Koraput (Odisha): The Central University of Odisha (CUO) has launched an ambitious initiative to conserve indigenous medicinal plants, document traditional tribal knowledge and develop sustainable livelihood opportunities for tribal communities, with a special focus on the Koraput region.
The two-day launch programme of the project, titled Integrated Conservation, Agro-technology & Bioresource Enterprise Development for Sustainable Tribal Livelihoods, commenced at the university’s Sunabeda campus on November 12. Supported by the Union ministry of tribal affairs, the project is being implemented by the CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow.
A major highlight of the programme was the inauguration of the ‘Parashar Tribal Medicinal Plant Garden’ on the university campus. The garden houses more than 300 varieties of medicinal plants. An exhibition showcasing rare medicinal species and traditional healing practices of Koraput was also organised, featuring contributions from local tribal healers.
The initiative was launched as part of the Janajatiya Gaurav Divas Pakhwada, observed from November 1 to 15 in commemoration of the birth anniversary of tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
Manish Thakur, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, who attended the programme as chief guest, said 16 tribal hotspots had been identified across the country, including Koraput, Kandhamal and Balangir in Odisha. He stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to conserve rare medicinal plants, document indigenous healing practices and create sustainable economic opportunities for tribal communities.
CUO Vice-Chancellor Ajit Kumar Shasany emphasised the need to systematically document the traditional knowledge of tribal healers and protect endangered medicinal plants. He called for scientific, institutional, financial and technical support to strengthen the livelihoods of traditional practitioners, including through medicinal plant nurseries and large-scale cultivation.
Project principal investigator Sharad Srivastava of CSIR-NBRI highlighted the importance of public outreach and media engagement in taking the project’s benefits to intended beneficiaries.
Around 25 tribal healers from Koraput district attended the programme and were felicitated. The two-day event also featured awareness activities, field visits to medicinal plant sites and interactions with tribal communities.
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