Experts discuss importance of Himalayan medicinal plants at Ladakh workshop
The State Medicinal Plant Board (SMPB) of Ladakh successfully organised a one-day workshop on ‘Opportunities and challenges in the cultivation, conservation, and market demand of medicinal plants in Trans-Himalayan Ladakh’ at the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Leh.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr Tashi Thinlas, Director of Health Services/AYUSH and Chief Executive Officer, SMPB, Ladakh. He also provided an overview of the board’s initiatives. The workshop brought together experts, traditional practitioners, farmers, BSRMS students of Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS) and representatives from various institutions. More than 120 participants were present at the event.
The technical sessions featured a lecture by Dr Kunzes Angmo, Scientist and Assistant Professor at the University of Ladakh, followed by presentations from Dr Tsewang Rinchen, Research Officer, National Institute of Sowa Rigpa, and Dr Konchok Thinlas, Assistant Professor in the Sowa Rigpa Department at the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, Choglamsar.
They shared insights into scientific research, conservation challenges, cultivation techniques, and the significance of Amchi medicine in healthcare. The session continued with an address by the guest of honour, Dr OP Chaurasia, Director, Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Leh, who highlighted scientific advancements, indigenous knowledge and emerging market opportunities in the medicinal plant sector.
Executive Councillor for Agriculture of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Stanzin Chosphel, who was the chief guest, emphasised the need for policy support to strengthen the medicinal plant sector. He also highlighted the importance of coordination with the Agriculture Department and suggested the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the department. Additionally, he urged the establishment of a model village dedicated to the cultivation of medicinal plants in Ladakh.
The second technical session began with a presentation by Dr Kunzes Dolma, consultant at the National AYUSH Mission, UT Ladakh, followed by Mr Zubair Ahmad, Technical Assistant at CSIR-IIIM, and Amchi practitioners Kaga Rinchen and Kaga Tsewang from Amchi Sabha. Their discussions covered key topics, including traditional knowledge, the market potential of medicinal plants, cultivation techniques, and the significance of Amchi medicine in healthcare.
