Department of Plant Resources

The Department of Plant Resources under the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation (formerly known as Department of Medicinal Plants) was established in 1960. This organization is conducting and providing services in the field of research and development of plant resources in Nepal. It is a multidisciplinary organization comprizing mainly of botanists, chemists and pharmacists. Ever since its establishment, many of its activities have concentrated on : Resource survey and collection of plant materials and preservation of the specimens in the National Herbarium and Plant Laboratories (KATH). Maintenance of Botanical Gardens in various parts of the country. Chemical and biological researches for the utilization of medicinal, aromatic and other valuable plants. Biotechnology research, improvement and propagation of plants of economic value. Ago-technology development on plants to provide services to the farmers on techniques of commercial cultivation of important medicinal and economic plants. Conduction of trainings on resource(plant) conservation, management and provide garden services. Information dissemination through publications on various aspects of Nepalese plant resources. Bio-prospecting of plants of economic value. Goals Research and develop on plant and to develop a database on plant resources for the promotion of trade and industry based on plant and plant products. Objectives Bio-prospecting of plant resources. To carry out research on isolation of chemical constituents and biological effects of the plant. To carry out research for the promotion of Trade and industries based on plants and plant products. To help in the development of industries based on plant resources. To help in value addition of the medicinal plants. To help in supply chain management of the plants. To develop the standards for plants and plant products. Following functions are carried out by the Department To manage the museum of plant specimen and different parts of plants. To carry out phamacognostical research and identification of plant and plant products. Promotion of integrated research on plants especially endemic and indigenous plant species. Conduct research on phytochemicals of plant resources and develop a database. Technology development for processing of plant and extraction of pure or intermediate phytochemicals. Screening of plants/herbs for phytochemical and its bioactivity. Study of Aromatic plants resources for listing of potential aromatic plant species. Standardization of plants and plant products for its quality and to develop analytical method for quality analysis. To develop quality control system. To provide technical assistance in the field of essential oil, phytochemistry and analytical technique to government, non-government and private organizations. To provide small laboratory animals, such as Mice, Rat, Rabbit and Guinea pig for research purpose to the government and non-government organization as far as possible. To provide training/technical assistance for the analysis of herbs and quality assurances to institute and industry. To identify and certify plants and plant products, and provide analytical services for the promotion for herbal industry and trade To provide gardening service to different organizations inside Singhadurbar Complex. To provide flower pot, bouquet, garland and decoration services on national events.