Aizawl, 12 February 2026: Mizoram has earned national recognition in the field of medicinal plant conservation and development, with the State Medicinal Plants Board (SMPB) under the Directorate of AYUSH being awarded the 3rd Best Performing State by the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
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| Officials of the Mizoram State Medicinal Plants Board receive the 3rd Best Performing State award at the National Symposium – Chintan Shivir on Medicinal Plants in New Delhi. (Image: DIPR Mizoram) |
The prestigious award was presented during the National Symposium – Chintan Shivir on Medicinal Plants, held in New Delhi on February 11, 2026. The event was organised as part of the silver jubilee celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the National Medicinal Plants Board and brought together policymakers, researchers, experts, and officials from across the country involved in the medicinal plants sector.
The symposium was inaugurated by Union Minister of AYUSH, Prataprao Jadhav, who highlighted the importance of medicinal plants in strengthening India’s traditional healthcare systems and promoting sustainable livelihoods for rural communities. During the programme, awards were presented to states that demonstrated outstanding performance in the promotion, cultivation, conservation, and sustainable utilisation of medicinal plant resources.
The Best Performing State awards were determined based on multiple performance indicators, including implementation of medicinal plant programmes, conservation initiatives, cultivation efforts, capacity-building activities, and overall achievements in the sector.
Representing Mizoram at the event, Dr. Lalkhawngaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the State Medicinal Plants Board, and Dr. Lalrammuana Sailo, Consultant of SMPB, received the award on behalf of the state.
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Among the states recognised, Madhya Pradesh secured the first position, while Kerala was ranked second. Mizoram’s third-place ranking reflects the state's growing contribution to the medicinal plants sector and its commitment to preserving rich biodiversity while promoting traditional systems of medicine.
Officials said the recognition acknowledges the dedicated efforts of the State Medicinal Plants Board, local communities, farmers, and stakeholders who have worked together to promote medicinal plant cultivation and conservation throughout the state.
The award is expected to further encourage research, sustainable cultivation, and value-added development of medicinal plants in Mizoram, creating new opportunities for farmers and strengthening the state's role in India’s AYUSH and herbal medicine ecosystem. The achievement also underscores Mizoram’s potential as an important hub for medicinal plant resources in the Northeast region.
