Endangered Medicinal Plant Species in Himachal Pradesh

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MEETING REPORT
Endangered medicinal plant species in Himachal Pradesh*

One of the richest reservoirs of biologi- In session-I, reviewing medicinal soluble antioxidants that combat envi-
cal diversity in the world, the Indian plant diversity for the IHR, U. Dhar ronmental triggers, particularly those that
Himalayan Region (IHR) is undergoing (GBPIHED, Almora) stressed on ranking cause increased oxidative stress. R. Raina
irrational extraction of wild, medicinal species for sensitivity in prioritization. (YSPUHF, Solan) reported poor seed-
herbs, thus endangering many of its C. Aldam (University of Bristol, UK) lings in Gentiana kurroo, due to prema-
high-value gene stock. Community-based presented user-friendly genetic techniques ture anther development. In Valeriana
ex situ cultivation of endangered medici- for indirect assessment of biodiversity jatamansi, harvesting of the leaves, though
nal plants (EMPs) is acknowledged as a characterization. M. C. Nautiyal (HAPPRC, containing less active ingredients than
possible solution to meet raw material Srinagar–Garhwal) reported that active the rhizome, is most sustainable. M. C.
bulk market demand and to reduce in situ contents in high-altitude EMPs increase Nautiyal (HAPPRC, Garhwal) presented
harvesting pressure. This requires iden- with plant age and decrease towards cost–benefit analysis in agro-technology
tification mechanisms and taxa priori- lower altitudes. B. Khambay (IACR, UK) of some alpine EMPs. A. Maitra (IHBT,
tization. explained that bio-efficacy of a plant Palampur) spoke about the initiatives
In the International Year of the Moun- depends on its nutritional and environ- taken by his institute in the cultivation
tains–2002, a workshop on ‘Endangered mental conditions influencing secondary and processing of medicinal plants. A.
Medicinal Plant Species in Himachal metabolite production. The paper by Ahuja (RRL, Jammu) reported high-
Pradesh’ was attended by forty experts M. A. Haque (MoEF, Government of frequency in vitro multiplication of Swer-
from diverse disciplines. Four technical India) in absentia, reviewed the medici- tia chirata and Atropa acuminata.
sessions deliberated upon nal plant conservation parks. In session-III, A. Chopra (Biosys Ltd,
In session-II, C. Foyer (IACR, UK) Rothamsted, UK) spoke about develop-
(i) Endangered species diversity, charac-
elucidated prospects for enhancement of ing international standards for cultivated
terization and evaluation,
(ii) Production through cultivation,
(iii) Trade, linkages and ethics, and Table 1. Prioritization of endangered medicinal plant species for ex situ cultivation in
(iv) Conservation approaches. Himachal Pradesh (a workshop-exercise)
In the inaugural session, M. Pal (Direc- Endangered Knowledge Cultivation
tor, GBPIHED, Almora) spoke about Species status base prospect Marketing Ranking
R&D activities of the institute and the
important role it plays in conservation Cold-desert zone
Dactylorhiza hatagirea A A B/C A (N) A (I) II
of EMPs in HP. Defining the work- (D. Don) Soo
shop theme, H. K. Badola, Convenor Ephedra gerardiana Wall. A C C A+ (N/I) IV
(GBPIHED, Kullu) suggested that spe- Ex Stapf
cies prioritization should not ignore the Nardostachys jatamansi A+ A B/C A+ (N) A+ (I) I
local or global perspective, the techno- D.C.
Saussurea costus A A A A+ (N) III
feasibility, economic viability, ensured (Falc.) Lipsch.
marketability and farmers’ acceptance.
High-altitude zone
Explaining the role of agriculture to
Aconitum heterophyllum A A B A (N) III
improve livelihood through intensive Wall. ex Royle A (I)
EMP farming in mountains, S. James Angelica glauca Edgew. A A A B (N) C (I) V
(Rothamsted International, UK) empha- Picrorhiza kurrooa A A A A (N) A (I) II
sized that effective partnerships from this Royle ex Benth.
Podophyllum hexandrum A A B A (N) A (I) IV
forum should develop an action plan. Royle
I. P. Abrol (CASA, New Delhi) stressed Swertia chirata A+ A A A (N) A (I) I
that EMP cultivation will help economic Buch.-Ham.
uplifting of the community. The Chief Mid-altitude zone
Guest, P. K. Khosla (DBT, HP Govern- Atropa acuminata Royle A B B A II
ment) spoke about the initiatives by the Valeriana jatamansi Jones Locally A A+ A+ I
state in the medicinal plant bio-business. threatened
Low-altitude zone
Cinnamomum tamala B A A A III
(Buch.-Ham) Nees &
*A report on the International Workshop Eberm.
on ‘Endangered Medicinal Plant Species in Gloriosa superba Linn. B A A A II
Himachal Pradesh’, organized by G.B. Pant Rauwolfia serpentina A A A A I
Institute of Himalayan Environment & Deve- Benth.
lopment at Himachal Unit, Mohal-Kullu dur-
ing 18–19 March 2002. N, National level; I, International level.
CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 83, NO. 7, 10 OCTOBER 2002 797

NEWS
produce. S. Mohan (Hari Industries, long term (community-based cultiva- to reduce long-gestation periods, cost-
Mandi) explained the need by scientists tion). Four basic criteria were considered effective technology, organic-farming,
to develop strains of EMPs for commer- to prioritize species-endangered status buy-back mechanisms, policy-revision in
cial cultivation. D. R. Nag (RIISM, Jogin- (based on literature and local percep- the interest of stakeholders, protocols
dernagar) discussed future raw-material tion), knowledge base (on population for post-cultivation management, qua-
requirements by pharmaceuticals. M. studies, multiplication technology and lity-control and awareness training.
Kapoor (Mediroma International, Kullu) cultivation trials), cultivation prospects
informed about the decline and adultera- (technical and economic feasibility) and
tion of raw materials available to local marketability. Four agro-climatic zones
units. J. Sodhi (Ayush Herbs, Kangra) were identified for cultivation (Table 1). ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. We are grateful
highlighted licensing problems for trade Species identified for each zone were for the permission of the Indian Ministry
in HP, resulting in illegal markets. assessed for their elite populations, avai- of Environment and Forests. Major financial
In session-IV, Judy Man (Rothamsted lability of propagule and quality planting assistance of the World Resource Foundation,
through Rothamsted International-UK, is
International, UK) covered aspects rela- stock, certification, processing, quality
gratefully acknowledged. We thank Drs S.
ted to building partnerships. L. Singh production, value-addition and ensured-
James for support and I. P. Abrol, J. Mann
(HRG, Shimla) expressed the concerns of markets. Swertia chirata, though ranked and A. Chopra for co-operation, and Mr S.
NGOs in the cultivation of EMPs. R. R. among the top for high-altitudes was Aitken for going through the revised draft of
Bhalaik (HFRI, Shimla) felt that it was excluded for immediate cultivation due the manuscript.
important to enumerate and quantify to its long gestation period and delicate
EMP resources and develop a database. field-handling requirements. Picrorhiza
N. A. Farooquee (GBPIHED, Almora) kurrooa and Aconitum heterophyllum were
spoke about barter exchange practices in highly recommended. Hemant K. Badola*, G.B. Pant Institute
Zanthoxylum armatum among the Hima- A follow-up committee (Pal, James, of Himalayan Environment and Deve-
layan tribes. Abrol, Chopra, Man and Badola) was lopment, Himachal Unit, Mohal-Kullu,
Pal led the plenary session on the formed to carry forward the programme. 175 126, India and Mohinder Pal,
second day, focusing on technical and James revealed that a pilot-fund is avail- G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Envi-
commercial dimensions of cultivation. A able. Other recommendations were: review ronment and Development, Kosi-Almora
two-step cultivation initiative was identi- knowledge on targeted species, identifi- 263 643, India. *For correspondence. (e-
fied: short term (demonstrations) and cation of best cultivation practices, R&D mail: [email protected]).
MEETING REPORT
International Ornithological Congress*
The International Ornithological Con- in ornithological research have been 100–150 m.y. old fossils included spar-
gress (IOC) is one of the oldest and most made in the study of bird migration and row-like birds to typical bird-dinosaurs.
widely attended of international scien- in the use of molecular biology tools in What was however disappointing was the
tific meetings. This event is held once in resolving taxonomic problems. It was general lack of participation from South
four years, and unlike other biological heartening to listen to presentations that Asia and Africa in the IOC. There were
conferences, attracts a large number of questioned the validity of revised sys- 13 Indians (although not all of them rep-
amateur nature-lovers (especially bird- tematics of birds of the world by Charles resented institutions in India), a couple
watchers). The 23rd IOC was attended Sibley and colleagues, that was pub- of Pakistanis and none from Sri Lanka,
by over 1000 ornithologists and bird- lished around 10 years ago based on Nepal or Bangladesh.
watchers from all over the world. The molecular biology tools. Recent studies The papers from North America
congress included over 700 presenta- on galliform birds (pheasants, jungle addressed issues of ecology, systematics
tions. fowl, peafowl, partridges, etc.) based on and behaviour without specifically focus-
A wide range of topics, including bio- a number of attributes such as behaviour, ing on regional influences. Further, many
geography, ecology, taxonomy, behav- colour pattern, morphological traits and of the general papers were based on labo-
iour and molecular biology were covered also molecular genetics have suggested ratory experiments conducted in Europe
in these presentations. The greatest strides that the traditional Linnaean systematics and North America.
may still be adequate for dealing with the The 24th IOC is scheduled to be held
often complex groups of birds. during August 2006 at Hamburg (Ger-
*A report on the 23rd International Ornitho-
Probably, the best component of the many). It may be most useful if we have
logical Congress held in Beijing during 11–17 IOC was the two-day exhibition of fos- a delegation of Indian ornithologists in
August 2002. sils of birds unearthed in China. These this congress, since there has been for
798 CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 83, NO. 7, 10 OCTOBER 2002

Endangered Medicinal Plant Species in Himachal Pradesh

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Endangered medicinal plant species in Himachal Pradesh*

CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 83, NO. 7, 10 OCTOBER 2002 797

798 CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 83, NO. 7, 10 OCTOBER 2002

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