NMPB and ICAR-NBPGR sign MoU to conserve medicinal and aromatic plants genetic resources

In order to conserve the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Genetic Resources (MAPGR), National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) under Ministry of AYUSH and ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday. The purpose of this MoU to conserve the MAPGRs at designated space of ICAR-NBPGR in long-term storage module — as per availability — in the National Gene bank and or at regional stations for medium term storage module and acquire hands-on training on plant germplasm conservation techniques to the working group of NMPB, Union Ministry of AYUSH has said in a statement.
 
According to the Ministry, both NMPB and ICAR-NBPGR are committed to serve the national interests through conservation of germplasm on long-term basis, safely and cost-effectively for present and future generations to ensure the social and economic security. The authorised institute NMPB and the ICAR-NBPGR on behalf of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) would develop detailed modalities for seed storage of MAPGRs and submit periodic progress report to their respective organisations.
 
Medicinal Plants are regarded as rich resources of traditional medicines and are being used for thousands of years in the healthcare system. India has rich diversity of medicinal plants (MPs) resources. The natural resources are gradually getting depleted due to various developmental activities in its habitat. There is a need to conserve these natural resources and make sustainable utilisation of them. The conservation of plant genetic resources is an integral part of biodiversity conservation. The purpose of conservation is to make sustainable development by protecting and using natural resources in ways that do not diminish the variety of genes and species or destroy important habitats and ecosystems, the AYUSH Ministry has further added.