Himachal Producing Medicinal Plants Worth Rs 500-800 Crore Annually: Experts Push for Biodiversity-Based Economy
SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh is producing medicinal plants worth nearly Rs 500 to 800 crore annually, but experts say the hill state still holds massive untapped potential in the herbal economy, beekeeping and fisheries sectors.
This emerged during a workshop organised on the occasion of International Biodiversity Day by the Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI), Shimla, in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Science Technology and Climate Change and the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department.
The workshop focused on biodiversity conservation challenges in the north-western Himalayas and ways to promote sustainable development.
Dr. Murari Lal Thakur of the Himachal Pradesh Biodiversity Board said cultivation of medicinal plants could significantly reduce pressure on forests while opening up new livelihood opportunities for local communities.
He stressed the need to promote herbal and nutritious medicinal crops in a big way in the state.
He also highlighted the growing potential of allied sectors such as beekeeping and fisheries in strengthening the rural economy of Himachal Pradesh.
Dr. Manisha Thapliyal, Director of HFRI Shimla, underlined the importance of open data platforms in biodiversity conservation and said local conservation efforts carry global significance in protecting fragile Himalayan ecosystems.
Pushpendra Rana of the Indian Forest Service shared details about the Biodiversity Board’s initiatives, including Biodiversity Registers and community-level conservation programmes.
Dr. Swarn Lata, Scientist at HFRI Shimla, said nearly eight per cent of the world’s biodiversity exists in India and stressed the need for local action to secure the global ecological future.
She also shared information about medicinal plant species, nursery technologies and forestry rehabilitation models developed by the institute.
She further highlighted the arboretum developed at Potter Hill, Shimla, in collaboration with the Forest Department as part of efforts to promote conservation awareness and sustainable forestry practices.
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