Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) have great economic importance. Plant Genetic Resources Institute started systematic research on MAPs in 1999 and have conducted several expeditions for collection of MAPs covering AJ&K, Gilgit, Chitral, Sindh and Baluchistan areas as well as acquired exotic material from International Genebanks. Currently, 80 species of MAPs belonging to different plant families are being maintained at Glasshouse and filed area of PGRI. “NARC Kalonji” a variety of Nigela sativa (Kalonji) was developed by PGRI scientists. Seven projects on collection, propagation and evaluation/characterization of MAPs with the collaboration of National and International organizations have been completed successfully. During 2011-12, essential oil extraction and characterization facilities were developed at laboratory scale under the RADP project “Extraction and analysis of essential oil from rose, jasmine and aromatic herbs”. Facilities for antimicrobial and different bioassays for exploration of medicinal potential of MAPs are also available.

In first meeting of PARC Executive Committee on 28^th to 29^th April, 2022, it was decided that a new program will be started in PSD on National Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and Herbs as part of BCI (now PGRI). On 10^th October, 2022, National Medicinal, Aromatic Plants and Herbs Program was established.