Leh, November 7: The State Medicinal Plant Board (SMPB), UT Ladakh, in collaboration with the Regional-cum-Facilitation Centre (Northern Region–II), successfully concluded a one-day Stakeholders’ Meet-cum-Workshop on “Opportunities in Cultivation of Medicinal Plants in Ladakh” at the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh.
The event brought together over 100 participants, including experts, traditional healers, farmers, students, and departmental officers. Dr. Tashi Thinlas, Director of Health Services/AYUSH and CEO, SMPB Ladakh, inaugurated the workshop, emphasizing medicinal plant cultivation as a sustainable livelihood option for farmers.
Chief Guest Dr. O.P. Chaurasia, Director, DIHAR, highlighted Ladakh’s unique high-altitude ecosystem as ideal for cultivating high-value medicinal and aromatic plants with national and global demand.
Technical sessions featured presentations from Dr. Tserin Palmo (Nun Association), Dr. Kunzes Angmo (University of Ladakh), Dr. T.H. Masoodi (RFC–NR-II), and experts from Sowa Rigpa and CSIR–IIIM, who discussed scientific cultivation practices, commercial potential, and integration of traditional knowledge.
The workshop concluded with an open discussion and felicitation ceremony. Dr. Phunchok Angmo, Consultant, SMPB Ladakh, delivered the vote of thanks. The SMPB reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable cultivation, conservation, and value-chain development of medicinal plants across Ladakh.
