Danishwar Hameed
Kulgam, May 28: In a significant initiative aimed at promoting traditional medicine and boosting rural entrepreneurship, the AYUSH Department Kulgam in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Pombay, today organized a day-long seminar on "Promotion & Conservation of Medicinal Plants and Developing Entrepreneurship in the Medicinal Plant Sector."
The programme was inaugurated and presided over by Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan (IAS) at the KVK Pombay premises. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from progressive farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and officials from various allied departments.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner underscored the immense potential of traditional and herbal medicine for livelihood generation and economic upliftment. He highlighted the need to integrate modern agricultural technologies to enhance productivity and sustainability in the medicinal plant sector.
He further emphasized the importance of creating a robust ecosystem for entrepreneurship by linking local farmers and youth with sustained technical support and market access.
The seminar featured technical sessions where experts delved into best practices in medicinal plant cultivation, emerging market opportunities, and government support schemes. Dr. Waheed Ul Hassan, Technical Officer from the Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Board, provided a comprehensive overview of the current achievements and the future roadmap for medicinal plant conservation and enterprise development.
Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Ganie, Head of KVK Pombay, assured full technical guidance and support to farmers and aspiring entrepreneurs interested in this promising sector.
The event also included a display of various stalls featuring medicinal plant products, advanced farming tools, and innovative technologies. In an inspiring segment of the programme, progressive farmers shared their success stories, encouraging others to explore the opportunities in medicinal plant cultivation.
Among the notable attendees were ACR Kulgam, Riyaz Ahmad Shah, Nodal Officer AYUSH, Dr. Abdul Rehman, and other senior officials.
The seminar concluded with a reaffirmed commitment from all stakeholders to enhance awareness, conservation, and entrepreneurship in the medicinal plant sector across the district.
