Five Days Capacity Building Programme on Conservation and Propagation of Medicinal Plants Concludes at Kabi, Mangan District, Sikkim
29 September 2026
Five days Capacity Building Programme on Conservation and Propagation of Medicinal Plants, organised by Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) Resource Partner on Ecotourism, Sikkim State Council of Science and Technology, supported by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, concluded successfully today at Kabi, Mangan District, Sikkim. The programme was aimed at enhancing awareness, knowledge and practical skills among participants on the conservation, propagation and sustainable utilisation of medicinal plants. The programme was designed as a blended learning initiative combining classroom sessions, knowledge sharing, practical demonstrations and field-based learning.
Ms. Usha Lachungpa, Environmentalist and Dr. Tika Prasad Sharma were the resource person for the programme, contributing their expertise on medicinal plant conservation, propagation and sustainable utilisation
The programme was also graced by the continued presence and support of Shri Tashi Wangyal Bhutia, BDO; Shri Rinzing Namgyal Bhutia, Assistant Director; and Shri Karma Tashi Bhutia, Assistant Director of Kabi, Mangan District. Their active support, valuable interaction and constant encouragement throughout the five days programme greatly motivated the trainees and added significance to the successful conduct of the training.
The programme covered a range of important themes, including the importance and traditional uses of medicinal plants, propagation and nursery practices, seed-based and vegetative propagation techniques, threats to medicinal plant resources, conservation approaches, legal provisions, and in-situ and ex-situ conservation. Practical sessions and field exposure further enabled participants to understand the application of propagation and conservation techniques at the community and nursery level.
During the programme, participants also shared their traditional knowledge, experiences and practices associated with medicinal plants, providing an interactive platform for knowledge exchange and highlighting the important role of local communities in conserving Sikkimâs rich medicinal plant resources.
The concluding day featured theory sessions and interaction with the trainees, followed by the valedictory session and distribution of certificates. Dr. Suman Thapa, Principal Director, Sikkim State Council of Science and Technology graced the concluding programme and addressed the participants. In his address, he highlighted the importance of conserving medicinal plants and strengthening knowledge and practical skills related to their propagation and sustainable utilisation.
The five day programme concluded with an emphasis on the need for community participation, sustainable utilisation and continued conservation of medicinal plant resources to safeguard biodiversity while supporting future livelihood opportunities.
