A one-day workshop cum buyer-seller meet focusing on the cultivation, processing, and marketing of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) was successfully held on March 17, 2025, at the CHF CAU Auditorium in Pasighat. The event was organized by RCFC-NER, CSIR-NEIST Jorhat in collaboration with the College of Horticulture & Forestry (CHF), Central Agricultural University (CAU), Pasighat, and sponsored by the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH, New Delhi.
The workshop saw the participation of over 150 farmers from various villages across Siang and East Siang districts. It brought together key stakeholders in the medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) sector, including scientists, farmers, industry representatives, and members of national and state medicinal plant boards. Farmers actively raised concerns about quality planting materials, value addition, and marketing channels. Experts addressed these concerns, providing clarifications and actionable solutions to resolve doubts and guide the farmers effectively.
Prof. B.N. Hazarika, Dean of CHF, Pasighat, graced the event as the Chief Guest. He highlighted initiatives undertaken by his college to promote MAP cultivation in the region.
Dr. Mohan Lal, Principal Scientist at CSIR-NEIST Jorhat, delivered an engaging session on market opportunities and cultivation practices for MAPs while highlighting the work he has been doing in the region.
Pramila Choudhury, Co-Founder and Director of Kirat Biotech Private Limited, spoke on the opportunities and challenges in the MAP industry while emphasizing commercially valuable medicinal plants found in the Northeast.
Farmers like Tajir Siram from Rotung Village, Kaling Taloh from Runne Village, and Tajing Darrang from Koje Jangoo Farmer Producer Company shared their valuable experiences in the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). They inspired fellow farmers to embrace this sustainable agricultural practice as a pathway to improving livelihoods while contributing to biodiversity conservation.
The workshop served as a vital platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among stakeholders. It underscored the potential of medicinal and aromatic plants to drive economic growth in Northeast India while addressing environmental sustainability.
