20–22 January 2026, Arunachal Pradesh
The 33rd Annual Group Meeting of the All India Coordinated Research Project on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants & Betelvine (AICRP-MAP&B) was organised at the College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University (CAU), Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, during 20–22 January 2026.
The inaugural programme was graced by Shri Ninong Ering, MLA, 37-Pasighat West Constituency, Arunachal Pradesh, as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Sudhakar Pandey, Assistant Director General (FVSMAP), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), attended as the Guest of Honour.
The programme was also attended by Dr. Manish Das, Director, ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, Anand and Project Coordinator, AICRP-MAP&B; Dr. L. M. Garnayak, Director (Research), Central Agricultural University, Imphal; Dr. Wangchu, Dean, College of Horticulture and Forestry, CAU (I); and Dr. Sanjay Swami, Dean, College of Agriculture, CAU (I), Pasighat.
In his welcome address, Dr. L. M. Garnayak highlighted the significance of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in the North Eastern Hill (NEH) region and outlined key research achievements of the university towards promotion of MAPs in the region.
Dr. Manish Das presented the research achievements of AICRP-MAP&B during the previous year and elaborated on the actions taken for effective implementation of the project’s technical programme.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sudhakar Pandey emphasised the role of medicinal and aromatic plants in strengthening the economy and ensuring livelihood security. He noted that MAPs would play a vital role in achieving India’s Viksit Bharat (Developed India) vision by boosting rural economies through cultivation and trade, strengthening traditional AYUSH systems, promoting the bioeconomy, and empowering tribal communities.
Shri Ninong Ering appreciated the efforts of ICAR in research and development of medicinal and aromatic plants in Arunachal Pradesh. He emphasised the need for development of robust value chains to promote MAPs in the North Eastern Region.
During the three-day deliberations, research achievements of AICRP-MAP&B were reviewed, and the technical programme for the ensuing year was finalised through various technical sessions, including Crop Improvement, Crop Production, Crop Protection, Phytochemistry, and Plenary sessions. On the occasion, dignitaries also released five technical bulletins and the Annual Report of AICRP-MAP&B.
The workshop was attended by more than 120 participants from across the country, including Deans and Heads of various departments of CAU (I), along with representatives from the press and media.
(Source: ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, Anand, Gujarat)