Shimla: A three-day training program on the cultivation and diversification of important medicinal plants  concluded at HFRI today.

This program was conducted with the support of the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Government of India, by the Himalayan Forest Research Institute.

Mr. Anil Thakur, Additional Chief Forest Officer of Himachal Pradesh, participated as the chief guest and encouraged trainees to utilize scientific techniques for the conservation of medicinal plants and gain knowledge about scientific cultivation methods.

He emphasized the importance of documenting information about these plants, as traditional knowledge is gradually being lost.

The training also covered topics such as creating awareness about herbal gardens in schools to educate children about plant species and environmental conservation.

Experts discussed various medicinal plants and their uses, as well as the potential for economic benefits by adding value to raw materials rather than selling them as raw produce.

Director HFRI Dr Sandeep Sharma said the workshop also addressed the need for public awareness of rules, policies, and legal aspects related to the conservation and cultivation of medicinal plants in Himachal Pradesh.

This training program aimed to equip participants with practical knowledge about medicinal plants, their cultivation, and their various uses, he added. 

Participants included educators, community representatives, government employees, and others from the Shimla and Solan regions.