Diplomat Correspondent
Leh, DD: The State Medicinal Plant Board (SMPB) of the Union Territory of Ladakh organized a two-day workshop-cum-training program titled “Practical Techniques and Prospects in Medicinal Plant Cultivation” from 29th -30th April 2025. The event took place at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) Experimental Research & Development Station/Farm, located in Palam, Leh.
The primary aim of the workshop was to enhance awareness and build technical capacity among key stakeholders—including farmers and students of Bachelor of Sowa Rigpa Medicine System (BSRMS), on the cultivation of medicinal plants in Ladakh.
The inaugural session began with a welcome address by Dr. Dorji Galchan, Consultant (BSRMS), SMPB, UT Ladakh. In his opening remarks, Dr. Galchan warmly welcomed the participants and provided an overview of the objectives of the workshop. Following the welcome address, Dr. Phunchok Angmo, Consultant (Botany), delivered an engaging session focusing on the conservation of medicinal plants. She emphasized the growing relevance of medicinal plant cultivation in the context of livelihood generation, ecological conservation, and traditional healthcare systems in Ladakh. She also elaborated the Board’s role in-situ (conservation in natural habitats) and ex-situ (conservation outside natural habitats such as herbal gardens and nurseries) and key plant propagation methods.
The technical session was led by Mr. Zubair Ahmed, Technical Assistant at CSIR-IIIM, who served as the Resource Person for the training program. He delivered a detailed lecture on various methods of plant propagation, focusing particularly on seed-based and cutting techniques. To reinforce the theoretical knowledge, Mr. Ahmed conducted live field demonstrations, offering participants valuable hands-on experience. During the practical session, attendees were guided through the preparation of soil mixtures, seed sowing, seedling transplantation, and the management of small-scale nursery setups. Mr. Zubair Ahmed also distributed Seeds and planting materials of selected medicinal plant species to local farmers and students from the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Choglamsar, promoting direct engagement and encouraging field-level implementation.
The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from a diverse group of attendees, including local farmers, students of BSRMS of Central Institute of Buddhist Studies. Participants actively interacted with experts and shared their local knowledge, challenges, and aspirations regarding medicinal plant cultivation. Dr. Konchok Thinlas, Assistant Professor at CIBS, was also present and offered his support and encouragement to the participating students and farmers.
In the concluding remarks, Dr. Phunchok Angmo delivered the vote of thanks, expressing sincere gratitude to CSIR-IIIM, Leh, for its continued collaboration and support in promoting field-based training programs. She acknowledged the valuable contributions of the organizing team, and the enthusiastic participation of farmers and students.DD
