The ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru, in collaboration with the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), New Delhi, successfully organized a one-day Field Day-cum-Medicinal Plants Training Programme on 28^th October 2025 at Hosagiri Estate, Nidigere, Sakleshpur, Hassan District, Karnataka.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Bala Prasad, IFS (Retd.), Former CEO, NMPB, New Delhi. In his inaugural address, he highlighted the growing importance of medicinal plants in the global health and wellness sector and emphasized the need for sustainable conservation and management of these valuable species in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats. He also encouraged coffee planters to adopt intercropping systems with medicinal plants, which could enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and provide additional income opportunities to farmers. Dr. Mithilesh Kumar Tripathi, Chairman, Tripathi Group of Companies, elaborated on the rich diversity of medicinal flora and fauna available in the coffee-growing zones of Karnataka and underscored the economic potential of medicinal plant-based enterprises. Dr. P. Naveen Kumar, Principal Scientist and Head, Division of Flower and Medicinal Crops, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, provided an overview of the institute’s research initiatives, ongoing projects, and extension activities aimed at supporting medicinal plant cultivation and promoting livelihood opportunities for growers in the region. Mr. Shakthi R., Deputy Director, Coffee Board, Hassan, addressed the gathering and stressed the ecological and economic significance of integrating medicinal plants within coffee plantations. The event also featured remarks from Mr. K. B. Lohith, Secretary, Hassan District Planters Association, who reiterated the need for greater awareness and cultivation of medicinal plants as part of sustainable agricultural practices.

The technical sessions covered a range of topics delivered by subject matter experts from ICAR-IIHR and the Ayurvedic fraternity. Dr. K. Hima Bindu, Principal Scientist, ICAR-IIHR, spoke on the Role of ICAR-IIHR in Medicinal Plant Cultivation, highlighting improved varieties, scientific cultivation practices, and value-chain development. Dr. Lalitha B. R., Professor (Retd.), Department of Dravyaguna, Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bengaluru, delivered a talk on Home Remedies in Ayurveda for Common Ailments, emphasizing the importance of household herbal healthcare practices. Dr. G. R. Smitha, Principal Scientist, ICAR-IIHR, provided insights into Post-harvest Management and Value Addition in Medicinal Plants, focusing on drying, processing, and storage techniques to ensure quality and profitability. Dr. Sreenivasa V., Senior Scientist, ICAR-IIHR, presented on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in Medicinal Plant Cultivation, covering topics such as organic cultivation, pest management, and traceability.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 120 attendees, including coffee growers from Sakleshpur and Hassan, research fellows, and scientists and staff of ICAR-IIHR. As part of the program, saplings of medicinally important species such as Coleus, Hippali, Stevia, Insulin, Asparagus, Madhunashini, Ashwagandha, Tulsi, Kalmegh, and Bhringraj were distributed to participants to encourage on-farm cultivation and conservation. The training programme was sponsored by NMPB, New Delhi, and coordinated by Dr. G. R. Smitha, Dr. K. Hima Bindu, and Dr. Sreenivasa V., Division of Flower and Medicinal Crops, ICAR-IIHR.