Herbal Research and Development Institute is nodal agency of state government for the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) and overall development of MAPs sector in the state. Plolicies for the development of this sector have been formulated after creation of Uttarakhand and district wise selection of farmers and cultivation of MAPs has started during 2005-06.
Promotion of cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants is being done in every district through Master Trainers appointed at block level. Scientist of HRDI are nominated as district coordinator for overall coordination of cultivation and other related task in the district. Master trainers at block level select the progressive farmers/cultivator and farmers are trained by MTs about benefits and cultivation details of respective MAP crop.Master Trainer send list of selected farmers to Head Offcie (HRDI) for availability of planting material for the farmers. Planting material up to 5 nali area is provided free of cost by the department.
After receiving the farmers’ list district coordinator arrange planting material for these farmers through departmental nurseries or procurement process. Finally the planting material/ seeds provided to the farmers in each district for the cultivation of selected species according to norms i.e. for an area maximum of 5 nali per farmer.
HRDI has been nominated following district coordinators for the development and cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants in the districts:-
| Sl.No. | Name of district coordinator | Designation | Nominated for the districts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Dr. V.P.Bhatt | Scientist-B | Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Champawat and Almora districts |
| 2. | Dr. C.P. Kuniyal | Scientist-B | Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts |
| 3. | Dr. D.S.Bisht | Scientist-B (Herbiculture Officer) |
Uttarkashi and Tehri districts |