Ladakh urged to tap herbal wealth through organized cultivation
KARGIL: The Regional Cum Facilitation Centre (Northern Region–II), National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH, in collaboration with the School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, University of Ladakh (Kargil Campus), organized a one-day Stakeholders’ Meet-cum-Workshop on “Opportunities in the Cultivation of Medicinal Plants in Ladakh” at the Baroo Conference Hall, Kargil.
The event was graced by Aga Syed Mujtaba, Hon’ble Executive Councillor (Agriculture), LAHDC Kargil, as the Chief Guest. Among the other dignitaries present were Prof. T.H. Masoodi, Nodal Coordinator, RCFC; Dr. Mohammad Mehdi, Chief Scientist and Head, KVK (Zanskar); Dr. Faizan Ahmad, Dean, SAS&T,Kargil, University of Ladakh; Shri Ashiq Hussain, Chief Agriculture Officer, Kargil; Shri Ali Raza, Chief Horticulture Officer, Kargil; and Shri Niyaz Hussain, Ranger, Forest Department, Kargil. Scientists from KVK Zanskar, assistant professors (SAS&T), officers from line departments, representatives from Baseej-e-Zaraat, entrepreneurs, students, and farmers—also participated.
The programme commenced with the traditional welcome of the Chief Guest and dignitaries with khataks presented by Prof. T.H. Masoodi and Dr. Faizan Ahmad.
In his keynote address, Prof. T.H. Masoodi delivered an insightful lecture on the diversity and potential of medicinal plants in Ladakh. He highlighted the significance of the traditional Amchi system and emphasized that despite several initiatives by the RCFC, substantial progress in the domestication and cultivation of medicinal plants in Ladakh remains limited. He urged the Dean, School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Dr. Faizan Ahmad, to take steps toward developing a dedicated nursery for medicinal plants and called upon line departments to actively explore this promising sector. Prof. Masoodi further proposed the formation of clusters to promote large-scale cultivation, assuring that necessary planting material would be made available through the Centre.
Shri Ashiq Hussain, Chief Agriculture Officer, Kargil, acknowledged the vast potential of the sector and announced that land would be earmarked at various agricultural farms for medicinal plant cultivation.
Shri Ali Raza, Chief Horticulture Officer, encouraged farmers to take the initiative and engage in this emerging field. Shri Niyaz Hussain, Ranger, Forest Department, highlighted challenges faced by the department in cultivating medicinal plants and shared that several species, including Rosa and Matricaria species, are already being cultivated successfully with considerable potential for expansion.
Dr. Mohammad Mehdi commended the efforts of Prof. Masoodi and proposed immediate steps to strengthen the cultivation and promotion of medicinal plants in Ladakh. He also urged the youth to actively participate in this sector, noting that young entrepreneurs are well-positioned to adopt new technologies and tap into market opportunities.
In his address, the Chief Guest, Aga Syed Mujtaba, appreciated the efforts of the organizers for holding such a meaningful and timely workshop rooted in Ladakh’s traditional heritage. He assured full support from the LAHDC Kargil in promoting the cultivation and commercialization of medicinal plants in the district.
A discussion session was held among various stakeholders, including entrepreneurs and farmers. A special token of appreciation in the form of a memento was presented to Dr. Faizan Ahmad, Dean, School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, for his commendable coordination and efforts in organizing the programme in the district followed by vote of thanks by Dr. Faizan Ahmad. The overall programme was moderated by Dr. Rinchan Dolkar (AP) SAS&T, Kargil.
