Finally, Dr. K. Balachandra Kurup, Secretary, proposed vote of thanks.

1. Enrollment of additional members for FIHI

Shri Seetharam Annadhana, EC member suggested that a brochure has to be prepared for mobilizing more members to join FIHI. The brochure should contain the information on the advantages of becoming the members in FIHI. Prof. Vimala Devi, President of FIHI gave the assurance that she will enroll atleast 10 members to be enrolled in FIHI during this year. Similarly, she requested all the members to enroll individually atleast two members each, so that the FIHI will have atleast 100 members by the end of this year.

It was decided in the meeting that the next EC meeting of FIHI will be held at Bangalore on 24th September 2005 (Saturday).

It was suggested that the members of Executive Committee should attend at least two EC meetings in a year. It was also decided that the Bylaws could be amended accordingly.

After a detailed discussion, it was decided that the concession of reducing the subscription to Rs.5,000/- which was provided upto the end of May 2005 could be continued for the entire year to facilitate more members to join the organization.

Shri Annadhana felt that the minutes of the EC meeting have to be shared with the EC members present in the meeting before it is finalized and communicated. This was accepted by the committee. The minutes and action plan are to be circulated to other potential members also.

2. Formation of a working group of scientists and technologists to protect Indian Herbal Industries.

It was suggested that FIHI should get accreditation as a primary requirement. It was decided that a draft Theme Paper should be sent by all EC members covering the following points:

a) Identify scientists and technologists to form the working group to protect Indian Herbal      Industry.
b) Concrete proposal to upgrade an existing lab towards this purpose to establish a       centralized lab under the banner of FIHI or for establishment of a new lab for FIHI.

3. To design the standards for the traditional preparations.
4. Identify an ISM Quality Assurance lab
5. Arriving at an understanding with PHARMEXCIL regarding membership and the      status of the FIHI members.

It was agreed that the President, FIHI will organize a meeting with Pharmexcil for establishing a systematic linkage between FIHI and Pharmexcil. It was felt that the meeting could be arranged with the Chief Executive either on July 14th or 15th when Mr. Annadhana also can participate in such a meeting at Hyderabad.

The President was requested to contact Mr. Appaji and make necessary arrangements for the meeting. Once confirmed, this will be communicated to Mr. Annadhana and other EC members, who have present in the meeting.

6. Organizing Workshops on GAP and GLP

In view of the fact that there was no adequate response for GMP conducted at Coimbatore, it was felt that a letter could be communicated to the members to assess the requirements for such Workshop so that they will be adequately represented.

7.Organizing a meeting with different departments and Ministries of the Government      of India dealing with ISM / Herbal Products through the Central Medicinal Plants      Board at Delhi for coordination.
8.Taking up taxation and other matters affecting the Industry with concerned     authorities.

The EC took a decision that a position / Theme paper with terms of reference have to be prepared for forming the working group to protect the Indian Herbal Industry. Members of FIHI should be contacted for soliciting the correct information on issues listed below. The position paper should consist of the following;

9. INHEX 2005 at New Jersey, USA in August 19- 21, 2005

Shri T.P. Radhakrishnan, General Secretary, VHERDS suggested that 2 or 3 members could join together and have a stall in INHEX 2005 under FIHI banner. Details are being worked out.

10. Measures to ensure inclusion of important Indian Medicinal Plants in the positive list of the potentially improving countries.

The subject was for discussion by Shri R.K.Agarwal. It was felt that the Indian Herbal Plants should be included in the Indian Pharmacopoeia first and in the Government of India documents. A library will have to be set up in the FIHI office and the list of specific species of medicinal plants grown in different countries should be maintained, at least for the top 15 countries. Similarly, CSIR publications could also be obtained for the library. All information should be achieved and placed in the website with the password protection for the exclusive use of FIHI members.

11. Reduction in the price for Gamma Radiation with Ayurvedic products.

The subject was again initiated by Mr.R.K.Agarwal who suggested that the present charges for radiation were as high as Rs.39/- per kg. This will have to be brought down suitably by eliciting suitable government support.

12. Evaluation of certification mechanisms for internationally acceptable certificate like WHO, GMP, Good Agricultural Practices, Good Storage Practices, NON-GMO, organic farming etc.,

There are various certification processes like WHO, GMP, Good Agricultural Practices, Good Storage Practices, NON-GMO, organic farming etc., WHO guidelines on ISM and GMP could be obtained from WHO office. It was reported that China has developed a separate policy on ISM standards with support from WHO. Dr. K. Balachandra Kurup Secretary FIHI was requested to follow up this issue with WHO and report during the next meeting. In the mean time, department of AYUSH, CSIR, NBRI, CIMAP etc. could also be contacted for data on medicinal plants, standards, quality control etc.

13. Creation of national library of Primary phytochemical reference standards and cost effective testing of herbal products.

It was agreed that this should also be circulated among the members for providing a Theme paper and getting a feed back from the members of FIHI. Meanwhile, it was decided to address Dr. Mashelker to get the required information.

14. Impetus to patent cell to assist the exporters and fight Biopiracy.

It was agreed to address CSIR to find out possibilities of preventing Biopiracy.

15. Renewal of membership by EC members.

The subject was proposed by Dr. Kurup. It was agreed that all the EC members who have not renewed their membership should do it immediately and a letter will be addressed to all the defaulters.

16. Incorporation of department of AYUSH, WHO Ministry of Commerce and Industry Science and Technology as Ex-officio members in FIHI.

This proposal was kept in abeyance due to practical difficulties.

17. Taxation on ISM Products

Shri R.K.Agarwal mentioned about the high level of taxation for ISM products.

The Vice President informed that details asking for the reduction of tax for animal husbandary livestock and other products has been addressed to Mrs. Uma Pillai, Secretary, requesting redressal in the level of taxation. Shri. TPR requested the Vice President to send a copy of the communication to all the EC members for information. This has since been done.

Meeting came to a close with vote of thanks by the vice president.