A conference on natural products kicked off with an aim of holding joint discussion for the development of natural products along with income generating sector here in the capital on Wednesday.

Inaugurating the conference, Minister for Science and Technology Kalpana Dhamala said that said that this sector needs effective research for its development along with development in science and technology.

Saying that Nepal has lots of potentials in natural products, Minister said that due to lack of research and scientific technologies, natural herbs are wasted.

On the same occasion, Ambassador of India to Nepal Jayant Prasad said that there is a need of joint research and effort of both the countries for the utilisation of the natural products.

The conference is jointly organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Embassy of India, Kathmandu and the BP Koirala Nepal-India Foundation. nepalnews.com