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ASIA SPEAKS NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR: A one-day Buyer-Seller Meet 2025 organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Board, Directorate of Ayush J&K, in collaboration with CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), was held at Sanatnagar, Srinagar, with an aim to connect growers, traders, researchers, and industries involved in the medicinal plant sector.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation, as stakeholders gathered to discuss opportunities for strengthening the herbal and medicinal plant industry a sector that holds immense potential in Kashmir’s diverse biodiversity.
Speaking on the occasion Director Ayush J&K, Dr. Suresh Sharma, who also served as the Guest of Honour, said the primary goal of the Buyer-Seller Meet was to bridge the gap between the cultivators of medicinal and aromatic plants and the industrial stakeholders.
“The Buyer-Seller Meet aims to bring together growers, traders, industries, researchers, and entrepreneurs from the medicinal plants sector to strengthen forward and backward linkages, promote sustainable trade practices, and explore value addition and market opportunities in Kashmir,” Dr. Sharma said.
He emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir, owing to its unique climatic conditions, possesses a wide range of medicinal herbs that can significantly contribute to India’s Ayush economy. “Our focus is on building confidence among growers, ensuring fair prices, and encouraging sustainable harvesting and processing practices,” he added.
The event saw an impressive display of medicinal plants and herbal products at various stalls set up in the premises of IIIM Kashmir. From locally grown herbs to processed herbal extracts and essential oils, the exhibition reflected the vast potential of Kashmir in the medicinal plant trade.
The Chief Guest, Dr. Zabeer Ahmad, Director of CSIR-IIIM J&K, highlighted the institute’s continued role in supporting the Ayush and herbal industry through research, product development, and innovation. He termed the event a “significant step” toward achieving national self-reliance in herbal medicines.
“Our institute’s role is to provide scientific and technical support such as quality control, product development, and improvement. When all stakeholders growers, traders, and industry experts work together, we can meet the country’s medicinal requirements. This Buyer-Seller Meet is truly a unique platform that brings everyone on the same page,” Dr. Zabeer said, applauding the initiative.
He further noted that IIIM’s efforts are not limited to research but extend to guiding farmers in cultivation techniques, post-harvest management, and value addition to ensure they reap better economic returns.
Also gracing the occasion was Ms. Kavita Tyagi from the Ministry of Ayush, who appreciated the efforts of the J&K Medicinal Plants Board and CSIR-IIIM for organizing such an interactive and result-oriented event. She said that the Ministry of Ayush is committed to empowering growers and ensuring that medicinal plant-based industries flourish in an environmentally responsible and economically viable manner.
Prominent academician Prof. Aijaz Ahmad Wani, who was also the Guest of Honour, spoke on the essence and growing global demand for medicinal and aromatic plants. He underscored the need for scientific cultivation and standardization to ensure quality products.
“Kashmir’s biodiversity gives us an edge. What we need now is to channelize our potential through structured markets, research collaboration, and policy-level support. This Buyer-Seller Meet is a step in that direction,” Prof. Wani remarked.
The event also recognized the dedicated efforts of District Officer, Ayush Srinagar, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Payer, whose continuous support and coordination played a vital role in making the Buyer-Seller Meet a grand success. Speakers and participants lauded his proactive role in facilitating participation from local growers and ensuring smooth conduct of the event.
Dr. Waheed-ul-Hassan, Technical Officer, J&K Medicinal Plants Board, was also present and shared insights on the state’s medicinal plant potential, policy framework, and the need for capacity building among cultivators.
Several interactive sessions were held during the day, focusing on market trends, cultivation practices, export potential, and quality certification standards. Experts encouraged participants to explore contract farming, value addition, and branding to ensure sustainable growth of the sector.
Growers from different districts including Pulwama, Kupwara, Anantnag, and Budgam expressed optimism that such buyer-seller meets would open new avenues for them to directly connect with industries and secure fair pricing for their produce.
The event concluded on a positive note, with a collective commitment to enhance collaboration between government departments, research institutions, and private enterprises. Participants agreed that regular interactions and awareness programmes of this nature are essential for transforming Kashmir into a hub for medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation and trade.
The Buyer-Seller Meet 2025, thus, stood as a testament to J&K’s growing focus on the Ayush ecosystem blending traditional wisdom with scientific innovation to promote health, livelihood, and economic sustainability across the region.
