1
0
Srinagar: In order to promote cultivation, conservation and exploring economic opportunities in Medicinal Plant sector, Directorate of Ayush and Medicinal Plants Board J&K organized a One Day Skill Development program of all Stakeholders under Medicinal Plants Sector on 15th of April 2024 in the Auditorium of Bhaderwah Campus of University of Jammu. Padamshree Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha Union Secretary Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India, graced the occasssion 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 Sh. Harvinder Singh, IAS 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 program.
In his address, Padamshree Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha Union Secretary Ministry of Ayush, Govt of India 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 programs of Ministry of Ayush, Govt. Of India for the welfare of farmers/ traders engaged in medicinal plant sector. He stressed on the need to develop technology based agro-techniqes for better productivity of medicinal plants and linkages for better trade practices.
Dr. Mahesh Dadich, Chief Executive officer, National Medicinal Plant Board, Govt. of India emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir and especially Chenab valley has great potential for medicinal plants sector of becoming 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 upon 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 are provided to the farmers at grass root level. She also emphasized on good cultivation practices, organic agricultural practices for better quality medicinal plant products.
Sh. Harvinder Singh, IAS District Development Commissioner Doda interacted with various medicinal plants entrepreneurs of the district Doda and Chenab valley particularly and impressed upon those farmers who have least productive land to adopt the cultivation and propagation of medicinal plants in convergence with J&K Medicinal Plants Board.
Dr. Mohan Singh, Director Ayush and CEO Medicinal Plant Board J&K in his addressed thanked Padamshree Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha Union Secretary Ministry of Ayush, Govt of India for his uninterrupted support for promotion of Ayush Sector in the UT of J&K. Director Ayush also highlighted various achievements of Directorate of Ayush J&K especially medicinal plants sector for the last three years. He informed that J&K Medicinal Plants Board has established two high altitude Nurseries at Baderawah and Gurez and a subtropical nursery at Tapiyal Samba for continuous supply of quality planting material and germ plasm.
Various expert speakers from RCFC, SKUAST Kashmir, IIIM-CSIR J&K, Forest Department, progressive farmers, entrepreneurs shared their experiences and views on the promotion of this sector in the UT of J&K
