23/11/2024
Extension Lecture on Medicinal Herbs at HKM Degree College Bandipora
21 November, 2024
The Department of Botany at HKM Degree College Bandipora organised an engaging extension lecture titled “Use, Cultivation, and Commercialization of Medicinal Herbs in AYUSH” on 21st November 2024, as part of the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas celebrations. The event focused on the theme: “Best Health Practices of Tribals – Back to Roots – Nature First Lifestyle.”
The event was organised in collaboration with the Regional cm Facilitation Centre (RCFC), Northern Region II, under the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, and held under the aegis of SKUAST-Kashmir. The event aimed to promote awareness of the importance of medicinal plants in alternative healthcare systems and their potential for economic growth.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Mudasir Ahmad Dar, Deputy Director of RCFC, highlighted the increasing relevance of medicinal herbs in AYUSH. He emphasised the integration of traditional knowledge with modern cultivation techniques to improve the quality and availability of medicinal plants. His talk provided an in-depth understanding of various aspects of medicinal herb cultivation, including soil preparation, climatic requirements, pest management, and sustainable farming practices. Additionally, he discussed the commercialisation of medicinal plants, covering value addition, product development, and market opportunities.
Dr. Iqbal Hussain Qadri, Head of the Department of Botany at HKM Degree College Bandipora, delivered another enlightening lecture on the “Medicinal Flora of Gurez Valley.” Dr. Qadri highlighted the global demand for natural remedies and the immense potential for India to emerge as a leader in the medicinal herb industry. He stressed that with proper cultivation techniques and strategic commercialisation, students could play a pivotal role in this field.
The interactive session saw enthusiastic participation from students, who posed insightful questions on the role of medicinal herbs in sustainable agriculture and healthcare systems.
The Principal of HKM Degree College Bandipora, Dr. Tariq Hussain Bhat, expressed gra