Pulwama, October 23, 2025 – In a bid to harness the untapped potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich biodiversity, the J&K Medicinal Plants Board, in collaboration with the Directorate of AYUSH, J&K, organised a one-day seminar today on “Promoting Conservation, Cultivation, and Entrepreneurship in Medicinal Plants” at the Government Degree College in Pulwama. The event, attended by over 150 farmers, youth entrepreneurs, medical officers, and local stakeholders, underscored the region’s unique agro-climatic advantages for sustainable livelihoods in the herbal sector.The seminar, themed around fostering self-reliance through medicinal plants cultivation and innovation, featured keynote addresses from prominent experts. Dr. Farooq Ahmad, Director of AYUSH, J&K, inaugurated the proceedings, highlighting how conservation of medicinal plants aligns with national initiatives like the Central Sector Scheme for Conservation, Development, and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants. “Jammu and Kashmir’s diverse ecosystems offer immense scope for entrepreneurship in medicinal plants, creating employment opportunities for our youth while preserving our natural heritage,” Dr. Ahmad emphasized.Technical sessions delved into practical aspects, including scientific cultivation techniques, value addition, and market linkages.
Renowned horticulturist Prof. Aijaz Ahmad from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K) shared insights on high-yield varieties suitable for Pulwama’s temperate climate, such as Ashwagandha and Guggul. Technical Officer Wahid-ul-Hassan from the J&K Medicinal Plants Board presented an overview of government subsidies, certification processes, and success stories from progressive farmers who have scaled up medicinal plant entrepreneurship into profitable ventures.Participants engaged in interactive workshops on processing and packaging, with stalls showcasing herbal products like essential oils and nutraceuticals. The event also spotlighted eco-friendly practices to prevent overexploitation, promoting in-situ conservation alongside large-scale farming.
Local entrepreneur Shabir Hussain, who transitioned from traditional agriculture to a thriving lavender farm, inspired the audience with his journey: “With proper training and market access, medicinal plants can be a game-changer for rural economies.”The seminar concluded with a plantation drive, where attendees planted native species like Rhododendron and Ephedra to bolster medicinal plant conservation efforts. A resolution was passed urging the district administration to establish a dedicated Medicinal Plants Resource Centre in Pulwama.Organizers noted that this initiative is part of a broader series of awareness programs across J&K, aimed at empowering communities through sustainable cultivation and business models. For more details on schemes and training, contact the Directorate of AYUSH, J&K.
