The Central Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) is an Indian public research institute dedicated to the study, cultivation, improvement and processing of medicinal and aromatic plants. Headquartered in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, it is a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), which functions under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
| Name | Central Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants |
|---|---|
| Acronym | CIMAP |
| Type | Public research institute |
| Parent body | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) |
| Headquarters | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Field | Medicinal and aromatic plant sciences |
Overview
CIMAP carries out multidisciplinary research that links plant biology, agronomy, chemistry and process technology with the requirements of farmers and industry. Its work covers the genetic improvement of medicinal and aromatic plant species, agro-technologies for their cultivation, extraction and analysis of essential oils and phytochemicals, and the development of value-added products and formulations.
Background
The institute traces its origins to research efforts in India aimed at developing a domestic base for essential oils and plant-based drugs, areas where the country had long depended on imports. Over time the institute was reorganised under CSIR and given its present name and mandate, with a focus on bridging laboratory research and field-level adoption by cultivators of medicinal and aromatic crops.
Research and activities
- Crop improvement: Development of improved varieties of mint, lemongrass, citronella, palmarosa, vetiver, geranium, basil, Artemisia, Withania (ashwagandha) and other medicinal and aromatic species.
- Agro-technology: Standardisation of cultivation practices, intercropping systems and post-harvest handling for higher yields of biomass and active constituents.
- Phytochemistry: Isolation, characterisation and analysis of essential oils, alkaloids and other secondary metabolites.
- Product development: Herbal formulations, nutraceutical leads and aroma-based consumer products developed in collaboration with industry partners.
- Technology transfer and training: Outreach to farmers, entrepreneurs and small enterprises through training programmes, field demonstrations and licensing of know-how.
Campuses and research stations
In addition to its main campus at Lucknow, CIMAP operates research centres in different agro-climatic regions of India to support work on species suited to varied environments. These outstations conduct field trials, germplasm conservation and region-specific cultivation research.
Significance
CIMAP has played a notable role in establishing India as a producer of mint oils and other essential oils, and in supporting the cultivation of medicinal crops linked to the Ayurveda, Unani and herbal industries. Its varieties and agro-techniques have been adopted by cultivators across several states, contributing to rural income diversification and to the supply of raw materials for pharmaceutical, flavour, fragrance and cosmetic industries.
Academic engagement
The institute participates in doctoral and post-doctoral research training, with students enrolled through the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) and affiliated universities. It also collaborates with Indian and international research organisations on joint projects.
Related topics
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
- Medicinal plants in India
- Essential oil
- Ayurveda
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research
- Lucknow
References
- Wikidata entry: Q5061251
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, list of constituent laboratories.