GANDERBAL: The Regional-cum-Facilitation Centre, Northern Region-II (RCFC NR-II), National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, in collaboration with the Division of Forest Products & Utilization, Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K, today celebrated the 11th Ayurveda Day at the Multipurpose Hall, Faculty of Forestry, Benhama, Ganderbal.
Held under the theme “Ayurveda for Healthier Tomorrow”, the programme focused on promoting medicinal plants, their conservation, sustainable utilisation and their role in preventive healthcare.
Dean, Faculty of Forestry, Prof. A.H. Mughal, who attended the programme as Chief Guest, highlighted the link between medicinal plant biodiversity, human health and rural livelihoods and called for greater collaboration among academic institutions, government departments, researchers, AYUSH practitioners and farming communities.
Professor & Head, Division of FPU, SKUAST-K, Parvez A. Sofi, highlighted the relevance of Ayurveda as an ancient holistic healthcare system and stressed the role of medicinal plants in healthy lifestyles and preventive healthcare.
District Nodal Officer, AYUSH, Ganderbal, Dr Bahar Ahmad Bhat, emphasised public awareness regarding the appropriate use of medicinal plants and stronger coordination among AYUSH institutions, scientific organisations, farmers and local communities.
Professor, Government Unani Medical College, Ganderbal, Dr Amjad W. Yousuf, stressed responsible utilisation, scientific documentation and conservation of medicinal plant diversity. He also called for greater collaboration between AYUSH institutions and agricultural universities for quality planting material and varietal development, particularly for high-altitude medicinal plants.
Nodal Coordinator, RCFC, Prof. T.H. Masoodi, highlighted the Centre’s role in promoting medicinal plant cultivation, conservation, quality planting material and capacity building. He stressed scientific cultivation, sustainable harvesting, value addition and market linkages to enhance income opportunities for farmers.
A dedicated interaction with progressive farmers and medicinal plant cultivators was also held. Entrepreneur Manzoor Javid shared his experiences and achievements in the sector, while participants discussed challenges, opportunities and the need for stronger linkages among farmers, research institutions, AYUSH stakeholders, NMPB and potential buyers.
The programme concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening awareness, research, conservation, cultivation and sustainable utilisation of medicinal plants in line with the vision of “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow.”
The event was attended by faculty members, scientists, students, AYUSH professionals, farmers and other stakeholders from SKUAST-K, Government Unani Medical College Ganderbal and related institutions.
