National economy can be improved through sustainable use of plants: Minister Sudi

Minister for Forests and Environment Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi has underscored on improving the national economy through the sustainable use of plants.

Addressing a program organized to mark the 64th Anniversary of the Department of Plant Resources and the 25th Plant Day today, he laid emphasis on boosting the economy by means of sustainable utilization of plant resources. The theme of the Anniversary is – 'Indigenous Plants for Local Prosperity'.

Minister Sudi described the plant resources as the backbone for the improvement of the national economy, stating that it is necessary to increase employment by boosting the economy through plant resources.

"Activities related to plant research have been pursued in spite of the limited means and resources. Contributions should be made towards augmenting the national economy by means of the sustainable utilization of plant resources, prioritizing the research activities," the Minister for Forests and Environment suggested.

Secretary at the Ministry, Dr Deepak Kumar Kharal, stressed on reinforcing the economic income and generating the employment opportunities from the plant resources. He pointed out the need of improving the economy by means of promoting medicinal herbs.

Department Director-General Dr Sanjiv Kumar Rai underscored on increasing investment in human resource development in the plant resources research and processing sectors. He stated that since its establishment the Department has dedicated itself to building an economically prosperous nation through identification of plant resources and their utilization, developing the technology for the same. 

Prof Dr Lokesh Ratna Shakya was honored with the 'National Plant Resources Award' in recognition of his contribution to the conservation and promotion of plant resources through long involvement and association in the study, research and teaching of plant resources science in Nepal.

Dr Nirmala Pradhan who was the recipient of the 'National Plant Resources Award -2079 BS' also spoke on the theme of this year's National Plant Resources Day.

On the occasion, Ministry Secretary Kharal launched a book entitled 'Algal Flora of Nepal, Volume 2', co-authored by Prof Dr Shiva Kumar Rai and Sajita Dhakal, and published by the Department's National Herbarium and Plant Laboratory Godavari.