'Medicinal plants sector in J&K poised to become employment, revenue backbone'

Srinagar, Apr 15: To promote cultivation, conservation and exploring economic opportunities in the Medicinal Plant sector, Directorate of Ayush and Medicinal Plants Board J&K organised a Skill Development programme for all stakeholders under the Medicinal Plants Sector in the Auditorium of Bhaderwah Campus of the University of Jammu.

Union Secretary Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha graced the occasion as chief guest while Dr Mahesh Dadich, Chief Executive officer, National Medicinal Plant Board graced the dais as Guest of Honor Prof Dr Meeta Kotecha, Advisor to Regional Cum Facilitation Centers and Harvinder Singh, District Development Commissioner Doda were among the other dignitaries who attended the program as Guests of Honor 250 farmers/ growers, researchers, Medical Officers of Ayush Department and entrepreneurs attended the programme.

In his address, Kotecha appreciated the efforts put up by the Directorate of Ayush, J&K for promoting Medicinal plants as an alternative source of employment in the Chenab valley of J&K. He further highlighted various schemes and programmes of the Ministry of Ayush for the welfare of farmers/ traders engaged in the medicinal plant sector. He stressed the need to develop technology-based agro-techniques for better productivity of medicinal plants and linkages for better trade practices.

Dr Mahesh Dadich, Chief Executive Officer, the National Medicinal Plant Board, Govt. of India emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir and especially Chenab valley has great potential for medicinal plants sector to become the backbone of employment and revenue generation. He further highlighted that most of the high value medicinal plants are found in Chenab Valley and need of the hour is to develop research-based methodologies for sustainable exploration of the sector. He stressed that research organizations to conduct research programs on better agro-techniques so that farmer get more yield from the crop. He assured all the support from National Medicinal Plants Board for the purpose in terms of supply of quality planting material and germplasm.

Prof. Dr. Meeta Kotecha, Advisor to Regional Cum Facilitation Centers also highlighted the need of better collaboration between J&K Medicinal Plants Board and RCFC SKUAST Kashmir, so that benefit of various schemes is provided to the farmers at grass root level. She also emphasized on good cultivation practices, and organic agricultural practices for better quality medicinal plant products.

Harvinder Singh, District Development Commissioner Doda interacted with various medicinal plant entrepreneurs of the district Doda and Chenab valley particularly and impressed upon those farmers who have the least productive land to adopt the cultivation and propagation of medicinal plants in convergence with J&K Medicinal Plants Board.