Manipur can use Nungarei and other medicinal plants to support healthcare, youth entrepreneurship, employment and economic growth through scientific cultivation and value addition.
Imphal, Oct. 5: Manipur can develop its medicinal-plant resources into opportunities for healthcare, employment and economic growth through scientific documentation, conservation, value addition and youth entrepreneurship, Dr Mayengbam Veto Singh, Director, Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur, said.
Dr Vetowas speaking as the Chief Guest at a Species Specific Campaign on Shatavari (Nungarei), titled “For Better Health”, organised by Khongnangthaba University in association with the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, at the university auditorium.
Dr Vetosaid Manipur is home to a rich diversity of medicinal plants. Referring to information presented during the programme, he said the state has around 1,200 medicinal plant species, of which about 400 have been documented by the Manipur Science and Technology Council (MASTEC).
He stressed the need for systematic preservation, documentation and scientific study of medicinal plants such as Nungarei. According to him, greater attention to these resources could help develop them into useful products while creating opportunities for local communities and young entrepreneurs.
Dr Vetoalso noted the growing interest in herbal and natural products and said Manipur could make better use of its medicinal-plant diversity and traditional knowledge. He said Nungarei had potential beyond its traditional medicinal applications and could be explored for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and nutritional products.
He also pointed to possibilities for value-added products such as health beverages and related preparations, saying such initiatives could create avenues for employment and economic activity in the state.
Earlier, Dr Aribam Guneshwor Sharma, Dean and Director, Department of AYUSH, Khongnangthaba University, delivered the welcome and keynote address. He described Shatavari, locally known as Nungarei, as an important medicinal and nutritionally valuable plant.
Dr Guneshworreferred to Nungarei as a “forgotten medicinal plant of Manipur” and spoke about its traditional association with women's health, vitality, child development, memory and general wellbeing. He also referred to its reported antioxidant, antimicrobial and nutraceutical potential.
He said the campaign was aimed at creating greater public awareness about Nungarei and its potential uses. Since the plant is comparatively easy to cultivate, Dr Sharma said systematic cultivation, scientific utilisation and value addition could contribute to both health-related needs and the state's economy.
The programme was presided over by Prof Naorem Joykumar Singh, Vice Chancellor, Khongnangthaba University. Prof R.K. Gambhir Singh of the Department of Life Sciences attended as Guest of Honour. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Atom Sunil Singh, Registrar, Khongnangthaba University.
