Imagine a future where rural communities thrive, powered by the ancient wisdom of medicinal plants. That future is closer than you think! The 33rd Annual Group Meeting of the All India Coordinated Research Project on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants & Betelvine (AICRP-MAP&B) recently took place, and the discussions held could reshape the landscape of Indian agriculture and healthcare.
From January 20th to 22nd, 2026, the College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University (CAU) in Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, played host to this crucial event. The focus? Charting the course for the future of medicinal and aromatic plant research and development across India, with a special emphasis on the unique opportunities presented by the North Eastern region.
The inaugural program was a star-studded affair. Shri Ninong Ering, a respected Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing the 37-Pasighat West Constituency in Arunachal Pradesh, served as the Chief Guest, lending his support to this vital initiative. Dr. Sudhakar Pandey, the Assistant Director General (FVSMAP) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), graced the event as the Guest of Honour. His presence highlighted the ICAR's commitment to advancing research in this field.
Several other key figures were in attendance, including Dr. Manish Das, Director of the ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, Anand, who also serves as the Project Coordinator for AICRP-MAP&B. Dr. L. M. Garnayak, Director (Research) at Central Agricultural University, Imphal, also participated, along with Dr. Wangchu, Dean of the College of Horticulture and Forestry, CAU (I), and Dr. Sanjay Swami, Dean of the College of Agriculture, CAU (I), Pasighat.
Dr. L. M. Garnayak set the stage with a compelling welcome address. He underscored the immense importance of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) to the North Eastern Hill (NEH) region. He also highlighted the university's significant research contributions towards promoting the cultivation and utilization of MAPs within the region. This is particularly important because the NEH region possesses a rich biodiversity, making it a potential goldmine for discovering new medicinal properties and cultivating unique aromatic plants. But here's where it gets controversial... some argue that large-scale cultivation could threaten the region's delicate ecological balance. What do you think?
Dr. Manish Das followed with a presentation detailing the research accomplishments of AICRP-MAP&B over the past year. He also outlined the specific steps being taken to effectively implement the project's technical program. Think of it as a progress report and a roadmap for the future, ensuring that the project stays on track to achieve its ambitious goals.
Dr. Sudhakar Pandey then delivered a powerful address, emphasizing the pivotal role that medicinal and aromatic plants can play in bolstering the Indian economy and ensuring livelihood security for countless citizens. He boldly stated that MAPs are essential for realizing India's "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) vision. He explained how they can achieve this by stimulating rural economies through cultivation and trade, strengthening traditional AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) systems, fostering the bioeconomy, and empowering tribal communities. And this is the part most people miss... the potential for MAPs to not only improve economic conditions but also to preserve and promote traditional knowledge passed down through generations.
Shri Ninong Ering echoed these sentiments, expressing his appreciation for ICAR's dedication to research and development of medicinal and aromatic plants in Arunachal Pradesh. He stressed the urgent need to develop robust value chains to effectively promote MAPs throughout the North Eastern Region. A "value chain" essentially refers to all the activities involved in bringing a product from its raw form to the end consumer, including cultivation, processing, packaging, and marketing. A strong value chain ensures that farmers receive fair prices for their crops and that consumers have access to high-quality products.
The three-day meeting involved intensive discussions and reviews of AICRP-MAP&B's research achievements. Participants worked diligently to finalize the technical program for the upcoming year through various technical sessions, covering crucial areas such as Crop Improvement, Crop Production, Crop Protection, and Phytochemistry. These sessions are designed to refine existing strategies and explore new avenues for research and innovation. The event also featured Plenary sessions, providing a platform for broader discussions and collaborative brainstorming.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, dignitaries released five technical bulletins and the Annual Report of AICRP-MAP&B. These publications serve as valuable resources for researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in learning more about the latest advancements in medicinal and aromatic plant research.
The workshop drew a diverse crowd of over 120 participants from across India. Deans and Heads of various departments from CAU (I) were present, alongside representatives from the press and media, highlighting the widespread interest in this important field. The sheer number of attendees underscores the growing recognition of the potential of medicinal and aromatic plants to transform India's agricultural and healthcare sectors.
What are your thoughts on the potential of medicinal and aromatic plants to contribute to India's economic and social development? Do you believe that sustainable cultivation practices are essential for realizing this potential? Share your opinions in the comments below!
