The Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research (DMAPR) is an Indian agricultural research institute dedicated to scientific research on medicinal and aromatic plants. It functions under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the apex body for coordinating agricultural research and education in India under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. The Directorate is located at Boriavi in Anand district, Gujarat.
| Name | Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research (DMAPR) |
|---|---|
| Type | Public agricultural research institute |
| Parent body | Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of India |
| Location | Boriavi, Anand district, Gujarat, India |
| Field | Medicinal and aromatic plant research |
India has a long-standing tradition of using medicinal and aromatic plants in systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and folk practices, and the country is among the major producers of herbal raw materials. To strengthen organised scientific research on these plants, the ICAR established a dedicated national centre, which was subsequently elevated to the status of a Directorate. DMAPR is the principal ICAR institute mandated specifically to address research, development and coordination of medicinal and aromatic plants at the national level.
The Directorate's work broadly covers:
Research at DMAPR addresses important medicinal species such as Withania somnifera (ashwagandha), Plantago ovata (isabgol), Asparagus racemosus (shatavari), Cassia angustifolia (senna), Andrographis paniculata (kalmegh) and various aromatic crops yielding essential oils. Studies cover crop improvement, organic cultivation, integrated nutrient and pest management, and value addition for the AYUSH and pharmaceutical sectors.
DMAPR plays a coordinating role in linking agricultural science with the herbal medicine and aromatic industries. By developing improved varieties and standardised cultivation packages, the Directorate contributes to assured-quality raw material supply for traditional medicine systems, supports diversification of cropping systems, and helps farmers access remunerative niche markets.