CSIR-IIIM Review Meeting Highlights Progress in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Sector
In a recent meeting chaired by Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) in Jammu, a comprehensive review was conducted to evaluate the Institute’s research, development, and translation outreach activities in the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) sector.
The review delved into various aspects of the MAPs innovation value chain, including germplasm conservation, crop improvement, agrotechnology development, post-harvest processing, value addition, quality assurance, technology dissemination, and enterprise incubation. Dr Ahmed emphasized the pivotal role of MAPs in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and wellness industries, highlighting CSIR-IIIM’s efforts to address key challenges such as quality planting material, low productivity, post-harvest losses, and market integration.
Enhanced Agrotechnological Packages at Field Stations
Principal Scientist Dr Shahid Rasool provided an overview of activities at CSIR-IIIM’s field stations in Bonera (Pulwama) and Yarikah (Tangmarg), showcasing improved agrotechnological packages that have boosted biomass yield, essential oil recovery, and phytochemical quality of priority crops. These stations serve as crucial platforms for germplasm multiplication, varietal evaluation, and agronomic standardization under North Western Himalayan conditions.
Advancements in Post-Harvest Processing and Technology Dissemination
Scientific teams shared progress in post-harvest processing, extraction systems, and phytochemical profiling, emphasizing their significance in ensuring regulatory compliance and market access. Dr Ahmed underlined the importance of disseminating technology beyond Jammu and Kashmir, citing successful adoption of MAP technologies in northeastern states, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh.
Future Roadmap for CSIR-IIIM
In his closing remarks, Dr Ahmed outlined a forward-looking roadmap focusing on high-potential MAP species, digital advisory systems, public-private partnerships, and alignment with national bioeconomy goals. This reiterates CSIR-IIIM’s commitment to fostering an innovation-driven and inclusive bioeconomy.
