The Regional Cum Facilitation Centre (Northern Region–II), National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH, in collaboration with the School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, University of Ladakh (Kargil Campus), organized a one-day Stakeholders’ Meet-cum-Workshop on “Opportunities in the Cultivation of Medicinal Plants in Ladakh” at the Baroo Conference Hall, Kargil, on November 3.

In his keynote address, Prof. T.H. Masoodi delivered an insightful lecture on the diversity and potential of medicinal plants in Ladakh. He emphasized the significance of the traditional Amchi system and noted that despite several initiatives by the RCFC, progress in the domestication and cultivation of medicinal plants in the region remains limited. Prof. Masoodi urged Dr. Faizan Ahmad, Dean, School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, to take steps toward developing a dedicated nursery for medicinal plants and called upon line departments to actively explore this promising sector.

He further proposed the formation of clusters to promote large-scale cultivation, assuring that the necessary planting material would be provided through the Centre.

Ashiq Hussain, Chief Agriculture Officer, Kargil, acknowledged the vast potential of medicinal plant cultivation in Ladakh and announced that land would be earmarked at various agricultural farms for this purpose.

Ali Raza, Chief Horticulture Officer, encouraged farmers to take initiative and engage in this emerging field, while Niyaz Hussain, Ranger, Forest Department, highlighted the challenges faced in cultivating medicinal plants. He shared that several species, including Rosa and Matricaria, are already being successfully cultivated with considerable potential for expansion.

Dr. Mohammad Mehdi commended Prof. Masoodi’s efforts and proposed immediate steps to strengthen the cultivation and promotion of medicinal plants in Ladakh. He also urged the youth to participate actively, noting that young entrepreneurs are well-positioned to adopt new technologies and capitalize on emerging market opportunities.

In his address, Aga Syed Mujtaba, Executive Councillor (Agriculture), LAHDC Kargil, and Chief Guest of the event, appreciated the organizers for conducting a meaningful and timely workshop rooted in Ladakh’s traditional heritage. He assured full support from LAHDC Kargil in promoting the cultivation and commercialization of medicinal plants in the district.

The event concluded with an interactive discussion session among various stakeholders, including entrepreneurs and farmers, focusing on strategies to advance the medicinal plant sector in Ladakh.