultant and is being scrutinized by the Board for necessary modification and improvements.

Conclusion The medicinal plants sector of state has vast untapped potential. Measure to harness it in a scientific and planned manner has already been initiated. It is expected that in the time to come he Medicinal Plants Sector will act as a tool of ecologically prudent and environmentally sustainable inclusive growth in the economically backward hilly state.

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STATUS & ACTION PLAN FOR DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN MIZORAM

MIZORAM : Mizoram was represented by Pu C. Ramhluna, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Pu Lalthlamuana Pachuau, Divisional Forest Officer, Thenzawl Forest Division and Pu M.Sawmliana, Range Forest Officer. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Pu C. Ramhluna highlighted the Status and Action Plan for Development of Medicinal Plants in Mizoram as follows :- I. INTRODUCTION :

1) Location :

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The State of Mizoram with population of approx 10 lakhs and with an area of 21,087 sq.kms. in the North Eastern corner of India is bounded by Bangladesh and Myanmar in the West & South-East and by Assam, Manipur & Tripura in the North. The topography is of hilly terrain with tropical, sub-tropical and sub-temperate climates with rich flora and fauna. The temperature rises from 11°C to 30°C and receives annual rainfall between 2000 to 3500 mm. The soil is fertile and climate moderate through out the year.

2) Flora & Fauna :

The humid climate with high rainfall is conducive for luxuriant growth of vegetation and provide habitation for wild animals. However, rapid deforestation due to population pressure, human settlement, urbanization and continuous practice of shifting cultivation is causing immense loss to the invaluable genetic resources.

The Forests are broadly divided into three categories viz. Tropical wet evergreen,

Tropical semi-evergreen and Montane sub-tropical hill forests consisting of important timber species like Dipterocarpus, Terminalia, Toona, Gmelina, Schima, Mesua, Michelia, etc. Besides, bamboos, cane, orchids, wild edible plants, tannins and resin yielding and medicinal plants are found in abundance.

The common wild animals found are Tigers, Leopard, Sambar, Barking deer, Black

bear, Hoolock Gibbon, Rhesus macaque, Reptiles and Birds etc.

3) Ethnic Groups and their health status :

Mizoram is a tribal area with 95% tribal population consisting of Mizo, Mara, Lai, Bru, Chakma, etc. The Mizo is the dominating tribe and others are scattered here and there in the South & West bordering Myanmar, Bangladesh, Manipur & Tripura States. The health status in rural area is very poor due to poverty and difficult communication. As a result, there is no other alternative but to remain dependent solely on natural medicines for their Primary Health Care. II. SURVEY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS : Mizoram receives the lowest priority for Scientific Investigation of Medicinal Plants in the country although it is very rich in the Bio-diversity. The first botanical tour was conducted by Gage (1889) and plants collections were held by Parry (1924-28), Wenger (1926-32), Kanjilal (1934), Fischer (1938) and a team of scientists from Botanical Survey of India, Shillong. Recently, Singh et al (1989-95) conducted survey of orchids and collection of other plant specimens towards the documentation of the Flora of Mizoram. Forest Survey of India, Calcutta also conducted survey of Forest Resources in 1988-89. Nevertheless, no effort was made for survey of medicinal plants in the State till 1990. Pu Lalramnghinglova, the first local ethno-botanist started work on botanical collection and ethno-botanist research since 1990 and 1995 respectively. About 75% of the geographical area was covered including Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests (25%) and Sub-tropical mixed deciduous forests (50%0. Contemporarily, Pu Lalnundanga who also works on medicinal plants surveyed the Sub-tropical Pine Forest area during 1996-98.

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Locally available literature on local traditions was collected and reviewed by Lalramnghinglova and Jha (1999). More than 400 medicinal plants have been reported from Mizoram in which 62 were recorded as new medicinal plants and 64 were categorized as threatened species. The Montane Sub-tropical Hill Forests in the Eastern part of Mizoram are yet to be fully covered ethno-botanically. In-depth study and complete inventorization of medicinal plants available in rich bio-diversity area is one of the ‘Green’ prospects of research field in Mizoram. The natural forests and protected areas are the best custodians of medicinal plants. III. THREAT TO MEDICINAL PLANTS : The greatest threat to forest degradation is slash-and-burn method of shifting agriculture in the North-East India, particularly, Mizoram. Clearance of land for agriculture, uncontrolled fire, heavy extraction of timber and fuel-wood, hunting for food and harvest for edible and medicinal plants in the forests in past have contributed for depletion of medicinal plant habitats. As a result, many valuable non-wood forest produce including medicinal plants are rapidly being lost. The Socio-economic life of the rural depends on their ambient vegetation from where they derive all their material requirements viz. Timber, food, fuel-wood, medicinal plants, etc. About 95% of raw materials are harvested from the wild plant resources without replenishing the growing stocks. The village herbal preparations include uprooting of the plants which is detrimental to conservation of such populations. As a result, commonly used and effective herbal plants become rare and endangered on the verge of extinction, unless crash conservation measures and taken up for their revival e.g. that of Berginia ciliate, Zanonia indica, Aquilaria malaccensis, Gynocardia odorata etc. IV. CULTIVATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS :

The recommendation of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Department to establish herbal gardens can reach only the state departments but not the rural mass. The Indian Systems of Medicine also laid emphasis on raising of nursery seedlings for supply of planting materials to the rural masses which have not materialized. This being the case there was no such attempt as to cultivate useful medicinal plants in the State because of lack of awareness, financial assistance and absence of marketing network. A very few herbal practitioners cultivate negligible herbs in their kitchen-garden or homestead for domestic consumption. Almost all the practitioners and collectors collect medicinal plants from the natural habitats. V. DEVELOPMENT OF VANASPATI VAN AND MEDICINAL PLANTS CONSERVATION

AREA IN MIZORAM : Reproduction & Child Health Programme – 1997 issued by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India provided the Scheme for implementation of Vanaspati Van Project in the State. As desired by the above Guidelines, the Government of Mizoram constituted the Mizoram Vanaspati Van Society in the year 2000 to implement Vanaspati Van Project in Mizoram. The Mizoram Vanaspati Van Society submitted the Project Proposal for cultivation, conservation and promotion of Medicinal Plants in the State to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare,

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Government of India. The Vanaspati Van Project with a total cost of Rs.5 cores for a period of five years was sanctioned by the Ministry in 2002. The Project covered a total of 3000 Ha. At Chalfilh tlang in which 2000 Ha. was used for Ex-situ conservation and 1000 Ha. for In-situ conservation. In addition to the above. National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) under Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has sanctioned some project proposals for establishment of Medicinal Plants Conservation Area (MPCA) in Mizoram as follows :- MEDICINAL PLANTS CONSERVATION PROJECTS TAKEN UP BY E & F DEPARTMENT, MIZORAM

Sl. No.

Name of Division

Location of the project Area (Ha.)

Amount Sanctioned

Amount Released

1 Aizawl Tuirial & Tuikhurhlu 25 25.00 10.00 (2002) 10.00 (2003)

2 Kolasib Zotlang Bualpui 200 25.00 10.00 (2002) 6.00 (2003) 9.00 (2004)

3 Mamit Pholeng & Herhse Ngaw

200 25.00 10.00 (2002) 9.00 (2004) 6.00 (2005)

4 Resources Survey Div

Khamrang 10 20.00 5.00 (2002) 8.00 (2003)

5 Wildlife Thorang, Tawi, Lengteng & Khawnglung WLS and Murlen NP – 50 Ha. each

250 25.00 10.00 (2002) 9.00 (2003) 6.00 (2004)

VI. PROPOSED ACTION PLAN : 1) Renovation and running of Vanaspati Van Nursery : It is proposed to renovate and maintain Vanaspati Van Nursery at Tuirini for raising seedlings of medicinal plants at the total cost of Rs.4.57 lakhs as per budget estimate given below :- Species to be raised :

1. Rauvalfia surpentina (Sarpagandha) 2. Aquilaria mallacensis (Agar wood) 3. Curcuma longa (Turmeric) 4. Emblica officinalis (Amla) 5. Piper Longum (Long pepper)

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Sl. No.

Particulars of Work Rate (Man days) Amount (in Rs.)

1 2 3 4 A. Renovation of Nursery beds (20) : 1 Replacement of bed structure, overhead

shade (Bamboo split) 15x91x20 27,300.00

2 Weeding, Soil working etc. : 40x94 3,640.00 B. Cost of Seeds, Sowing, etc. : 1 Cost of Rauvalfia, Long pepper LS 2,50,000.00 2 Sowing, mulching, etc. 50x91 4,550.00 3 Earthing up of seedlings, trans- planting,

filling up of polypot 200x91 18,200.00

4 Cost of Manure (including carriage charge)

LS 20,000.00

5 Cost of Polythene LS 5,000.00 C. Management : 1 Weeding, Watering, etc. 5 times 50x4x91 18,200.00 2 Engagement of Raiser @Rs.2500/-month

x 12 30,000.00

D. Procurement of planting materials : a) Agar - 5304 Nos.

b) Turmeric - 6240 Kgs. c) Amla - 5304 Nos. d) Long pepper- 4576 Nos.

@Rs.3.5/No. @Rs.7/Kg. @Rs.3.5/No. @Rs.6.5/No.

18,564.00 43,680.00 18,564.00 30,000.00

GRAND TOTAL (A+B+C) = 4,57,000.00 2) Post Harvest Processing Unit and Godown : Post harvesting process includes sustainable harvesting, drying, grading and semi-processing of crude drugs, storage and packaging. The post-harvesting techniques developed by FRLHT/BGRI/CIMPA etc. shall be procured and reproduced in local language (Mizo). Necessary equipments like dryers, solar dryers, grinders, boilers, etc. shall also be installed in a godown. Year of Total

Detail of Work Quantity Rate/Unit Total (Rs. in lakhs)

3rd year to 5th year

1. Site development, wall formation, approach road, etc.

1 Ha. 3.00 3.00

2. Construction of Godown, storage cum site office at Khawruhlian/ Khanpui (RCC)

1 No. 11.00 11.00

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3. Procurement & installation of dryers/solar dryers, grinders, distillation, etc. including transportation charges

LS 4.00

4. Platform for drying & processing shed etc.

12x40 m 1.00 1.00

5. Fencing-barbed wire 1 Ha. 1.00 1.00 6. Maintenance & running costs 3 years 1.00 3.00 7. Incubators/Deep freezer 4 Nos. 0.50 2.00 8. Electrification LS 2.40 9. Water Supply & sanitation water reservoir, etc.

LS 2.60

10. Dehumidifier 1.00 1.00 TOTAL : 31.00 3) Establishment of MPCA : It is also proposed to establish atleast three Medicinal Plants Conservation Area (MPCA) in all the ten Territorial Forest Divisions for which the project proposals will be submitted in due course of time. Strategies for Conservation and Development of Medicinal Plants Sector in

the State of Tripura

Deepa D. Nair IFS CEO Medicinal Plants Board of Tripura Forest Research Complex, Hathipara, Agartala- 12, Tripura.

The State of Tripura located in the North eastern part of India has land scape with varied climatic zones which houses luxuriant vegetations from subtropical to sub alpine regions. The state is located in the bio geographical zone of 9B North East hills and possesses an extremely rich biodiversity. Blessed with high rainfall, humidity and nutrient rich soils, the major part i.e. around more than 60% of the land is under forests out of the total land area of 10491 sq kms. There is a wide range of forest types also in Tripura. It varies from tropical evergreen, semi evergreen and moist deciduous forest types. So there is high Plant Diversity Index in Tripura nearing about 5.23 which indicates presence of a variety of species. Majority of

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these species is herbs and climbers and are of high medicinal value. Thus this state of Tripura is a heaven for medicinal plants. However a proper documentation and compilation is yet to be done. A rough estimate has lead to the conclusion that there are 266 medicinal species in the state out of which there are 68 tree species, 39 shrubs, 71 herbs and 88 climbers. It is also found in comparative analysis that out of the top most medicinal plants in the country [demand based] majority are found widely distributed in the state. They include species like Emblica officinalis ( Amla), Asparagus racemosus( Satavari), Raovolfia serpentina ( Sarpagandha), Withania somnifera( Aswagandha), Azardirachta indica (Neem), Piper longum (Pippali), Aegle marmalos (Bael), Gmelina arborea (Gamar), Aquilaria malaccenensis (Agar), Mesua ferrea (Nageswar), Achorus calamus (Vach), Vitex negundo ( Nishinda) etc. The Forest Department of Tripura has been the nodal department for the development of medicinal plants sector in the state and through various schemes had been working for the conservation and development of the medicinal plants of the state through active people’s participation i.e. in the JFM mode. However the efforts have not gained any fruits as far as commercial cultivation of priority medicinal plants is concerned. This is because of poor market intelligence and scattered cultivation of few species without proper market linkages. The Medicinal Plants Board of Tripura was constituted in 2002 for conservation, development and commercialisation of medicinal plants sector in the state with the active assistance from the National Medicinal Plants Board, New Delhi. The board is situated within the forest research campus and the Divisional Forest Officer (Research) is the CEO ex officially under the chairman ship of the Chief Secretary of Tripura. Through few sanctioned projects the Board has been trying in the past few years for providing a proper direction to this sector. Constraints for the Development of Medicinal Plants Sector in Tripura. A critical analysis of the medicinal plants sector in Tripura throws up several constraints. The supply or production side constraints include shortage of quality planting materials, lack of scientific package of practices for cultivation of medicinal plants, fragmented land holdings which prevents large scale production of uniform quality products, lack of organized farming and inadequate research and extension facilities. The market / demand side constraints include lack of organized marketing, low value addition, poor market intelligence, inconsistent prices, limited capacity of market players and low market power of the existing gatherers and growers. The other major constraint is the disadvantageous geographical position of the state of Tripura which prevents the entry of major market players into this state. Moreover the illegal collection of medicinal plants has been going on actively through the very porous international border with Bangladesh. Due to the geographical isolation of Tripura from the mainland the flow of information about medicinal plants, their economic use, the active ingredients, value addition, market values etc has been very poor. The ignorance about the various developments in the medicinal plants sector among the public also contributed to the poor development of this sector. Moreover there was no proper policy for medicinal plants and the prioritisation of species for cultivation was not based on market demand. Over and above all these the development of ayurveda industry is also very important for the development of the medicinal plants sector. Tripura till date does not have a full fledged ayurveda medical college and research institute. Small scale production units of medicinal products are also less in number. Unless and

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until there are full scale production units established in the state the development of this sector cannot be ensured. The Strategic Action Plan- The actual path envisaged The strategic action plan has been formulated taking based on constraints analysis and finding remedies to many of them in a time bound manner. The demand side, supply side and policy constraints were considered while defining the strategic action plan. a. Prioritization of species for cultivation This should depend on the suitability of the species for Tripura conditions, demand supply gap in the market, farmer’s choice, availability of quality planting materials and availability of scientific package of practices for cultivation. Some species like stevia, sarpagandha, aswagandha, pippali, aonla etc holds good potential. b. Prioritization of species for commercialization This should depend on the natural and abundant availability of the species in the state both in wild and farmers’ field, the demand of the product in the market both local and outside market and the extent of processing required. Some species like Terminalia bellerica (beheda), Gmelina arborea (gamar), Phyllanthus neruri (Aonla), Holorhina anti dysentrica, Aquilaria malaccenensis (Agar), Mesua ferrea (Nageswar) etc c. Supporting local healers and popularising home remedies For strengthening the local market the local healers and vaids need to be promoted. The concept of a small medicinal plants garden of those species required for curing most common ailments needs to be popularized for increasing the general awareness about medicinal plants and its importance. d. Project for developing medicinal plants cultivation in collaboration with the forest department through JFMCs Aims

1. To develop a group of growers of selected species of medicinal plants with assured market demand. 2. To develop a model for successful market oriented cultivation of medicinal plants. 3. To increase confidence in the growers. 4. For economic prosperity. 5. Setting up of permanent assets in the form of nurseries. 6. A permanent marketing strategy.

Scheme

1. Selection of villages preferably in JFM areas. 2. Setting up of a model nursery of medicinal plants near the site. 3. Distribution of seedlings to local growers. 4. Training and awareness generation. 5. Monitoring and evaluation by Board at intervals. 6. Assured buyback from the beneficiaries 7. Institutionalising the mechanism.

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Basic works required A. Role of the territorial Divisional Forest Officer

1. Selection of JFMCs which has a potential to grow as an area for development of medicinal plants. 2. Selecting site for nursery and preparatory works. 3. Develop the site into a full fledged medicinal plants nursery and development of adequate stock of

good quality planting materials. 4. Formation of SHGs in JFM areas who would do the cultivation. 5. Selection of site for growing these medicinal plants. 6. Regular monitering.

B. Role of Medicinal Plants Board of Tripura

1. Selection of species based on demand of market. 2. Discussion with the local buyers of medicinal plants or outside agencies for assured buyback

arrangement. 3. Supply of planting materials based on availability 4. Training of SHGs 5. Financial assistance when required. 6. Encouraging semiprocessing and value addition. 7. Overall monitering.

e. Making available quality planting materials. The Board envisages doing away with the constraint of non availability of QPM by developing medicinal plants nurseries through out the state along with the above proposed project. These would be developed in such a manner that they get accredited by the National Medicinal Plants Board. f. Research and extension The main aim is to develop scientific package of practices for cultivation of medicinal plants and also to generate a complete inventory of medicinal plants in the state. Research projects for developing scientific extraction practices for medicinal plant parts are also to be taken up. Seminars and workshops including local and national participants on related subjects are also proposed to be taken up along with development of a website of the board. g. Establishment of a chain of Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas These would serve not only help conservation of medicinal plant but also serve educational purposes and awareness generation. h. Seed storage structures Creation of drying yards and seed storage structures is also essential to maintain a good germplasm of medicinal plants. Several such structures will enrich the germplasm availability which is a valuable repository for posterity. These can also serve as centres for semi processing and storage of medicinal plant parts. j. To create opportunity for convergence of stakeholders Buyer seller meets on regular basis would definitely help to improve the trade of medicinal plants and increase market intelligence.

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i. To promote small scale processing facilities for value addition required Projects based on these will be given preference for forwarding to the board. j. Additional infrastructure required for development of the medicinal plants sector Quality control labs, more nurseries, tissue culture facilities, interpretation centre, seed technology labs, full fledged Ayurveda College and research facilities etc The local trade in medicinal plants There are only about 8-10 local sellers in medicinal plants in Agartala. Almost all the herbs required locally are collected from the wild. Agar oil distillation is carried out in the state since a long time in a very secretive manner. Potential for medicinal plants sector in the state With the favorable climatic conditions prevalent in the state and given the genetic resources available in the forests, the cultivation of medicinal plants can boost the economy of the state considerably. There is also a well structured network of JFMCs in Tripura within the forest department of Tripura which are already doing cultivation of medicinal plants in a scattered manner. They can very well be engaged in cultivation of few selected species which can later be linked with the market. This can be the first step towards organized cultivation of medicinal plants and development of a medicinal herbs industrial estate in the state. Present Attempts The state has already approved the medicinal plants policy for conservation and development of medicinal plants. This will be a strong policy support for expansion of cultivation and commercialization of medicinal herbs. As a beginning in 2006 a seminar on ethnobotany was conducted including all local healers and practitioners in which many valuable local healing methods were documented for posterity. For promotion of R&D activities more and more collaboration with ICAR is proposed to be taken up. Several projects for promoting cultivation and commercialization of medicinal plants has been forwarded to the NMPB, New Delhi for funding assistance. Identifying the potential for trade of gamar fruits and roots to Ayurveda industries a pilot project is being designed. This is very important as the tree Gmelina arborea is indigenous to this part of the world and grows well here. More over it is a fast growing species and there is huge demand for wood extracted from private lands (Jote lands). A project for setting up of Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas has already been sanctioned by the NMPB for Tripura. This will definitely go a long way in setting up of a chain of MPCAs in Tripura. Under the ambit of the same project 3 seed storage structures and drying yards are also proposed to be set up in different parts of the state. The Board has also started extending financial assistance for setting up of modern nurseries for medicinal plants in the state.

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Over and above all these wide publicity about the advantages of cultivation of medicinal plants is being undertaken by creating herbal gardens in different parts of the state especially in schools. Additionally the work for establishment of the website for the board is also proposed. These would go a long way not only in promotion of cultivation of medicinal plants but also to build up a vibrant market for these products. ************************************************************************

Presentation by SMPB of Manipur on status and action plan for development of Medicinal Plants in the state of Manipur.

Dr Guneshor Sharma, Member Secretary, State Medicinal Plants Board, Manipur

The State Medicinal Plants Board, Manipur was constituted very recently and it is with

representatives from various line Department including the Forest Department of Manipur. We also have Research Unit representatives like RRL Jorhat earlier and now it is called the North Eastern Science & Technical Institute, we have representatives from Manipur University, Agricultural University, along with that we have representatives from the Institute of Bioresource and Sustainable Development.

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District Level Committees have been constituted in the districts chaired by the District Administrative Officer, that is, the Deputy Commissioner. The Committees shall look after the monitoring works in their respective districts. The State Medicinal Plants Board, Manipur, have recently conducted the 1st National Level Workshop on the Conservation & Commercialisation of the medicinal & aromatic plants of the North Eastern region, on the 12-13th April, 2007. The basis for preparation of the Road Map Plan for the 11th Five Year Plan has already been initiated. The recommendations taken during the National Workshop at Imphal can be availed at our website. For incorporating in the Road Map, we have associated with our expert team from RRl, Jorhat. We are trying to determine even from the spot also. To adopt organic farming among the medicinal plants growers, a meeting was held on the 12-15th June, 2007, in collaboration with a company based at Jaipur. We had a meeting on the 13th June, 2007, at Guwahati, where we had good discussions and interactions with the buyers and sellers of this region. So it was good impact to our State Medicinal Plants Board, Manipur. We are taking those suggestions and trying to input in our framing this Action Plan preparation. This is our website- www.smpb-manipur.org. For functioning of this website, we have contacted RRL, Jorhat. Secondly, Stevia production at Senapati has started and the State Medicinal Plants Board, Manipur is closely working and supporting this Agency. These are some of the success stories of the State Medicinal Plants Board, Manipur. As far as the Action Plan is concerned, it will be finalized this month. STRATEGY FOR DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICINAL PLANTS SECTOR IN MANIPUR IN EMERGING NATIONAL AND GLOBAL SCENARIO

Bala Prasad Chief Conservator of Forests Territorial & Protection No. 2 Forest Department, Government of Manipur 1. EMERGING GLOBAL SCENERIO

According to WHO the global market of traditional therapies stands at $60,000 millions and is growing steadily. Further global market for medicinal herbs and herbal products is estimated to touch US$ 5 trillion by 2050. Among traditional medicines, Indian Systems of medicine, particularly Ayurveda and

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Yoga are the most developed, articulate and have scientific basis. In fact, Ayurveda is the oldest science among the medical sciences. Ayurveda provides not only temporary relief, but also cleans the entire body and makes it free from diseases. There is growing resurgence of interest in Ayurveda across the globe. There are many indicators, which prove the growing acceptance of Ayurveda across the world. Medicinal plants play critically important role in Ayurvedic and other traditional treatment. However, medicinal plant sector has been by and large remained disorganized.

India is one of few countries, which has initiated addressing the need of the Medicinal Plant Sector.

In accordance with the recommendation of Task Force (2000), constituted by Planning Commisssion, Government of India has established a National Medicinal Plants Board on 24th Nov. 2000, under the chairpersonship of Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, with the objective to establish an agency which would be responsible for co-ordination of all matters relating to medicinal plants, including drawing up policies and strategies for conservation, proper harvesting, cost effective cultivation, research and development, processing, marketing of raw material in order to protect, sustain and develop this sector. Now with the efforts of Medicinal Plants Board various state governments have constituted respective State Medicinal plants Boards. Further, the Board has been implementing Promotional and Commercial Scheme to develop the sector.

It is obvious from Table 1 and Table 2, which gives the export of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy from 1996-97 onwards, that the export of these medicines has registered significant growth particularly in recent years. Most of the export is going towards USA and Europe. The analysis of Table 1 and 2 clearly indicates that there has been significant gain of export of medicinal plants and their products. It is also obvious from export data that export of medicine (value added. Unani medicine in the product) has performed better than that of crude drug. Moreover, the figure does not include the significant quantity of medicinal plants products being exported as food supplements, nutritious food etc. Further analysis of exports in terms of types of products it is found that crude drugs and medicine are in proportion of two is to one. In crude drugs also few products e.g. Psyllium husk are the key export items. Increasing exports of products of medicinal plants underlines the potential and comparative strength of the sector.

Table 1: Value of Exports of Medicinal Plants and AYUSH Medicine from 1996-97 to 2002-2003 (Rs. In Crore)

Sl. N.

Item Description

Item Code

Value of exports of Medicinal Plants and AYUSH Medicine 1996-97

1997-98

1998-99

1999-2000

2000-01

2001-2002

2002-03

1 Plants and parts of plants (including seeds and fruits)whether or not cut, crushed or powdered.

1211 237.39

254.64 268.75

191.45 357.45 370.95 334.17

2 Ayurvedic and 12119 17.01 22.76 39.76 18.51 22.50 31.70 24.26

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Unani Herbs not elsewhere specified.

026

3 Ayurvedic and Unani Medicine not put up for retail sale

30039001

39.50 42.24 34.76 36.23 96.54 92.26 525.45

4 Homoeopathic Medicine uses not put up for retail sale

30039002

0.54 3.10 0.37 0.67 2.19 2.04 2.31

5 Ayurvedic and Unani Medicine put up for retail sale.

30049001

98.52 118.77 98.85 108.80 124.97 147.53 218.43

6 Homoeopathic Medicine put up for retail sale

30049002

0.75 0.79 1.33 3.19 8.97 3.74 5.88

7 Total (S. No. 1+S. No. 3 to S. No. 6)

376.70

419.54 404.06

340.34 590.12 616.52 1086.17

8 Total (S. No. 2 to S. No.6)

156.32

187.66 175.07

167.40 255.17 277.27 776.33

9 Vegetable saps and extracts; pectic substances,etc.

1302 480.07

636.74 826.79

921.42 698.99 593.19 698.17

Table 2: Value of Exports of Medicinal Plants and AYUSH Medicine from 2003-04 to 2005-2006(Rs. In Crore)

Sl. No. Export Description 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06

1 Plants and parts of plants (including seeds and fruits), of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh or dried whether or not cut, crushed or powdered

302.11 277.04 351.03

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2 Vegetable Saps and extracts; pectic substances, pectinates and pectates;agar-agar and other mucilages and thickeners, whether or not modified, derived from vegetable products.

711.08 965.77 1340.42

3(a) Ayurvedic,Unani, Siddha,Homoeopathic or Bio-Chemic Systems Medicaments for therapeutic prophylactic uses not put up for retail sale

108.06 295.07 89.31

3(b) Ayurvedic,Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathic or Bio-Chemic Systems Medicaments for therapeutic prophylactic uses put up for retail sale

105.81 119.81 159.2

TOTAL 1227.06 1657.69 1939.96

Rs. 1 Crore = 10 million Source: Monthly statistics of the Foreign Trade of India-Annual Numbers brought out by Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics, Kolkata 700001.

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From the analysis of the imports of herbal products to USA from different countries ( Table 3 ), it may be inferred that India has distinct edge over other countries, including China. In case of Psyllium husk (Isabgol), India has monopoly, where as China dominates the market segment of Ginseng. Table 3: Import of Plant based Products in USA 1999-2001(Rs. In Crore) S.NItem Description Imports of USA Imports from India % Share

1999 2000 2001 1999 2000 2001 1999 2000 2001

1. Vegetable Saps. Extracts, pectates etc.

2502.82250.7 2275.8449.6 478.35 408.6518.0 21.3 18.0

2. Mucilage/Thickeners perfume, insecticides etc.

310.25268.5 194.65235.25 198.5 134.9 75.8 73.9 69.3

3. Plants etc. for pharmacy perfume, insecticides etc.

667.15662.6 687.2 101.75 143.9 188.7515.3 21.7 27.5

4. Psyllium Seed Husks Fresh or Dried $$

82.09 123.15 156.9582.15 123.1 56.95 99.1 100.0 100.0

5. Ginseng Roots 53.9 63.45 51 0 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0.

6. Other herbal teas, herbal infusions, single species, unmixed

101 121.45 130.952.3 2.8 2.4 2.3 2.3 1.8

7. Herbal teas and herbal infusions comprising Mixed Herbsnesoi

57.45 44.3 55.4 7.05 1.5 10.25 12.3 3.4 18.5

Total { (1) +(3)+(7)} 3227.42957.6 3018.4558.4 623.75 607.6517.3 21.1 20.1

Source : US department of Commerce, Bureau of Census ( Calculated @ 1 $ = Rs. 50)

The emerging global and national scenario regarding medicinal plant sector may be summarized as follows:

• Previously ignored, but emerging as a key sector • Studies on cultivation, techniques available – less information about the demand and supply

situation • Revitalization of traditional therapies and systems is being pursued at added

• Growing domestic and international market • International acceptance of herbal therapies and systems of medicines

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• Growing acceptance of strength of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy)

• Medicinal plants being extensively used in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy formulations

• Medicinal plants being used in large quantity in cosmetics and other herbal formulations • 80% Medicinal plants being collected from wild • Medicinal plants are integrated part of cultural heritage

Before we may identity components of strategy for Manipur it may be proper to analyse the demand

of medicinal plants in general and identifying important Species.

2. DEMAND OF MEDICINAL PLANTS AT NATIONAL LEVEL With resurgence of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy across the globe, the medicinal

plant of India is going to be a thriving sub-sector of India forestry to provide good quality raw material to traditional medicine industry. According to a study jointly sponsored by Government of India and World Health Organization and conducted by Centre for Research, Planning and Action (CERPA, 2001), the estimated demand of the medicinal plants in `1999 – 2000 was 198054.71 tonnes at the value of Rs.1099.18 crores Tables 4 and Table 5 respectively. Table 4: Distribution of Total Domestic Demand for Medicinal Plants 1999-2000 ( in tones )

162 commonly used plants* 120816.80 Other plants not included in the study 77237.91 Total 198054.71

Source: CERPA, 2001-02

Table 5: Value of Medicinal Plants in Use ( Rs. in crores, 1 crore=10 million )

162 commonly used plants* 670.50 Other plants 428.68 Total 1099.18

Source: CERPA, 2001-02

The total demand for 162 commonly used medicinal plants including export is estimated at 128727 tonnes in 1999-2000 and the demand was expected to increase to 285117.8 tonnes in 2004-05 where as projected demand and export for all medicinal plants were estimated to grow to 391752 tonnes as shown in Table 6.

Table 6: Expected Demand for All Medicinal Plants ( in tones )

Year Domestic Demand Export Total 1999-2000 198054 36617 234671 2001-02 260881 50000 310881 2004-05 311752 80000 391752

Source: CERPA, 2001-02

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Though approximately, 2000 plants are used for commercial production, large proportion of volume are shared by few plants as it is obvious from the Table 7 and Table 8 that top 20 plants accounted for 66.2% of the demand in volume term and 73.1% in value term respectively. Table 7 : Estimated Domestic Demand for Selected Medicinal Plants (Top 20 medicinal plants) Quantity-wise in the Year 1999-2000 Botanical name Common name Quantity

(tones) Percent share (%)

Emblica officinalis Gaertn Amala 15146.7 12.5 Asparagus racemosus Willd. Shatawar/Satawar 8246.3 6.8 Withania somnifera Dunal Aswagamdja/Asgamdh 5905.1 4.9 Terminalia chebula Retz. Hartar/Halela Zard 5413.4 4.5 Saraca asoca (Roxb) Ashoka 5331.8 4.4 Aegle marmelos Corr. (1) Bael (Bark) (2)

Belgiri 4479.8 3.7

Cassia angustifolia Vahl. Sonapatri/Sana 4356.2 3.6 Adhatoda vasica Nees Adusa/Arusa 4211.9 3.5 Piper longum Linn. Pippali, Filfildaraz 2951.8 2.4 Bacopa monnieri (Linn) Brahmi 2650.1 2.2 Sida cordifolia Linn Kanghi 2677.8 2.2 Ocimum sanctum Linn. Tulsi 2371.7 2.0 Bambusa bambos Druce. Vamsa;pcjam/Tabasheer 2153.5 1.8 Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. {imarmava 2182.3 1.8 Azadirachta indica A. Juss Neem 2039.3 1.7 Solanum nigrum Linn. Mokoya/Inab-US-Salab

(mako) 2005.1 1.7

Weodfordia fruticosa Kurz. Dhataki, Dhai 2014.3 1.7 Andrographis paniculata Kalmegh 1886.2 1.6 Syzygium aromaticum Long/lavang. 1967.8 1.6 Tinospora cordifolia (Wild) Giloe, Guddchi 1897.3 1.6 Sub-total 79888.4 66.2 Others 40928.4 33.8 Total 120816.8 100.0 Source: CERPA, 2001-02 Table 8 : Estimated Domestic Demand for Selected Medicinal Plants (Top 20 medicinal plants) value-wise in the Year 1999-2000

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BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME 1999-2000

VALUE (RS. LAKHS)

(%)

Bambusa Bambos Druce. Vanasalochan/Tabasheer 6460.5 9.6

Emblica Officinalis Gaertn.

Amala 6058.7 9.0

Syzygium Aromaticum. Long/Lavang 5903.4 8.8

Asparagus Recemosus Willd.

Shatawar/Satawar 5772.4 8.6

Piper Longum Linn. Pippali, Filfildaraz 4427.7 6.6

Withinia Somnifera Dunal. Aswagandha/Asgandh 3543.1 5.3

Aconitum Heterophyllum Ativisha/Atis 2505.1 3.7

Swertia Chirata Buch. Ham.

Chirayata 2393.1 3.6

Cuminum Cyminum Linn. Zeera/Zeera Safaid 1652.0 2.5

Saraca Asoca (Roxb.) Ashoka 1599.5 2.4

Cassia Angustifolia Vahl. Sonapatri/Sana 1306.9 1.9

Commiphora Wightii (Arn.)

Guggal 1059.2 1.6

Aegle Marmelos Corr. (1) Bael (Bark) (2) Belgiri

596.0 1.3

Anacyclus Pyrethrum Dc. Aquarqarha 903.0 1.3

Gentiana Kurroo Royle Kuru 884.7 1.3

Nardostachys Jatamansi Dc

Jatamansi/Sumbul Ut Teeb 856.8 1.3

Bacopa Monnieri (Linn.) Brahmi 795.0 1.2

Piper Cubeba Linn. F. Kababchini 743.6 1.1

Aloe Barbadensis Mill. 1. Gheekwar 2. Elva Kussbbar

650.8 1.0

Boerhaavia Diffusa Linn. Punarnava 654.7 1.0

TOTAL 49066.2 73.1 OTHERS 17984.0 26.9 TOTAL 67050.2 100.00 Source: CERPA, 2001-02 With the accelerated growth of AYUSH in India and across the globe, the demand of medicinal plants, particularly those listed above would grow phenomenally.

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3. MEDICINAL PLANTS IN MANIPUR

Manipur is situated in the North Eastern part of India between 230 47’ and 250 41’N latitude and 930

61’ to 940 47’E longitudes. In comparatively small geographical area, Manipur has distinction of possessing a wide range of forest types e.g. Tropical West Evergreen Forest, Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests, Sub-tropical Pine Forest, Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest and Montane Wet Temperate Forest. These forests are home of very wide range of flora and fauna. They have plants from the Himalayas to Malaya on the one hand and China on the other. Manipur has flora of two hot spots of bio-diversity of the world i.e. Eastern Himalayas and Indo-Malaya region. These forests are repository of large number of medicinal plants. Many medicinal plants are also collected from the vegetation found in Loktak lake and agricultural field. Sinha (1996) reported 1200 medicinal plants, indicating 430 species with local traditional medicinal uses. Many medicinal plants are locally used as vegetables and fruits.

As far as large scale commercial exploitation of medicinal plants of Manipur is concerned, at

present Dalchini, Longpepper and Smilex are collected from the forests of Manipur (Table 9). Moreover, Sarpgandha, Agar etc are also reported collected in large quantity. Table 9 : Outturn of Medicinal Plants (in Kg.) Sl. No.

Name of Medicinal Plant

2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05

1. Dalchini 26519 9000 83598 63588 17600 2. Longpepper 17200 16600 43940 2500 1400 3. Smilex 21955 57060 52800 24595 69600 Source: compiled from GOM, 2005)

Many medicinal plants are locally used as vegetables and fruits. Despite significant contribution of medicinal plants sector to the local economy, its potentials are not duly appreciated and reflected in planning for sustainable livelihood systems and industrialization of the region. Besides, a number of valuable species e.g. Aquilaria agallocha, Taxus baccata, Panax pseudoginseng, Picrorhiza kurooa, Aconitum spp, Berberis spp. have become threatened due to over exploitation. There is need to develop and implement appropriate management system in accordance with potentiality of the area and need of people. Further, climatic and edaphic factors of the region may support the sustainable cultivation of many medicinal plants required in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy drugs. In spite of very high potentiality of providing livelihood support systems, medicinal plants of Manipur has been in disorganized sector. For developing proper strategy to tap the potentiality of the sector, it may be helpful to analyze the sector in the framework of SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats). 4. SWOT ANALYSIS OF MEDICINAL PLANT SECTOR OF MANIPUR

Following Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of medicinal plants sector of Manipur may be identified: Strengths:

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• Due to diverse climatic and edaphic factors large number of medicinal plants may be cultivated. • There has been history of large scale collection of medicinal plants in the state. • Medicinal plants are consumed locally both in hills and valley. • Imphal, the capital of the state and centre of economic activities, is situated in the centre of the State

and all three national Highways pass through it. Imphal is also connected by daily flights with Guawati, Delhi and Kolkatta.

• There are many research organizations in the State, which may provide required R & D support. Weaknesses :

• There is no Ayurveda drug manufacturing unit in the State. • The nearest Ayurvedic drugs manufacturing cluster is approximately 1500 Km. from Manipur. • At present only three species are being exploited at large scale as mentioned in Table 9. • Even from three species being collected, two are destructively collected. In case of Smilex, root is

collected and in Dalchini, bark is extracted. • The sector is still disorganized. • The State has not taken significant advantage of accelerated growth of AYUSH industries at

national level and NMPB Scheme. Opportunities :

• There are many medicinal species/ products(e.g. Vanslochan, Chirata) which are used in Ayurveda industries are facing supply constraints.

• There are many high value products e.g. Saffron being imported in India. • Some medicinal plants e. g. Ginseng, which have good international market, can be tried in the

State. • Some medicinal plants, being used locally may have ingredients, which are likely to turn out of high

therauptic value. • Medicinal Plants can provide good livelihood system for large section of rural population.

Threats :

• The potentiality of the sector may not be utilized for the development of the State. • Even existing resource base may be further depleted. • Ayurvedic industry may utilize sub-standard substitute or depend on import for important

ingredients. • Medicinal plants being used locally may not be standardized and validated.

In the given emerging scenario as discussed in sections 1, 2, 3 and above, it is obvious that market

oriented strategy along with conservations needs to be adopted to take the advantage of strengths and exploit the opportunities with minimum negative effect of weaknesses and threats.

5. COMPONENTS OF STRATEGY FOR DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICINAL PLANTS SECTOR IN MANIPUR

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In view of existing scenario and SWOT analysis, detailed above, a multi – pronged strategy with components elaborated in the succeeding sub-sections is recommended for the development of medicinal plants sector in the State. 5.1 Large Scale Production of Selected Commercial Important Species – There is need to select few medicinal plants, which are facing supply constraint at national level, e.g. Vanslochan, Chirata etc. or being imported and have been available in the State. In the selection of the species, the criteria of high value and low volume needs to be given very high importance. Such selected medicinal plants may be promoted under NMPB Scheme. Farmers may be provided quality planting material and subsidy under the scheme. State Medicinal Plant Board, Manipur may incorporate the related activities under its action plan, start chain of nurseries in the State, develop in-situ and ex-situ conservation centres and provide marketing support in form of buy back support. 5.2 Providing Longer Life to Existing Resource – As explained above, few species e.g. Smilax and Dalchini in the State are being destructively extracted, there is need to train the collector to reduce the damaging effect of such extraction. Further, commercial extraction of these species underline their economic viability, such species may be planted by Forest Department under NMPB or NAEB scheme. 5.3 Trial of Commercially Important Species – It is obvious from Table 3 that India has no share in Ginseng market segment. In fact Ginseng is being imported in India for many herbal products. Further, one Chinese species i.e. Paulownia fortunii has been doing excellently in Manipur. Therefore, there is need for trying Ginseng and other commercially important species in Manipur. Similarly multi location introductory trial of Saffron should be undertaken. 5.4 Medicinal Plants Based Industrialisation – Many medicinal plants are available in Manipur. But, they are not extracted at commercial level because it is not economically viable to sell them at Kolkata, nearest AYUSH industry centre at competitive price. Uttarakhand has attracted many AYUSH industries by offering incentives. Department of AYUSH is also going to establish 20 facilities for AYUSH clusters. Moreover, NMPB is going to establish five medicinal plants processing zone across India in eleventh five year plan. SMPB, Manipur needs to initiate dialogue with the industry representatives and State and Central government to push industrialization, based on medicinal plants. To begin with primary processing may be supported under NMPB scheme. There is need to persuade Government of India to establish induced cluster of AYUSH industries and Medicinal Plant Processing Zone at Imphal. With the establishment of induced cluster of AYUSH industries and Medicinal Plant Processing Zone. many medicinal plants e.g. Amla (Emblica Officinalis), Harar (Terminalia Chebula) would become economically viable and would be collected and cultivated and thereby create substantial and sustainable livelihood opportunities. 5.5 Providing Marketing Support for Collection of Medicinal Plants – There is need to provide minimum support price to medicinal plants collected sustainably by Joint Forest Management Committee or individual collector. A mechanism needs to be developed to avoid over exploitation and provide remunerative price to collector and cultivator of medicinal plants. An agency like Minor Forest Produce federation of Madhya Pradesh or Forest Corporation, Uttaranchal may be created. 5.6 Screening of Important Local Medicinal Plants – Many medicinal plants are locally consumed for specific therapeutical advantages and many diseases are not found in similar proportion in the State as in other parts of countries. These medicinal plants need to be identified, standardized and validated with help of CCRAS, ICMR, CDRI etc. and marketed with value addition in the State. 5.7 Network of In-situ and Ex-situ Conservation Centres – In due appreciation of need for conservation of medicinal plants, there is need to establish in-situ conservation centre for each forest sub-type in every

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forest range. In state capital and district headquarter, herbal garden may be established to cater educational and recreational needs. These herbal gardens would also serve as ex-situ conservation centre. 6. CONCLUSION

The long term process of global acceptance of AYUSH system, particularly Ayurveda has been initiated with remarkable success in the last decade. The global acceptance and accelerated domestic growth will go a long way in boosting medicinal plants sector in India. There is great scope of medicinal plants sector in Manipur in emerging national and global scenario of medicinal plants sector. The adoption of market oriented strategy, formulation and implementing comprehensive action plans and subsequent industrialization along with network of In-situ and Ex-situ Conservation Centres shall go long way in creating enormous viable employment opportunities in the State. Therefore, there is urgent need to bring medicinal plants sector to the central stage of development planning, which should also provide marketing support. Hopefully, the AYUSH industry cluster and medicinal plants processing zone, if established at Imphal would go a long way in creating sustainable and economically viable livelihood systems for people of Manipur.

REFERENCE Centre for Research, Planning and Action (CERPA).2001-02. Demand Study For Selected Medicinal

Plants, CERPA, New Delhi. Government of India (GOI). 2005. State of Forest Report,2003, Forest Survey of India, Ministry of

Environment and Forests, Government of India, Dehra Dun, India. Government of Manipur(GOM), 2005. Statistical Booklet of Manipur Forest – 2005, Forest Department,

Government of Manipur, Imphal, India. Sinha, S. C. 1996. Medicinal Plants of Manipur, MASS & Sinha, Manipur Cultural Integration

Conference, Palace Compound, Imphal, India, 795001.

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VALEDICTORY SESSION

WELCOME ADDRESS OF VALEDICTORY FUNCTION

A. Kharshiing, IFS Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Forest & FDA, Manipur

Respected Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Government of Mizoram, Shri Ramlunajee,

Respected Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Manipur, Shri Seiboi Singsit and Chief Executive

Officer, National Medicinal Plant Board Shri Sajwan, representatives of, TRIFED, AYUSH, CSIR, ICAR

institutions, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mizoram, Addl. MD, Madhya Pradesh Minor Forest

Produce Federation and officers of Forest Departments and representatives of State Medicinal Plant Boards

of North East Region; manufacturers of traditional medicines; collectors and farmers of medicinal plants;

representatives of media, Ladies and Gentlemen. – Good evening to all of you

` It is a matter of great pleasure for me to extend our hearty welcome to our respected Principal Chief

Conservator of Forests, Shri Ramluna who has kindly consented to grace this Valedictory Function as the

Chief Guest and to see that in this function we come out with the most acceptable strategies amounting from

the vast knowledges already pooled together through the past session of the workshop. I welcome Shri

Seiboi Singsit, Pr.Chief Conservator of Forests for accepting our request to preside over this valedictory

function. He always support us in organizing and making workshop a grand success.I also welcome Shri

B.S.Sajwan CEO National Medicinal Plant Board for helping us in the function and to grace the occasion as

Guest of Honour. In fact this workshop has been organized in collaboration with National Medicinal Plant

Board.

I welcome the representatives of Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha, CSIR and

Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, I welcome Principal Chief Conservator of Forests,

Mizoram. I extend hearty welcome to Shri Yashwant Gambhir and R. K. Singh, Deputy General Manager,

TRIFED and Officers of Forest Departments and Forest Corporation and representatives of State Medicinal

Plant Boards, manufacturers of traditional medicines; collectors and farmers of medicinal plants of North

Eastern Region; Shri Ranjit Puranik; Secretary, Ayurvedic Drug Manufacturers Assosiation and Shri N. B.

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Brindavanam, Agro Technology, Dabur Research Foundation. I welcome all delegates, resource persons

and invitees who have come to attend the function. Last but not the least, I welcome all our friends from

media, and request them to provide their support in our endeavour to develop this sector in the region and

to cover the function.

The North-East is the most important region in India with respect to Bio-diversity as it contains one

hotspot i.e. the Eastern Himalayas and another that of Indo Malaya region partially. A large number of

people living in and around the forests depend on these medicinal plants for their subsistence and income

and treatment of their various ailments. Medicinal plant sector can effectively play the role in providing

socially beneficial, environmentally benign and economically viable livelihood systems in the region.

However, the sector is still un-organized and needs to be developed and tapped for the benefit of people of

the region. This workshop has given us ample opportunity to deliberate all important aspects of the

commercially important medicinal plants of the region and work out comprehensive set of strategy and

action plan to develop this sector to its potentiality. In the workshop every aspect of medicinal plants has

been deliberated and a good set of recommendation has been finalized. I hope the deliberations in the

workshop will go a long way in boosting the medicinal plant sector in the North Eastern region in general

and Manipur in particular.

On behalf of the Forest Department of Manipur and on my own, I once again welcome the Chief

Guest, the President and the Guest of Honour and everyone present in this hall in this valedictory function.

Thank you

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Speech by the President Shri B S Sajwan,

CEO, NMPB, New Delhi & President of the Session

We have had this Workshop three or four months ago. There may have been some issue which may

have been left out in the earlier one, maybe they would be covered this time. So, I think, its good thing that this thorough discussion in a matter of three or four months. Now it is time to act. I can only say that as soon as the recommendations come to us, in fact, I am taking note of some of them. As soon as they come to us, we will see that each one of the recommendation is looked at very, very seriously and we follow it to the logical end to the extent we can if within the framework of the schemes. In fact, this seminar is being held at a very appropriate time because we in the Government of India are in the stage where we are drafting our schemes where we are finalizing our schemes for the 11th Five Year Plan. So I is time that whatever suggestions have come if they are not in the existing schemes, we would have opportunity to include those schemes, those activities and those area in our schemes that are in the finalization. So I can assure you on behalf of the Department that I will go back and give these recommendations to each one of the officers who deal with different schemes in the Ministry and see that they are followed to the logical end whether it is in matters of Medicinal Plants Processing Zone, whether it is in matters of AYUSH Clusters. So be assured that its not just for Manipur state, its not just for one state but its for everybody from the North Eastern States. Be assured that we would follow these recommendations to the logical end.

But having said that, I think, there is lots of action that needs to be taken at the state level. So the ball is not just in the Government of India Court, ball is in your court also. Kindly go back, look at each recommendation. As I said it is time to act now. Kindly look at each recommendation and see as to what is your role in that recommendation. Not just leave it to the Government of India, to be forwarded as a matter of routine practice, that it’s a seminar funded by the Government of India, National Medicinal Plants Board, recommendation sent to the Government of India and that is where it ends. No. I hope you will not look at this way. Kindly look at each recommendation and see as to what each state Government responsibility is and I can assure you that we will do our best in seeing that whatever recommendation have been made are taken to the logical end.

With these, I once again compliment everybody who had been associated with this Workshop. Thank you very much once again

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Speech by the Chief Guest Shri Ramhluna, IFS

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests,Mizoram

I have come to this Workshop to enquire as to how to go about on this, Medicinal plants cultivation, processing, marketing. In fact, in the morning hour of the session, I was sitting with the officer from the cadre. I am happy to say that he has taken keen interest to come over to Mizoram to discuss issues on the marketing and processing_ in Mizoram. And it is also indeed my privilege to congratulate the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of Manipur, Mr Singsit, and officers of the Manipur Forest Department for successfully organizing this Workshop on “POTENTIAL AND PLANNING FOR CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF COMMERCIALLY IMPORTANT MEDICINAL PLANTS IN NORTH EAST INDIA.”

I would like to express my sincere thanks for the care and the opportunity given to the delegates and participants. In fact, this morning when I came, I was received very warmly by one of the officers of the Manipur Forest Department and I was taken to the hotel for which I am really thankful because I am a latecomer, I feel I do not deserve to be given such kind of treatment. Inspite of all that, I have been given a very warm welcome. And then at the same time, I would like to put in my record my sincere thanks on the great concern which have been given to North Eastern states, in the part of the cultivation on the medicinal plants by funding certain projects and allotting us funds for cultivation of various medicinal plants specially in the North eastern states by the National Medicinal Plants Board, Government of India. As already pointed out by the states in the morning of today, it is seen that a lot of areas have already been covered under plantation. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of Manipur has pointed out that within the state, they have about 1200 different species of medicinal plants in Manipur and in the morning, I have said that in Mizoram, about 640 different species of medicinal plants have also been discovered. The same number of medicinal plants or even more have been reported by other states like Andhra Pradesh and for certain, they will be having more and in Assam also. So, frankly speaking, North Eastern states is the repository of certain medicinal plants in India. In fact, as far as Forest cover is concerned, the North eastern states has maximum cover, ranging from 60 -87%. So, knowing this potential, the Government of India is taking interest in funding our projects on cultivation of medicinal plants. But as I said in the morning, inspite of all this, what is lacking is the market. Marketing is a problem in North Eastern states. In fact, as I already said, in Mizoram, inspite of the fact that plantation have already been raised over 3000 ha., exsitu and insitu, apart from the normal plantation programme which has been taken up by the Department. We do not have the market. So whatever has been planted could find no market. As a result, our people are discouraged. For this attempts have to be made on our parts. This is extremely important. From the Government of India side also, I hope Mr. Sajjwan would listen to me. They have given a long list of medicinal plants which have been found in the states. We have checked whether these plants are available in our states and whatever is found, we have taken it up. As I pointed out, for these plants, what are the markets and information on parts of the plant that can be used what type of treatment. This is very important. So that our people can be encouraged to take up large scale plantations of this particular species. Moreover, a limited number of species that can be taken up for plantation or cultivation would have been better. What I would like to suggest is that the medicinal plants which are having very good market facility can be recommended for cultivation in the state. So that the farmers can be asked to take up without any hesitation. And then the second point is in absence of certain or complete information, what has happen is, in our state, the illicit collection of medicinal plants is also going on. This is required to be curtailed or the plants given protection by the state Forest Department. So that by the time we come to

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know the medicinal values, the species may be still there. And then the third point, the NABARD people came forward. I am also thankful that the NABARD people could also give us training and they can also tell us of the different kind of schemes for taking up plantation of medicinal plants. So all the state should take advantage of this one. In the end, I would like to congratulate the Forest Department of Manipur for successfully organizing this kind of Workshop in which all stake holders of different states can attend. When we go back with all the recommendations being given by the different Working Groups, its time to act for all of us now as Mr. Sajwan has pointed out. He is there to give us all the support in terms of funds and other informations.

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RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKSHOP ON POTENTIAL AND PLANNING FOR CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF

COMMERCIALLY IMPORTANT MEDICINAL PLANTS IN NORTH EASTERN INDIA

Organised by: Forest Department, Manipur WORKING GROUP No. I Topic: Conservation of medicinal plants in North East Chairman: Shri Ramhluna, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mizoram Co-Chairman: Shri Th Ibobi Singh, Conservator of Forests, Social Forestry, Manipur Rapporteur: Shri A B Singh, Divisional Forest Officer, WP II, Manipur I. Understanding and documenting plant diversity in the region 1. Working out a list of known medicinal plant species 2. Identification of the new medicinal plant species 3. Assessment of the present conservation and threat status 4. Documentation and determination of the medicinal properties of the medicinal plants of the region

5. Development of models with protocols for plant conservation and sustainable use, based on research and practical experience.

II. Conserving the plant diversity

1. Identification of factors responsible for depletion of resources and reducing the pressure. 2. At least 1% of each state’s forest area, covering the ranges of forest types/natural Ecosystem (one compartment for each forest type in each range) effectively conserved for medicinal plants.

3. Protection of 50% of the most important areas for medicinal plants diversity assured through establishment of a network of Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas (MPCAs) taking care of threatened and endangered species.

4. 60% of the threatened species of the region in accessible ex - situ collections with 10% of them included in recovery and restoration programme. 5. Encouraging cultivation of medicinal plants with GAPS and other means. III. Using plants diversity sustainably 1. Working Plans to have separate chapter on management of medicinal plants.

2. Conservation and sustainable utilization of medicinal plants to evolve a long term, integrated, scientifically oriented action programme, covering the aspects of protection, preservation, maintenance, conservation and sustainable utilization. 3. Identification of sites for sustainable harvesting of commercially important species of the region.

4. To ensure that no species of wild medicinal plants are endangered by trade. 5. To halt the decline of plant resources and associated indigenous and local knowledge innovations and practices, that support sustainable livelihoods, local food security and

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health care. 6. To popularize the antioxidant properties of the ethnic vegetables that are collected from the wild and to popularize use of fruits, seeds, leaves from the wild than the roots and rhizomes.

IV. Promoting education and awareness 1. Medicinal plant diversity and conservation needs should be incorporated in the communication,

education and public awareness programmes. V. Capacity building for conservation of plant diversity 1. To increase the number of trained people working in this field including stakeholders with appropriate facilities in plants conservation. 2. To give training to the people in proper conservation and harvesting methods. 3. Linkage and networking for medicinal plants conservation activities established in the region through systematic and coordinated germplasm exchange programmes. 4. The NGOs can be involved in a much bigger way in educating and empowering people. VI. Need for identification of stakeholders.

1. Need for identification of stakeholders and concerted efforts by everyone, particularly community involvement through organized village level institutions like JFMCs, VFPCs and EDCs.

VII. Formulation of a viable policy 1. To put in place a suitable policy framework for supporting the state Forest Department to include

medicinal plants conservation, with community participation as one of the goals of forest management.

VIII. Legal issues

1. Legal issues to be properly addressed so that the existing control regime is made more people friendly.

WORKING GROUP No. II Topic: Cultivation of medicinal plants in North East Chairman: Shri N B Brindavanam, Head, Bio-Resources Development, Dabur Research Foundation, Ghaziabad Co-Chairman: Shri D C Karnatak, Chief Conservator of Forests, Plg. & Admn, Manipur Rapporteur ShriKS Tawmbing, Asst. Conservator of Forests, Eastern Forest Circle, Manipur 1. All the State Medicinal Plants Boards in North east should identify priority species on the basis of:

§ Nativity § Threat rates in the wild § Marketability § Reliable agronomic package and local expertise

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1. A) Once the SMPBs shortlist the priority species (4-5 species), they should organize awareness campaigns in a focused manner. 2. Forestry departments should draw specialized programmes for medicinally important tree species identified during the discussions

- Aquillaria agallocha - Gmelina arborea - Oroxylum indicum - Saraca indica - Taxus baccata

3. Considering the importance of cluster based programmes for cultivation of medicinal plant, NMPB and bankers should draw distinct norms to extend subsidies/financing options. 4. Concurrently, government should frame an appropriate framework for a Marketing Outfit, to facilitate the business- which can - take care of aggregation of produce - establish forward linkages. 5. Experimental trial of following species/product may be taken:

§ Saffron § Banslochan § Ginseng

WORKING GROUP No. III Topic: Collection of medicinal plants in North East Chairman: Shri A Ansari, Managing Director, MFP Federation, Bhopal Co-Chairman: Shri A K Rana, Addl.Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Manipur Rapporteur: Shri N. Sonzalian, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Admn. & Planning. 1. JFMCs/NGOs/Village Development Committee should be the collecting agency for the MFPs including medicinal plants 2. The JFMCs/NGOs/Village Development Committee should raise their own fund for medicinal plants collection. 3. Training and capacity building of collectors regarding sustainable method of harvesting, semi-processing

and storage may be taken up at the JFMC/NGOs/Village Development Committee level. 4. A booklet on collection, transportation and semi-processing of medicinal plants may be published for use

of JFMCs/NGOs/Village Development Committee. 5. A booklet containing colour photographs of medicinal plants should be made available by the Forest

Departments/FDAs in local language of the area. 6. Monthly or quarterly Mandis (Market) should be organized by the Forest Departments/FDAs where the

JFMCs/NGOs/Village Development Committee can bring their medicinal plants and buyers can come for purchase. The role of organizing Mandis for non-forest areas may be done by Panchayat Institutions.

7. Transit Pass fee should be levied on medicinal plants instead of royalty. WORKING GROUP No. IV Topic: Processing Medicinal Plants in North East Chairman: Shri B S Sajwan, CEO, NMPB, New Delhi

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Co-Chairman: Shri K. Thambou Singh, Chief Conservator of Forests, T&P I, Manipur Rapporteur: Shri S.Dhananjoy Singh, Divisional Forest Officer, Central Division, Manipur 1. Project profile preparation for processing of medicinal plants appropriate to Manipur. 2. Give training to the entrepreneurs at CIMAP or any other Institution at subsidized training costs 3. To provide storage and drying/curing facilities on collective basis at strategic locations in the state. 4. Popularize/introduce the simple processing methods at school/college level. 5. Setting up of demonstration unit (s) at one or two places on pilot basis. 6. Training to collectors and cultivators at local level on good harvesting and collection practices. 7. To provide subsidy to the new entrepreneurs for establishing Processing Units through financial

institutions in a fixed relevant time frame. 8. Establishment of good infrastructure. 9. Quality/source of raw materials to be used for processing be certified. 10. Involve Research and Development Wing of IBSD, Manipur, Central Agricultural University or any

other Institute in the venture for providing testing facilities/quality control and to act as facilitation centre with support from NMPB.

11. To arrange facilitation/constant dialogue between buyers and sellers. WORKING GROUP No. V Topic: Marketing of medicinal plants from North East Chairman: Shri Ranjit Puranik, Secretary General, Ayurvedic Drug Manufacturers Association (ADMA), Mumbai Co-Chairman: Shri Bala Prasad, Chief Conservator of Forests, T&P II, Manipur Rapporteur: Shri L.Joykumar Singh, Divisional Forest Officer, Eastern Division, Manipur 1. Creation of a Medicinal Plants Processing Zone. 2. Initiation of Induced ASU Industry Cluster in North Eastern States. 3. Both AYUSH Cluster and MPPZ need to be coordinated and dovetailed for efficiency in operations. 4. Promotion of Brand North East India as an advantage not as a Development Priority. 5. Increase awareness of medicinal plants through seminars and workshops at state level. 6. Activation of State Medicinal Plants Board website. 7. Activate awareness about NMPB e-portal for individual farmers to enlist their harvests. 8. Forest Working Plans to incorporate Gujarat SFD focus on NTFP Range wise plans- Primary and

Secondary species model. 9. Explore minimum support price through the mechanism. 10. SFD, ICAR and ISBT (Agricultural Universities) to be tapped for QPM hubs. 11. SMPB must have linkages with R & D Institutions for testing facilities. 12. NABARD/NMPB may be tapped for training and information on bankable models for GAP training. 13. Involve ADMA as members of SMPB- get ASU Industry involved.

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