Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, SEP 24 (NPN): The 11th Ayurveda Day-cum-launch programme for distribution and cultivation of Piper longum and Piper retrofractum in Nagaland was held at Vihokhu village, Niuland, on Wednesday in collaboration with Dabur India Ltd.
Addressing the gathering, as special guest Member of Parliament Lok Sabha and Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president, S. Supongmeren Jamir, said the programme marked a new dimension in celebrating Ayurveda Day while providing farmers with an opportunity to cultivate medicinal plants for livelihood.
He recalled that indigenous medicinal plants had traditionally been used by people in Nagaland, particularly by earlier generations, and expressed hope that the initiative would encourage greater interest in medicinal plant cultivation among farmers and younger generations.
Jamir said the project had been launched in three districts—Zunheboto, Mon and Niuland—and noted that the climate in Nagaland was suitable for the cultivation of the plants. He said the initiative could also encourage further discovery and value addition of medicinal plants traditionally used in the State.
Emphasising the importance of an assured market for farmers, he said the initiative was significant as Dabur India Ltd. would procure the cultivated produce.
He recalled that farmers in the State had previously taken up crops such as coffee and ginger but faced difficulties due to inadequate market outlets.
He encouraged farmers to take up the cultivation on a larger scale and urged the younger generation to participate, saying the initiative could provide an additional source of income while helping preserve traditional knowledge and farming practices.
Jamir also called upon the district administration, police, officials and farmers to work together to make the pilot project successful.
He said successful implementation in Niuland could encourage similar initiatives in other districts.
He expressed hope that increased production would be supported by the company and said all stakeholders should work hand-in-hand to ensure the success of the initiative.
On “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow”, Dr. Tiakaba Jamir, in-charge, Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy (IAH), Dimapur, highlighted the relevance of Ayurveda in promoting health and wellness.
Principal Scientist of Dabur India Ltd., Jangaiah Mangalaram, gave a presentation on the cultivation of the medicinal plants, covering various aspects of Piper cultivation.
Earlier, programme was chaired by Dr. T. Bendangtula, Deputy Director (AYUSH) and CEO, State Medicinal Plants Board (SMPB), Nagaland.
Pastor Charlie Chophy of Vihokhu-Ghathashi Baptist Association (VGBA) offered the invocation, while GB of Vihokhu village Kuhovi Zhimomi delivered the welcome address.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Seyiekhrietuo John, SPO, NAM, followed by a dedicatory prayer for Piper cultivation led by Dr. Vebuzo Keyho, Associate Pastor, Chakhesang Baptist Church, Diphupar.