Stalls from different herbal pharmaceutical companies, distributors and research organisations attracted people in large numbers at Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH), on the occasion of exhibition on medicinal plants’ value in the rural areas of Swat.
The event was jointly organised by PMNH and National Rural Support Program (NRSP) under the USAID-Entrepreneurs project named “Value Chain Development Project for Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (MAP), Swat”. The aim of this project is to help and support the far flung rural communities and revitalise appropriate and rational utilisation of MAPs under value chain marketing practices. The project undertakes conservation measures to preserve the habitat and regenerate the endangered or threatened species. USAID-Entrepreneurs, MEDA-Pakistan and NRSP are jointly working for successful outcome of the project through all possible efforts. PSF Member Science and acting Chairman, Prof Dr Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto was the chief guest of the event.
MAP’s Marketing Coordinator Wilayat Khan briefed the participants about the project importance and its execution with the help of USAID to highlight the significance of medicinal plants in rural areas of Swat. Presentations were also made by various professionals and scholars. SSEWA-Pak, Mirpurkhas CEO, Ghulam Rasool Balouch, focused on the resources and utilisation of “Neem” for domestic as well as a medicinal use. He further said that there is need to explore and vitalise the use of neem in our society.
Dr Rahmatullah Qureshi from PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi shared about the “Medicinal Desert Flora” of Sindh & Punjab and their value as domestic medicine. PMNH, BSD Director, Dr MK Leghari, briefed about the Botanical Sciences Division, PMNH and its role regarding research, preservation of specimen and public education. In his remarks, PMNH Director General, Dr Ata-ul-Mohsin appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders for playing their role to make this activity a success. He over viewed the role of medicinal plants in cure and treatment of human diseases and their future prospects. He emphasized the collaborative efforts of the stakeholders to explore, promote and conserve plant sources for future generations.
PASTIC DG Dr Muhammad Akram Sheikh stressed on conservation of this natural resource and also mentioned that PASTIC will digitise all related information and make it available as database. MEDA PAK Marketing and Development Advisor, Derald Smart in his address talked about the program execution of USAID and MEDA PAK in ongoing activities related to conservation of flora, marketing and better livelihoods of local communities.
The chief guest appreciated the joint efforts of PMNH and NRSP to organise this event. He said that medicinal plants are a source of treatment for many diseases and many areas of Pakistan are blessed by the Lord with this treasure, the need is to discover them and to use them properly. He also expressed the need of joint collaboration for this cause and ensured support from PSF in carrying over any research based effort related to conservation, promotion and commercialisation process. The chief guest along with representatives of various organisations and participants visited the stalls, organised by various herbal pharmaceutical organisations and exchanged his views.
