Raphael Warjri

On November 3^rd, 2023, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Meghalaya organised a training
programme for the farmers at Upper Shillong for cultivation of medicinal plants including Swertia
chirayita (Chirayita) and Gaultheria fragrantissima (Jathynrat). This training was organised by IBSD
under the Himalayan Bioresources Mission and the guidance of Prof. Pulok K. Mukherjee, Director
IBSD to promote medicinal plants resources of the region for societal benefit and livelihood
generation. During the programme, farmers from Mawbeh village, East Khasi Hills District were
trained for cultivation and propagation of Chirayita, Jathynrat and explored various field trials of
medicinal plants growing within IBSD campus. During the event, aromatic oil extraction was
performed from Jathynrat and demonstrated to farmers. IBSD is organising such programmes in
North Eastern Region to promote bioentrepreneurship and bioeconomy from bioresources. The
programme was also attended by students, scholars and scientists of IBSD.