J&K plans policy reforms, scientific strategy to scale up production of medicinal plants

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Saturday chaired a joint meeting of the Forest and Agriculture Production Departments along with the CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, to evolve a comprehensive roadmap for commercial cultivation, conservation and large-scale promotion of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) across Jammu and Kashmir.

A statement said the meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department; Commissioner Secretary, Forest Department; Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu; senior officers of the Forest Department, SKUAST, and other concerned stakeholders.

During the deliberations, the Chief Secretary observed that Jammu and Kashmir is currently generating barely Rs 12 crore annually from the MAP sector, which is significantly low compared to its immense potential estimated at nearly Rs 10,000 crore at the national level and about Rs 2 lakh crore globally. He emphasised the urgent need for a structured, scientifically driven and commercially viable strategy to unlock the sector’s economic and livelihood potential, particularly for enhancing farmers’ incomes.

Stressing inter-departmental coordination, the Chief Secretary directed the three key stakeholders—Forest Department, Agriculture Production Department, and Agricultural research institutions—to work with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. He underlined that the Forest Department must focus on propagation of planting material in natural habitats through its nursery network, provide hands-on training to farmers and develop replicable cultivation models.

The Agriculture Production Department was asked to identify the most commercially viable species from among over 1,100 MAP species found in the region. The department was also directed to undertake agro-climatic zonation for species-specific cultivation, develop scientifically validated packages of practices, strengthen extension services and focus on value addition and market integration.

CSIR-IIIM Jammu and SKUAST were advised to provide technical expertise, facilitate technology transfer, and support knowledge dissemination for MAP cultivation. The research institutions were further encouraged to establish Centres of Excellence in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and develop scientifically robust germplasm banks for preservation and research.

Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Shailendra Kumar, emphasised that the roadmap should be long-term and sustainability-oriented. He said the focus should be on creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that ensures attractive returns for farmers, with government support limited to initial handholding through inputs, capacity building and assured market linkages.

Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu, Dr Zabeer Ahmad highlighted the phytopharmaceutical and nutraceutical potential of medicinal plants found in J&K and outlined IIIM’s role in translating research leads into market-oriented products. He also briefed the meeting on various CSIR Missions in bio-resources, medicinal and aromatic plants, floriculture, and smart agriculture aimed at improving soil and plant health. He informed that IIIM has developed and commercially released several MAP varieties and maintains extensive germplasm banks.

Dr Ahmad further stated that CSIR-IIIM envisions positioning Jammu and Kashmir as India’s leading hub for a MAP-driven bio-economy, focusing on high-value cultivation, processing and export promotion.