Kohima: Nagaland on Saturday dispatched its first consignment of Zanthoxylum seeds — locally known as Michinga — from Kohima to Dabur India Limited’s North East Unit in Tezpur, marking a significant milestone in the commercialisation of the state’s medicinal and aromatic plants.
Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen ceremonially flagged it off at the SIRD Office Complex. He described the initiative as “a programme with substance”, highlighting that it translates the state’s long-discussed potential into concrete action.
The consignment was sent under a buy-back agreement between the Nagaland Bio-Resource Mission (NBRM) and Dabur India Ltd.
Imchen noted that Nagaland has for decades been home to a rich diversity of medicinal herbs, many of which were documented by the NBRM after its formation nearly ten years ago. He praised the NBRM team led by Dr. Kualalei for taking the crucial step of formalising commercial ties with Dabur to market Zanthoxylum.
He said the species was selected because it is already cultivated widely and has a partially established market. However, he pointed out that while Dabur requires at least 10 tonnes annually, the state could supply only 1.5 tonnes this year — a shortfall that he described as “a lesson in the need for volume”.
“For true commercialisation and real benefits, we must scale up production. If we produce enough, buyers will come,” he said, urging farmers and entrepreneurs to adopt scientific cultivation practices and maintain consistent quality. He also stressed the importance of honouring price and supply commitments to build long-term market credibility.
Imchen expressed optimism that the partnership with Dabur would eventually expand to include more medicinal and aromatic plants, creating wider opportunities across the state’s agri-economy.
Speaking at the event, Narayanan Ranganathan, Head of Central Procurement and Planning Division at Dabur India Ltd, New Delhi, said the company sees substantial potential in Nagaland — not only in medicinal herbs but also in spices and fruits. He acknowledged the crucial role of medicinal plant growers in Dabur’s evolution and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting farmers in Nagaland.
