Two-Day National Conference Concludes at MIET, Focus on Medicinal Plants Research and Innovation

India Has Immense Potential in Herbal Medicine and Botanicals: Dr. Mahesh Kumar Dadhich

Meerut: The two-day national conference at the Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology (MIET) concluded on Monday. The closing session was graced by the Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. Mahesh Kumar Dadhich, Chief Executive Officer of the National Medicinal Plant Board, and Guest of Honour, Vibhu Sahni, Head of the Pharmacy Department, Lala Lajpat Rai Medical College, Meerut.

Conference Convener Dr. Alok Sharma highlighted the participation of over 400 delegates from across the country, with around 175 research papers presented during the event. These papers have been published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research.

India’s Global Leadership Potential in Herbal Medicine

In his address, Prof. Dr. Dadhich emphasized India’s capacity to lead globally in the field of herbal medicine and botanicals. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering innovation, research opportunities, and collaborations in this domain. Dr. Dadhich commended MIET and the organizing committee for providing a platform that bridges academic research and industry needs.

Day Two Highlights: Technical Sessions

The second day of the conference featured technical sessions where experts shared valuable insights into herbal medicine, innovation, and regulatory advancements.

• Regulatory Progress in Ayurveda and Botanicals:
  Dr. Vikas (Head, Regulatory, Research & Development) discussed advancements in regulatory frameworks for Ayurvedic and botanical research. He stressed the importance of maintaining quality standards and achieving global compliance.

• Innovation in Food Engineering:
  Dr. Vinkle Kumar Arora (Associate Professor, National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management) spoke on incorporating herbal and botanical components into functional food products to promote health and wellness.

• Government Funding Opportunities:
  Dr. Kavita Tyagi (Senior Advisor, National Medicinal Plant Board) shed light on government funding programs that empower Indian communities and foster growth in the medicinal plant sector.

• Industry-Academia Collaboration:
  Ankit from the Life Sciences Sector Skill Development Council emphasized the critical role of partnerships between academia and industry in driving innovation and improving the quality of herbal medicines.

• Opportunities in Pharma and Biotechnology:
  Dr. Vinita Jindal (Manager, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) discussed emerging opportunities in pharma and biotechnology related to herbal and botanical products. She also outlined funding strategies and the growth of the innovation ecosystem.

Contributions to the Conference’s Success

The conference was made successful through the dedicated efforts of Dr. Alok Sharma, Dr. Anurag, Dean Dr. Sanjeev Singh, Principal of Pharmacy Dr. Vipin Kumar Garg, Dr. Avinash Singh, Dr. Neeraj Kant Sharma, and Ajay Chaudhary.

Conclusion: Boosting Research and Innovation

The national conference served as a vital platform for showcasing India’s capabilities in herbal medicine and botanical research. It fostered dialogue between researchers and industry leaders, paving the way for innovations that can position India as a global leader in this field. Organizers called the event a significant step towards strengthening science and technology’s role in societal and economic development.