NGCPR was established in 1992 when Lawkim’s new Shindewadi Works was being built. Named in fond memory of Late Shri Naoroji Godrej, its objective was to carry out purposeful research in the areas of Plant biodiversity & conservation with special reference to medicinal plants, especially endangered species endemic to the Western Ghats. The Center is approved as a Scientific and Industrial Research center by Department of Scientific and Industrial Research organization of Government of India, and has been headed since its inception by Dr. P. Tetali. It has a 2.5 hectare Botanical Garden where examples of local endemic medicinal and aromatic plants are being propagated. A number of commercially viable plants are being analysed for various properties and to enhance their local exploitation using tissue culture and plant breeding techniques. Plants maintained at NGCPR nursery include 200 Medicinal, 40 Aromatic, 38 Wild edible, 18 Timber & Energy, 33 Bamboos, 60 Orchids, 80 Threatened & endemic species.