JODHPUR, Jan. 6 -- The Agriculture University, Jodhpur is set to take steps towards research and development of new varieties of medicinal plants found in the Thar Desert. The National Medicinal Plants Board under the Ministry of AYUSH has approved a major project for the university and sanctioned a budget of Rs.1.20 crore, officials said. Vice-chancellor Dr VS Jaitawat said, "Western Rajasthan is known as a hub of medicinal plants and there are immense possibilities for research here." "Such research can benefit public health and also strengthen the economic condition of the farmers in the region. Keeping this in mind, the university had sent a proposal to the National Board for research on six medicinal plants," he said. The principal investigator of the project, Dr Pradeep Pagaria, said that this project will focus on Shankhpushpi, Agnimanth, Aparajita, Ashwagandha, and Guggul. Scientific cultivation techniques will be developed for these plants. This project will be implemented not only at the Jodhpur headquarters but also through Krishi Vigyan Kendras in Barmer, Phalodi, and Nagaur districts to promote their cultivation. He said that rural collection centres for medicinal plants will be developed in the areas where this project is implemented. A seed germplasm center and nurseries will also be established to ensure the availability of good quality planting material. Value addition and processing of medicinal plants will be an important part of this project. Through research on the medicinal species of the Thar Desert, the university aims to reach approximately 2,000 farmers. Until now, the work in this area was being done in an unorganized manner, but this project will provide a structured approach. The project also aims to discover new varieties, which will create additional income opportunities for farmers. Along with the conservation of local and endangered medicinal plants, this project will also focus on spreading awareness about organic and natural farming of medicinal plants. Connecting farmers who produce the goods with industries is also one of the main objectives of this initiative....