Excelsior Correspondent
DODA, Apr 26: A buyer-seller meet aimed at strengthening the medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) sector was held in Bhaderwah through a joint initiative of the Directorate of Ayush, the J&K Medicinal Plants Board, and the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), CSIR-J&K.
Sponsored by the Union Ministry of Ayush, the programme focused on improving supply chains and building robust market linkages for farmers and industry stakeholders.
The event brought together farmers, traders, buyers, industry representatives, and officials from multiple departments. A key outcome was the signing of six Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between farmers and industry players to ensure assured procurement of raw medicinal plant material.
Director IIIM, CSIR-J&K, Dr Zabeer Ahmed, who attended as chief guest, underscored the importance of close coordination between research institutions and government agencies.
Deputy Commissioner Doda, Krishan Lal, highlighted the significant scope of medicinal plant cultivation for livelihood generation, particularly in remote and hilly areas, and called for enhanced awareness, incentives, and assured market support.
Director Ayush J&K and CEO of J&K Medicinal Plants Board, Dr Ajay Kumar Tikoo, outlined a farmer-centric and market-driven approach, citing progress in expanding cultivation areas, promoting high-value species, establishing nurseries, and conducting capacity-building programmes.
Deputy CEO, National Medicinal Plants Board, Dr Abdul Qayum, stressed strengthening post-harvest infrastructure, including Post Harvest Management Units. Marketing Manager NMPB, Saurabh Sharma, advocated demand-driven cultivation and better market linkages, while Nodal Coordinator RCFC SKUAST-K, Prof Tariq Masoodi, highlighted scientific cultivation and post-harvest practices.
The meet also reviewed action points based on recommendations of Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh from the recent DISHA meeting.
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