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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.