Srinagar : Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Srinagar, in collaboration with the Regional Cum Facilitation Centre (RCFC) under the National Medicinal Plants Board, organized a workshop focused on the creation and conservation of medicinal plant areas and herbal gardens.
The initiative aimed to raise awareness among farmers, rural youth, farm women, and extension personnel regarding the importance of conserving and commercially cultivating medicinal and aromatic plants. Prof. S.A. Simnani, Head of KVK Srinagar, highlighted the global significance of medicinal plant conservation due to diminishing natural habitats and increasing health concerns. He emphasized the potential of medicinal and aromatic plants to provide sustainable livelihoods, particularly for farmers and tribal communities, while also serving as essential raw materials for the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. The establishment of a model medicinal plant garden at the KVK campus was proposed to further these efforts. The workshop included technical sessions led by Dr. Imtiyaz Ali from RCFC Wadura, who provided insights on various aspects of medicinal plant cultivation, including identification, nursery establishment, post-harvest management, and marketing. Participants were informed about available schemes and financial assistance from the National Medicinal Plants Board. The event saw active engagement from over 80 attendees, fostering discussions on the establishment of herbal gardens and the adoption of medicinal plant cultivation as a viable enterprise. The program concluded with a call to action for participants to implement scientific cultivation practices and utilize the support offered by KVK Srinagar and RCFC Wadura in developing medicinal plant conservation areas and enterprises. The proceedings were managed by Dr. Rukhsar A. Dar, with contributions from scientists and resource persons present at the event.
