AYUSH Ministry join hands with Delhi University to advance medicinal plant research

New Delhi: In a move aimed at strengthening research and promoting innovation in the medicinal plants sector, the Ministry of AYUSH has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Delhi to promote scientific research, value addition and the sustainable utilisation of medicinal plants.  

The collaboration is expected to support the development of herbal products, eco-friendly packaging technologies and farmer-focused solutions while enhancing industry-academia partnerships. 

The MoU was signed between the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Ayush, and the University of Delhi through its Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences (BCAS) at Kartavya Bhawan in New Delhi.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of AYUSH and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare.

The partnership establishes a framework for collaborative work in medicinal plant research, product development, post-harvest technologies, value addition, sustainable packaging, technology transfer and capacity building. It also seeks to encourage the conservation and sustainable use of India's medicinal plant resources by combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Prataprao Jadhav said the initiative is in line with the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of building a healthier, self-reliant and developed India by 2047. Describing the MoU as a landmark step, he said it would strengthen scientific research, promote innovation and unlock the vast potential of India's medicinal plant wealth through the integration of traditional knowledge with modern science.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Prataprao Jadhav said the initiative is in line with the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of building a healthier, self-reliant and developed India by 2047. Describing the MoU as a landmark step, he said it would strengthen scientific research, promote innovation and unlock the vast potential of India's medicinal plant wealth through the integration of traditional knowledge with modern science, the PIB stated.

He added that the initiative is expected to create opportunities for researchers, scientists and entrepreneurs while generating livelihood prospects linked to medicinal plant cultivation and processing. 

The Ministry noted that BCAS brings expertise in food technology, nutraceuticals, post-harvest processing and sustainable packaging. The institution's patented technologies for value addition of biological resources are expected to facilitate technology commercialisation and encourage innovation-driven entrepreneurship.

NMPB Chief Executive Officer Shri Mahesh Dadhich said research-led innovation can strengthen the medicinal plant value chain and enhance farmers' income through cultivation. He also emphasised the potential for developing environmentally sustainable and health-safe packaging materials derived from medicinal plant resources as alternatives to conventional materials.

According to officials, the collaboration is expected to promote translational research, strengthen technology transfer between academia and industry, and increase awareness about the health, environmental and economic significance of medicinal plants.