Herbal Garden for Medicinal Plants
The Western Ghats of India covers an area of 1,60,000 sq. Km., which is among the ecologically richest regions and is considered as one of the eight ‘hottest’ biodiversity hotspots of the 34 identified biodiversity hotspots worldwide. Of the 15,000 plant species recorded so far, 4,000 are endemic to the region. Thus, there is a need to create awareness among the public about the importance of our traditional heritage of herbal healing and the importance of medicinal plants and their conservation. As one of such initiatives, a Herbal Garden for Medicinal Plants of the Western Ghats region has been established at NITM.
In all, 364 medicinal plants have been planted in the garden so far. The basic information about the plants is made available on spot. The IEC system is well developed and People belonging to various backgrounds (Ayurveda, traditional practice, pharmaceuticals, herbal research), professions (Teachers, Students, Researchers, Herbal healer), and age groups are visiting the garden. The brochures on Herbal Garden for Medicinal Plants of the Western Ghats region, RET Plants, and Herbarium Techniques were published as information materials. The garden is also helping in creating awareness among the visitors.