Kargil, November 3, 2025:
A one-day Stakeholders’ Meet and Workshop on “Opportunities in the Cultivation of Medicinal Plants in Ladakh” was held at the Baroo Conference Hall, Kargil. The event was jointly organized by the Regional Cum Facilitation Centre (Northern Region–II), National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH, and the School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SAS&T), University of Ladakh (Kargil Campus).
The workshop was graced by Aga Syed Mujtaba, Hon’ble Executive Councillor (Agriculture), LAHDC Kargil, as the Chief Guest. Several key officials and experts including Prof. T.H. Masoodi, Nodal Coordinator, RCFC; Dr. Mohammad Mehdi, Head KVK Zanskar; Dr. Faizan Ahmad, Dean, SAS&T; Ashiq Hussain, Chief Agriculture Officer; Ali Raza, Chief Horticulture Officer; and Niyaz Hussain, Ranger, Forest Department, were present.
In his keynote address, Prof. Masoodi underlined the immense potential of Ladakh’s biodiversity and stressed the need to strengthen the region’s medicinal plant cultivation through cluster-based models and dedicated nurseries.
Chief Agriculture Officer Ashiq Hussain announced that land would be earmarked for medicinal plant cultivation, while Chief Horticulture Officer Ali Raza encouraged farmers to take proactive steps in this growing sector. Ranger Niyaz Hussain highlighted ongoing efforts to cultivate Rosa and Matricaria species with strong potential for scaling up.
Dr. Mohammad Mehdi emphasized youth involvement and entrepreneurship, urging young people to leverage technology and markets in the herbal sector.
In his address, Chief Guest Aga Syed Mujtaba commended the organizers and reaffirmed LAHDC Kargil’s full support for the cultivation and commercialization of medicinal plants in the district.
A detailed discussion among experts, farmers, and entrepreneurs followed, exploring strategies for sustainable cultivation and marketing.
A memento of appreciation was presented to Dr. Faizan Ahmad, Dean SAS&T, for his efforts in organizing the event, which concluded with a vote of thanks and moderation by Dr. Rinchan Dolkar (AP), SAS&T, Kargil.
