Stakeholders Consultation cum Training Workshop on Medicinal Plants was organised by the Regional-cum–facilitation centres, North, J&K of National Medicinal Plants Board, SKUAST Kashmir at HMAARI (SKUAST-K) from August 1 to 3 at Stakna.

Tsering Wangdus, EC Agriculture was the chief guest, whereas, Dr. Padma Kumar, Advisor NMPB, Govt. of India was the guest of honour. 

Tsering Wangdus stressed on the reforms in practices regarding medicinal plants cultivation in Ladakh region of the state. Also, asked scientists of the region to prioritize and develop agro-techniques of potential medicinal plants for large-scale farming in the region.

Dr. Padma Kumar, Advisor, NMPB informed about the schemes of NMPB, Government of India. He also advised scientists and farmers of the region to come forward and submit appropriate proposals to NMPB for funding under different schemes.

Prof. Shiekh Bilal, Regional Director RCFC North (J&K) said," National Medicinal Plants Board has established five Regional-cum-Facilitation Centres in the entire country out of which one RCFC has been established in J&K. The first programme of RCFC is being executed from Leh, the mandate of RCFC is to bridge the gap between farmers and NMPB." 

Prof. MH Wani, Registrar, SKUAST-K highlighted the importance of medicinal plants for sustainable livelihoods in the region. Prof. TH Masoodi, Associate Director, HMAARI highlighted the efforts of RCFC North & SKUAST K for organising the event.

Prof. Shiekh Bilal Regional Director RCFC North, J&K, Prof. MH Wani Registrar SKUAST Kashmir, Prof. TH Masoodi Associate Director HMAARI SKUAST-K, Dr. Arun Chandan, Regional Director RCFC H.P, Dr. Stobdan Sr. Scientist DIHAR-DRDO Leh, Dr. Padma Gurmet National Institute of SOWA RIGPA Leh, Mr. Ashok Kumar NMPB, Dr. Wahid ul Hassan State Medicinal Plants Board and officers from line departments and research organisations also spoke on the occasion.

The workshop was conducted in different sessions and was attended by more than 150 delegates from the country. The participants were taken for field exposure to the DIHRA (DRDO) and herbal garden of SOWA RIGPA.