Minister for Forests and Environment Shakti Bahadur Basnet has said that herbs produced in the country should be utilized.
Speaking at a program organized on the occasion of 58th anniversary of Department of Plant Resources and 19th Plant Resource Day here Thursday, Minister Basnet said that priority should be given for the utility of plant resources by conserving and promoting plant resources produced in Nepal.
Saying nature has given numerous types of plants to the country, he said activities should be carried out in order to help national economy.
Similarly, Secretary at the Ministry, Dr Bishwonath Oli, expressed commitment that the Ministry would provide support in development and expansion of plant resources sector.
Saying Plant Resources Day is being marked since 2056 BS, Director General of the Department, Sanjeev Kumar Rai, said that the Department has been playing significant role in its protection and promotion.
According to the Department, there are 12,000 species of plants in the country.
On the occasion, Prof Dr Ram Prasad Chaudhary was honoured with National Plant Resources Award for his valuable contribution in development and expansion of plant resources sector. The award carries a purse of Rs 100,000 and a shawl.
Minister Basnet released 'Essential Well of Nepal and Journal of Plant Resources' as well as unveiled a logo that reads 'Plant Resources for Life' on the occasion.
