A meeting was convened by Rigzin Samphel, Commissioner/Secretary Agriculture and Horticulture UT Ladakh with experts from various sections of agriculture and horticulture from both government and private organizations to brain-storm on April 25.

“Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the time has come to explore all the economic models of Ladakh because tourism alone cannot be the source of income, it being seasonal and mostly adversely affected-sector in this situation,” stated Samphel. 

He further said that it is important to understand the key potential of aromatic and medicinal plants and to begin to implement on the ground all the documentation that had been researched so far. 
 
After a detailed discussion on various requisites of National Ayush Mission (NAM), sectors of agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, medicinal plants, and importance of carrying out research work in different areas, Samphel gave directions for inspection of sites for medicinal and aromatic plants plantation; and identification of sites for floriculture in both Leh and Kargil districts.