CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu on 6^th Day of their One Week One Lab (OWOL) Celebrations organised a one-day awareness programme on “Cultivation, Processing and Marketing of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants”. The Programme was inaugurated today under the patronage of Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR-IIIM Jammu and Er. Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist & Head IIIM Srinagar. The OWOL program conceptualized by Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space; and Vice President, CSIR has gained momentum all over country where all 37 CSIR labs have been showcasing their technologies, products, and developed processes.

More than 100 farmers, entrepreneurs  and students participants from different areas of the UT of Ladakh attended this programme where a detailed presentation was made by scientists of CSIR-IIIM on Introduction of selected medicinal and aromatic plants in UT of Ladakh.

Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR-IIIM Jammu in his message stressed on sustainable development of Ladakh region through precision agriculture and developing of region specified protocols for cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants. While offering his gratitude to Administration of Ladakh for their constant support in developing of new Experimental Farm/Extension Farm at Ladakh, Dr Zabeer informed participants that newly developed Farm is being planned on  latest agronomical protocols in sync with agro-climatic conditions of Ladakh UT. He emphasized that Cultivation and conservation strategies both the in situ, ex-situ and resource management are needed adequately for socio-economic development of the region.

Er Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist & Head IIIM Srinagar (Br), in his message informed that high-altitude cold desert region of Ladakh is an abode for different varieties of plants, half of which have high medicinal value. He informed that climatic and altitude variation adds to the unique diversity of these medicinal and aromatic plants. He stressed on emerging growth of herbal products industry and its potential for the economic development of the Ladakh region. Er Rahim gave an outline of huge scope of cosmetic, perfume, pharmaceutical industries as well as opening of wellness centres in the region.

Dr Qazi Pervaiz, Senior Principal Scientist in his address gave an outline of   agronomic protocols, cultivation, processing, value addition, post-harvest management as well as marketing strategies were discussed for high altitude areas, focussing on Ladakh.

Chief Guest of the program, Adv. Tashi Gylson, Hon.Chief Executive Councillor acknowledged role of CSIR-IIIM in establishing new Experimental Farm in the region. He called for a greater synergy between local farmers and IIIM in sustainable development of the region. Guest of Honour’s, Mr Gulam Mehdi, Hon. Executive Councillor, Minority /Forest and Mr. Stanzin Chosphel, Hon. Executive Councillor, Agriculture Information while speaking on the occasion complimented Director CSIR-IIIM for choosing Ladakh as one of the venues for One Week One Lab (OWOL) Celebrations. Dr Sonam Dawa, Horticulture Development Officer Ladakh, delivered a lecture on Scope and Importance of Medicinal and Aromatic plants of Ladakh region.

Earlier, Dr Padma Lay, Scientist welcomed the dignitaries and participants while Mr Zubair Ahmad, (TA) presented a formal vote of thanks.