The inaugural function of the two-day International Conference on “Medicinal Plants, Biodiversity Conservation, Natural Products for Health Care Needs in Traditional System of AYUSH Medicine (MBNHA-2025)” was held on May 7, 2025 at Lumami. Organised by the Department of Forestry, Nagaland University the conference is jointly sponsored by Nagaland University, Department of Science & Technology (DST), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Microbiologists Society, informed a press release by the PRO, Nagaland University.
Chaired by Vashi Chongloi, the introductory remark was given by Dr. M. Mathiyazhagan, Head, Department of Forestry. Dr. G. Bhupesh, Convenor, MBNHA-2025 in his welcome address provided a thoughtful summary of the conference. He underlined that the conference’s primary goals were to raise knowledge of native plants and their therapeutic benefits as well as to support Nagaland’s biodiversity protection. In a short speech, Prof. C.R. Deb, Dean, School of Sciences stated that India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 will be aided by bioresources playing a crucial part.
Chief Guest, Prof. K.R.S. Sambasiva Rao, VC, Mangalayatan University, Jabalpur shared his experience and appreciation towards the North-Eastern states. Prof. Rao stated that there are over 650 different medicinal plant species prevalent in the region, with Nagaland alone having 150 of them. He emphasised the importance of preserving gene banks in order to preserve and restore medicinal plants. He also shared the need to maintain a database and integrated studies across all northeastern states for accurate statistics on medicinal plants available within the different states. He stated that there is an urgent need for bioprospecting of natural plants and urged for collaborative research amongst various departments, such as Botany, Forestry, Chemistry, and Pharmaceutical companies, to integrate traditional indigenous knowledge to scientific approaches and developments.
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Dr. Yoshimi Osawa, Astt. Professor at Japan’s Aoyama Gakuin University talked about the wide variety of fermented foods in Asia as well as in Nagaland. She shared the Japanese understanding of Food and Medicine sharing a common foundation. Praising the local cuisines, she suggested future Japan-Nagaland partnership. Dr. V. Sundaresan, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Bangalore in his speech shared the research works conducted by his department, which focuses on collecting aromatic and therapeutic plants from the wild which is then followed by bioprospecting, bio-formulation, and technology transfer to industries. He stressed on the conversion of bioresources into bioeconomy. Dr. Sundaresan stressed that most of the knowledge and research are focussed on publication and obtaining patents, but is not applied in practical application. Therefore, he urged for more practical applicability of published and patented work. Given the enormous bioresource of Nagaland, Dr. Sundaresan stated that there is a need for more collaborative research between Nagaland University and Organisations like ICAR and CSIR to develop bioformulation as well as sustainable produce of raw materials.
Prof. J.K. Patnaik, VC, Nagaland University who also released the Conference Abstracts and a book “Timber species of Nagaland” authored by Dr. G. Bhupesh, Ms. Nokentela Jamir and Dr. Jogesh Panigrahi, in his inaugural speech, advocated the utilisation of the rich bioresource and the significance of ethno-medicine in Nagaland. He also dwelt on the on-going advancements and research projects of Nagaland University. He highlighted the in-vitro laboratory dedicated to Cancer Research at the Department of Zoology while also stating that the University is leading in pioneering research efforts.
The event witnessed an engaging Phom Cradle Lullaby performed by the female Research Scholars and a traditional Ao song by Imtimeren. The inaugural session concluded with a sincere expression of gratitude delivered by Dr.Gyati Yam, who acknowledged the presence and contributions of all dignitaries, participants, and organisers.
