VC SKUAST-K stresses on value addition of medicinal plants

Srinagar, Nov 10: The month-long 8th Ayurveda Celebration held by the Regional cum Facilitation Centre (RCFC) NR-II, National Medicinal Plants Board, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, concluded at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir’s Wadura campus on Friday.

A statement said that Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who was the chief guest at the occasion, lauded the team of RCFC NR-II for their work and their initiatives in value addition, product development and production of quality planting material of medicinal plants. Prof Ganai encouraged farmers and students to actively participate in these initiatives to generate livelihood.

Director of Education, SKUAST-K, Prof MAA Sidique, spoke about the opportunities for generating livelihood from the cultivation of medicinal plants and highlighted the nutritional values associated with these plants.

Prof Ghulam Rasool Ganai, Principal GDC Handwara, discussed the importance of Ayurveda and its integration into daily life for better health and well-being.

Dr Mohammad Ayub, medical officer, Directorate of AYUSH, Baramulla, explained how Ayurveda can play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life, emphasizing the importance of incorporating Ayurvedic principles and remedies into daily routines.

Prof Sheikh Bilal Ahmad, Regional Director RCFC NR-II, delivered the welcome address and discussed the significance of Ayurveda Day and the potential of medicinal plants in daily life. Dr Bilal elaborated on the use of the rich herbal diversity of Jammu and Kashmir for food and nutrition security, emphasizing the use of medicinal plants for bringing them in the main food stream as they have both nutritional and medicinal benefits. Dr Bilal in his presentation discussed the various innovations made by RCFC NR-II in the development of various herbal food products including herbal teas.

Meanwhile, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir inaugurated a one-week advanced entrepreneurship development program on ‘Vermicomposting Technology: A Sustainable Livelihood option for Rural Farming Community of Kashmir’ at Wadura campus.

The skill programme is organised by SKUAST-K’s Division of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Govt of India.

Head, Division of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Dr Mushtaq Malik emphasised the importance of such programs in fostering practical skills among youth, especially those who are unemployed. His introductory speech set the stage for an enriching and productive event.

Dr Malik Asif Aziz, Programme Coordinator, discussed the primary objectives of the training program, which are to empower the youth with the skills required for successful vermicompost production. He said the program is aimed at equipping participants with practical knowledge that can be applied in entrepreneurial endeavours.