*Launches Seabuckthorn Project
Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Aug 30: Union Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Harsh Vardhan today inaugurated training-cum awareness program on high value medicinal and aromatic plants for rural prosperity of Ladakh and also launched the Seabuckthorn project at a function organized by CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu.
Others present on the occasion included Minister for Cooperatives and Ladakh Affairs Tsering Dorjey, MLA Leh Nawang Rigzin Jora, Director CSIR-IIIM Dr Vishwa Karma and Senior Scientist Dr Suresh Chandra.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Vardhan said that given the present state of advance facilities science and technology can ensure massive contribution in the development of our nation, adding renowned institutes like CSIR have made great contribution by providing farmers with the opportunity in aroma and medicinal plants production that has helped in their economic upliftment.
“With the help of science and technology the Government is committed to develop and promote indigenous systems and revive the power of ancient Indian medicinal system”, he further said, adding “Prime Minister, Narendra Modi is committed to take country to the top involving every citizen, specially professionals and youth”.
He assured that Leh will get more than it deserve and announced establishment of a state of art institute in the district that will have its utility in the entire world in coming times.
Minister for Ladakh Affairs and Cooperatives, Tsering Dorjey said that to explore these unique potentials of Ladakh an initiative through cooperative has been taken where Ladakh has been adopted by NCDC for five years under ICBP program focusing on Seabuckthorn, Pashmina and apricot promotion and value addition.
He raised the issue of ban put on the export of medicinal plant to outside country and urged Dr Vardhan to settle it to achieve the objective of economic upliftment of Ladakhi people through medicinal plants that has huge demands in international market.
MLA Leh and former Minister, Nawang Rigzin Jora said that Ladakh is brand equity in itself and products like Seabuckthorn, Pashmina and apricot are the region’s USP. He urged the Minister to hand hold some of the Ladakhi youngster and set them as successful entrepreneurs that will inspire the rest to follow thus ensuring growth and development.
He said, “Ladakh with its peculiar climatic condition holds the possibility for unique enzymes, microbes, bioinformatics and biotechnology potentials and the products can contribute to the entire world”, adding “all the research institutes like CSIR, CAZRI, SKAUST, SOWA RIGPA in Leh should work in collaboration by sharing researches”.
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