Stakeholders Learn to Grow Medicinal Plants Scientifically at HFRI Shimla
Shimla, October 7, 2025:
A three-day training programme on the “Diversity, Conservation, Utilization, and Marketing of Medicinal Plants in the North-Western Himalayas” began at the Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI), Shimla, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The workshop aims to equip stakeholders with scientific knowledge on medicinal plant cultivation, conservation, and marketing to promote sustainable livelihood opportunities in the Himalayan region.
Chief Guest Abhilash Damodaran, Chief Conservator of Forests (Administration), lauded HFRI’s efforts and urged participants to adopt scientific farming for high-demand species like wild garlic. He also discussed challenges from middlemen and the Van Dhan Scheme, which empowers tribal communities through forest product value addition.
HFRI Director Dr. Sandeep Sharma said the institute has developed five new high-quality medicinal plant varieties like Kadu and Van Kakri and emphasized that cultivation is the only sustainable way to conserve these species. Experts also guided participants on organic nursery techniques, intercropping with horticultural crops, and modern storage methods.
The event brought together 30 participants from Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur, including teachers, Ayurveda practitioners, and panchayat representatives.
#MedicinalPlants #HimalayanBiodiversity #SustainableLivelihoods #HFRIShimla
