Urgent Action Required: National Medicinal Plants Board CEO Warns of Potential Peril for Future if Medicinal Flora Isn't Protected Immediately
The Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS) has reaffirmed its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by launching a comprehensive book on medicinal plants and establishing the 'Eden of Elixirs' medicinal garden.
The event marked the launch of "A Comprehensive Book on Medicinal Plants," edited by Dr. Nidhi Didwania and Dr. Jeetendra Kumar. The book, which is yet to provide new self-contained facts, is expected to be a valuable resource for researchers and students alike.
The 'Eden of Elixirs' medicinal garden, designed by the Manav Rachna Centre for Medicinal Plant Pathology (MRCMPP), is a unique initiative that houses over 130 species of medicinal and aromatic plants. Inspired by traditional knowledge systems like Charak Samhita, the garden features plants such as Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Tulsi, Giloy, and more.
Dr. Nidhi Didwania, Director of MRCMPP, highlighted the educational significance of the garden, stating it serves as a living lab for students and researchers. The garden is envisioned as a place where students actively engage with nature, learn about bioactive compounds, and contribute to sustainable healthcare conversations.
In addition to the medicinal garden, MRCMPP will be providing high-quality planting material (QPM) of medicinal plants to local farmers to empower rural communities through sustainable livelihoods. This initiative aligns with the government's broader goals of promoting rural livelihoods and addressing issues related to Zero Hunger and Good Health and Well-being (SDGs 2 and 3).
Future plans include establishing similar herbal gardens in 700 schools under government initiatives to support nutrition security. These gardens will serve as educational and sustainable resources to promote health, nutrition, and environmental awareness among students, while also linking to larger goals like rural livelihood promotion through medicinal plant cultivation.
The government's initiative complements other programs like Poshan Abhiyaan and Poshan Maah that emphasize community participation and health awareness. The gardens are envisioned as part of the Poshan Vatika program, which supports nutrition by providing access to nutrient-rich medicinal and edible plants, enhancing dietary diversity mainly for women and children.
The overall endeavor supports broader Sustainable Development Goals, including Zero Hunger and Good Health and Well-being. By leveraging these gardens as focal points for nutrition security, health education, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment, the government aims to scale up these initiatives nationwide.
The press release was issued under an arrangement with Newsvoir and syndicated and published by PTI. The Tribune published the press release without taking editorial responsibility for its content. MRCMPP is utilizing the Institutional Medicinal Garden for developing innovative herbal products and propagating the use of medicinal plants.
Dr. Mahesh Kumar Dadhich, CEO of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), emphasized the importance of preserving medicinal plant heritage in India. He advocated for the replication of community-driven initiatives like the Eden of Elixirs in schools and community centers nationwide.
[1] Press release issued by Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS) [2] Press release syndicated by PTI [3] The Tribune (online edition) [4] Poshan Vatika official website [5] Poshan Abhiyaan official website
- The MRIIRS' launch of "A Comprehensive Book on Medicinal Plants" and the establishment of the 'Eden of Elixirs' medicinal garden are part of a larger venture to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on health (SDG 3), education (SDG 4), and sustainable livelihoods (SDG 8).
- The 'Eden of Elixirs' medicinal garden serves as a learning platform for students and researchers, fostering engagement with nature and promoting sustainability in healthcare through the study of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants.
- Furthermore, the MRIIRS plans to provide high-quality planting material (QPM) of medicinal plants to local farmers, which aligns with the government's goals of promoting rural livelihoods (SDG 1) and addressing issues related to Zero Hunger and Good Health and Well-being (SDGs 2 and 3).
- In the future, MRIIRS aims to establish similar herbal gardens in 700 schools under government initiatives to support nutrition security, education, and self-development (SDG 4). These gardens will contribute to health, nutrition, and environmental awareness among students, while also linking to larger goals like rural livelihood promotion through medicinal plant cultivation.
