RCFCNR-1 and Vallabh College Mandi Join Hands to Promote Medicinal Plants Conservation and Cultivation in Himachal Pradesh.
Shimla:
In a significant move towards fostering biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, the Regional Cum Facilitation Centre for North Region-1 (RCFCNR-1), under the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government Vallabh College (VGC), Mandi. The partnership, aimed at promoting the conservation and cultivation of medicinal plants, was formalized during a ceremony held at RCFCNR-1, Joginder Nagar recently.
The MOU is designed to engage students in hands-on efforts related to the sustainable management of medicinal plants while equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to contribute to the field. The collaboration also aims to integrate academic efforts with practical conservation activities, creating opportunities for research and professional growth.
Dr. Tara Devi Sen, representing the principal of Vallabh College, marked her presence at the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of this initiative in strengthening academic engagement with conservation practices. She was joined by other key dignitaries, including Prof. Kamal Sharma, Former Dean of the University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), and experts Karan Jamwal and Ujjwal Deep Sharma, who expressed their unwavering support for the project.
Dr. Arun Chandan, Regional Director of RCFCNR-1, hailed the partnership, praising the college’s contributions under Dr. Tara Devi Sen’s leadership. He expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts, highlighting that the MOU would be instrumental in uplifting local communities, women’s groups, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by creating sustainable livelihoods through the cultivation of medicinal plants.
“The work that Dr. Tara Devi Sen is already doing in the field of biodiversity conservation is commendable. With this MOU, we can further enhance these efforts, ensuring that medicinal plants become a cornerstone of sustainable development in Himachal Pradesh,” Dr. Chandan said.
The partnership is expected to lead to a wide range of positive outcomes, from generating awareness about the importance of medicinal plant conservation to fostering practical applications in research and cultivation. Additionally, it aligns with broader regional objectives of promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth through responsible biodiversity management.
Principal Surina Sharma of Vallabh College also expressed her excitement about the new partnership. She noted that this collaboration would open up a world of opportunities for the students of VGC Mandi, enhancing their academic experience while contributing to the broader goal of biodiversity conservation.
As part of the initiative, RCFCNR-1 and Vallabh College aim to organize workshops, training sessions, and field activities to provide students with practical insights into medicinal plant conservation and cultivation. With these efforts, the MOU sets the stage for the establishment of a sustainable and dynamic model for medicinal plant-related activities in the region, contributing to both ecological preservation and community welfare.
This collaboration further strengthens RCFCNR-1’s ongoing commitment to empowering communities and institutions across the region, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future for biodiversity and the conservation of medicinal plants in Himachal Pradesh.
