Rajouri: A one-day seminar on “Potential of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants for Conservation, Cultivation, and Entrepreneurship Development with Special Reference to the Himalayan Region” was organized at the University Auditorium of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University. The programme was hosted by the Centre for Biodiversity Studies (CBS) in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Medicinal Plants Board, Directorate of AYUSH, J&K, and the District Administration Rajouri. The seminar witnessed enthusiastic participation from farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs, students, and officials, highlighting the vast untapped potential of the region’s herbal wealth.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The Chief Guest, Shri Abhishek Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri and Registrar BGSBU, in his address emphasized the urgent need to strengthen academia–industry linkages to foster entrepreneurship among local youth. He underscored the strategic integration of biodiversity conservation with economic development and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to community outreach, skill development, and nurturing start-ups in the medicinal and aromatic plant sector to empower farmers and youth of the Pir Panjal region.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Suphla B. Gupta, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine and Nodal Officer of the CSIR Aroma Mission, highlighted the transformative potential of aromatic crop cultivation in driving rural entrepreneurship and sustainable development. She described aromatic crops as a “game changer” for Himalayan farmers, offering economic resilience and ecological sustainability.
Earlier, the programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Shreekar Pant, Director, Centre for Biodiversity Studies, who highlighted the ecological and economic significance of medicinal plant resources in the Pir Panjal region.
Dr. Rakesh Kumar Shan, District AYUSH Officer, stressed the relevance of such seminars in the present scenario to promote awareness and scientific cultivation practices.
Dr. A. A. Shah, Associate Dean, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, elaborated on recent biotechnological advancements in the medicinal and aromatic plant sector and their role in enhancing productivity and value addition.
Dr. Wahid Ul Hassan, Technical Officer, J&K Medicinal Plants Board, apprised participants about various Central Sector Schemes supporting cultivation and conservation initiatives.
The seminar featured invited talks by Dr. Arvind Kumar Ishar, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Rajouri; Dr. Tejinder Singh, Head, Department of Botany, GDC Rajouri; Dr. Shreekar Pant, Director CBS; Dr. Danish Iqbal Raina, Coordinator, Centre for Multidisciplinary Studies and Research, BGSBU; and Dr. Mamta, Coordinator, Environmental Sciences. The speakers emphasized conservation strategies, scientific cultivation, value addition, and entrepreneurship development in the medicinal and aromatic plant sector.
During the technical sessions, experts discussed practical aspects of transitioning from traditional farming to high-value crops such as lemongrass and asparagus. Detailed deliberations on ginger and turmeric cultivation highlighted their economic viability in the Pir Panjal region. Emphasis was also laid on market linkages, farmer cooperatives, and eco-tourism models to strengthen the local economy.
Prominent dignitaries present on the occasion included District Information Officer Mr. Ashiq; Mr. Naved Iqbal, DFO Territorial; Dr. B. K. Bajaj, Nodal Officer, AYUSH Department, Rajouri; along with doctors and paramedical staff from the Department of AYUSH.
The programme concluded with memento presentations and a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Mamta, Coordinator, Environmental Sciences, reaffirming the collective commitment towards promoting green entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihood opportunities in the Himalayan region.
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