More research on biodiversity of medicinal and aromatic plants is needed to tap the huge potential of herbal medicine market, U. Srivastava, Assistant Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, has said.Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural session of the national workshop on medicinal and aromatic plants at College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Mr. Srivastava said short growing period and availability of skilled and cheap manpower for growing the crop were the major advantages in the country."A closer coordination among ayurvedic drug producers, farmers and research institutions should be established to ensure high quality of medicinal plant products. More emphasis should be given for indigenous collection of medicinal/aromatic plants," he said.Mr. Srivastava called for developing resistant varieties of plants and plant protection technology using biotechnological approaches. Indian Council of Agricultural Research had earmarked Rs.20 crore for the research on medicinal and aromatic plants during the eleventh plan period, he said. Rajaji Mathew Thomas, MLA, inaugurated the workshop. Over 100 delegates across the county are participating the three-day workshop.
The Hindu, 16th November 2008
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