The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), in collaboration with the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH, organised a day-long buyer-seller meet on the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP) sector at the CSIR-IIIM Branch Laboratory, Srinagar. The event served as a dynamic platform connecting growers, startups, researchers, and industry stakeholders to explore new market linkages, emerging opportunities, and challenges within India’s MAP ecosystem.
Bringing Together Stakeholders from Across the Country
The program witnessed the participation of over 100 farmers from various districts of the Kashmir region, alongside multiple buyers and representatives from industries and organisations across India. This gathering fostered meaningful dialogue aimed at enhancing collaboration, innovation, and commercial engagement in the MAP value chain.
The event’s Chief Guest was Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, while Dr. Suresh Sharma, Director, AYUSH J&K and CEO, J&K Medicinal Plant Board, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. Other dignitaries included Kavita Tyagi, Consultant (Medicinal and Agronomy), NMPB; Prof. T.H. Masoodi, Nodal Officer, RCFC North NMPB-II; and Prof. Mansoor Wani, Head, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir.
Emphasizing the Economic and Scientific Value of MAPs
Dr. Zabeer Ahmed highlighted the immense potential of medicinal and aromatic plants in both drug discovery and livelihood generation. He emphasized that promoting MAP cultivation could open new income avenues for farmers while reducing dependence on traditional crops.
Dr. Ahmed outlined CSIR-IIIM’s pivotal role in scientific research, technological innovation, and phytopharmaceutical drug discovery, underscoring its contribution to India’s natural product-based research ecosystem. He also pointed out that Jammu & Kashmir’s rich biodiversity, which includes over 3,000 medicinal plant species, presents vast opportunities for developing standardized herbal products that can compete in global markets. Commending the efforts of NMPB and AYUSH, he lauded their initiatives to strengthen partnerships among government agencies, research bodies, and private stakeholders to advance the MAP industry.
Insights from AYUSH and Medicinal Plant Board
Dr. Suresh Sharma shared inspiring success stories of progressive farmers and startups who have benefitted from NMPB initiatives. He also elaborated on central and state-level schemes implemented by AYUSH and NMPB to promote MAP cultivation and processing. These initiatives also aim to strengthen marketing and value-chain development, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir.
Technical Sessions: Knowledge Exchange and Entrepreneurship
Dr. Waheed Ul Hassan provided an overview of the day’s agenda. He thanked the dignitaries and stakeholders for their continued support in promoting the MAP sector.
The technical sessions featured five expert lectures focusing on entrepreneurship and value addition in medicinal plants:
*Dr. Qazi Pervaiz Hassan spoke on Entrepreneurship Opportunities in MAPs.
*Dr. Waheed Ul Hassan discussed Developing Coordinated Linkages for Successful MAP Entrepreneurship.
*Dr. Phalisteen Sultan highlighted CSIR-IIIM’s Initiatives in Promoting MAP Cultivation, Processing, and Value Addition.
*Manzoor Javaid, Managing Director, SJT Biotech Innovations Pvt. Ltd., shared Startup Development Opportunities through MAPs in J&K.
The sessions encouraged participants to adopt innovative business models and value-added strategies. These approaches aim to enhance the profitability and scalability of MAP enterprises.
Concluding Remarks and Acknowledgments
The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Payer, District AYUSH Officer, Srinagar. He applauded the collaborative efforts of CSIR-IIIM and NMPB in advancing the MAP ecosystem. As reported by statetimes.in, Dr. Shazia Mukhtar, Medical Officer, AYUSH, conducted the proceedings and praised the enthusiasm of the participants. She emphasized the importance of sustained engagement and innovation in strengthening the medicinal and aromatic plant sector in the Union Territory.
