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Abstract:
Presently India is one of the richest countries in the world as regards genetic resource of medicinal and aromatic plants. With majority of population subscribing to herbal drugs there is boom in indigenous medicinal sector. Globally, there have been concerted efforts to monitor quality and regulate the growing business of herbal drugs and traditional medicine. Health authorities and governments of various nations have taken an active interest in providing standardized botanical medications. Government of India has also plunged into this opportunity and initiated some regulations in this sector.

The government is presently emphasizing on three basic essentials i.e. firstly conservation of whatever is left in the natural habitat by putting a stop on further extraction of medicinal plants from forests. Secondly on cultivation; so as to increase the production of raw materials without destroying the natural habitat. Rather than encouraging collection from the wild habitat, promotion of cultivation of high demand and low availability rare plants is being advocated and lastly to Capitalize: with rekindling in the demand for traditional medicines globally there is a huge potential in this sector & India has to take big steps to capitalize it and that too without compromising on the quality of the product.

Since medicinal plants sector has a number of stake holders having divergent interests, this paper was conceptualized to examine the rules and regulations put forth by the Indian government at every stage of value chain. It gives an overview of the current laws, major initiatives by the government and the gaps therein.

conservation, cultivation, capitalization, laws

Abstract:
Energy requirement of Indian economy is enormous and growing fast. Growth of industry implies growing requirements for energy. Coal, oil and natural gas are the three primary commercial energy sources. Huge parts of this demand for energy are met through imports of energy resources. The recent energy policy and before that the Prime Minister’s statement has laid out a broad policy framework on energy. Given such a framework and global vicissitudes, this section explores the country’s capability to identify, cultivate, develop and harness novel energy resources based on novel applications of S&T.

Abstract:
The recent upsurge in use of herbal medicines has led to a sudden increase in herbal manufacturing units. In India, there are about 14 well-recognized and 86 medium scale manufactures of herbal drugs. Other than this about 8000 licensed small manufactures in India are on record. In addition, thousands of vaidyas also have their own miniature manufacturing facilities. The estimated current annual production of herbal drugs is around Rs.3500 crores. This paper therefore gives an overview of the rapidly growing Indian herbal industry followed by the legal parameters encompassing the manufacturing of herbal drugs.

Herbal, Ayurveda, AYUSH, IPR, Health

Abstract:
This article gives an insight of the Indian research organization ‘Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’ which is a repository of scientific talent, technological advancements, industrial innovations and indigenous knowledge base. This paper exhibits the nature of work undertaken and its achievements.

OSDD, CSIR 800, rural development, drug development, disaster management

Abstract:
In Indian traditional system of medicine, the knowledge about the drugs is largely centered on plants. At present, about 90% collection of medicinal plants is from the wild source and 70% of the plant collections involve destructive harvesting. Due to this, many useful plant species are becoming endangered or threatened. The government is presently emphasizing on two basic essentials i.e. firstly on conservation, secondly on cultivation so as to increase the production of raw materials without destroying the natural habitat.

Traditional system of medicine, herbal, Forestry, conservation, cultivation

Abstract:
Genetically modified crops have been an object of debate since their introduction in India. This paper therefore gives an overall picture of India’s legal stand on genetically modified crops, how they are regulated and what is the government’s role in the process. It also presents the global position of India followed by listing of public and private institutes involved in R & D. It also apprises us of the major points of contention regarding GM crops.

GM crops, Bt cotton, GMO

Abstract:
This paper contains data on production and usage of different varieties of mushrooms globally as well as in India. It also discusses on how mushroom farming can be a step towards sustenance and food security.

Mushroom production, fungus, wild cultivation, perishable

Abstract:
India being an agro based country is effortlessly working on increasing its efficiency on food production since green revolution. Various improved agriculture seeds are introduced into the market every year. This section therefore largely discusses the seed sector with emphasis on foodgrains followed by an examination of national and state trends in foodgrains production by public and private sector. It also presents the data on new varieties/hybrids particularly of cereals introduced since 2000, the agencies involved and the policy initiatives undertaken in this sector. It concludes with depiction of current government schemes and with some probable suggestions.

quality seeds, varietal development, foodgrain production, agriculture

Abstract:
Food standards are expected to acquire greater importance, given growing consumer demand for products which are healthy and also due to increasing concerns about the quality of food. This has necessitated the formulation of food standard authority which would aim at protecting consumer’s health and ensuring fair practices in the food trade. This paper therefore depicts the procedure of fixing food standards, the agencies involved and the regulatory bodies overlooking the mechanism. It also gives an overview of the existing infrastructure in India and the lacunas within.

Food standards, Codex Alimentarius, food safety certification, HACCP, testing