Practical Training Promotes Sustainable Harvesting of Highland Medicinal Plants

Dragon Media Correspondent

A hands-on training session on the standardised harvesting of a red medicinal plant known as sro lo marpo was recently held in Gadthok Township. More than 40 participants—including representatives from townships, towns and villages, as well as people working in industry—visited fields to learn harvesting techniques and ecological conservation practices.

The programme was led by the Zamthang County Science and Technology Association in cooperation with the county’s science and technology and agriculture and animal husbandry authorities, the forestry and grassland bureau, the Gadthok Township government, and a company engaged in the ecological development of the red medicinal plant.

Taking science outreach from the classroom to the fields, the organisers used demonstrations and practical exercises to help participants learn about highland medicinal plants, from cultivation through harvesting, and apply that knowledge.

Officials explained the cultivation standards and the industry’s research and training activities. They stressed that harvesting should follow ecological principles, scientific methods and sustainable practices. They also called for protecting highland ecosystems while turning local natural resources into a source of increased income for residents.

The practical format helped strengthen local knowledge and skills in the regulated harvesting, management and conservation of medicinal plants. Organisers said it also reinforced the foundations for developing the region’s red medicinal plant industry.

Zamthang County plans to continue practical science outreach and training, promote skills in medicinal-plant cultivation and conservation, expand specialised industries, increase local incomes and support rural development.