One-Day Stakeholders’ Meet-cum-Workshop on Medicinal Plants in Ladakh Successfully Concluded.

One-Day Stakeholders’ Meet-cum-Workshop on Medicinal Plants in Ladakh Successfully Concluded.
Leh, November 6, 2025:
The State Medicinal Plant Board (SMPB), Union Territory of Ladakh, in collaboration with the Regional-cum-Facilitation Centre, Northern Region–II, organized a One-Day Stakeholders’ Meet-cum-Workshop on Medicinal Plants at the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh. The theme of the event was “Opportunities in Cultivation of Medicinal Plants in Ladakh.”
The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. Tashi Thinlas, Director of Health Services/AYUSH and CEO, SMPB, UT Ladakh, who outlined the Board’s initiatives for promoting and sustainably managing medicinal plants in the region. He also encouraged farmers to pursue medicinal plant cultivation as a sustainable livelihood.
Over 100 participants—including experts, officers from various departments, traditional practitioners, farmers, BSRMS students from the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), and representatives from different institutions—attended the event.
The Chief Guest, Dr. O.P. Chaurasia, Director, Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh, delivered an inspiring and insightful address, setting the tone for the day’s deliberations. He commended the SMPB, UT Ladakh, for taking a proactive step in promoting medicinal plant cultivation, a sector with immense potential in the Ladakh region. Dr. Chaurasia emphasized that Ladakh’s unique high-altitude ecology offers advantages for the cultivation of several high-value medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) that are in growing demand both nationally and globally.
Following the Chief Guest’s remarks, Dr. T.H. Masoodi, Nodal Coordinator, Regional-cum-Facilitation Centre (Northern Region–II), delivered a comprehensive address focusing on the commercial prospects and livelihood opportunities associated with medicinal plant cultivation in Ladakh.
The first technical session featured Dr. Tserin Palmo, Director, Nun Association, Leh, who highlighted medicinal plant cultivation as a pathway toward economic empowerment, traditional knowledge preservation, and environmental sustainability. Dr. Kunzes Angmo, Scientist-cum-Assistant Professor, University of Ladakh, presented practical cultivation techniques suited to Ladakh’s unique agro-climatic conditions.
The second session included talks by Dr. Tsewang Rinchen (National Institute of Sowa Rigpa), Mr. Zabir Ahmad (CSIR–IIIM, Palam), and Mr. Nawang Rinchen (Amchi and progressive farmer). They discussed scientific cultivation methods, the role of Sowa Rigpa in healthcare, and the growing market potential of medicinal plants.
The workshop concluded with an open discussion followed by a felicitation ceremony for the dignitaries and speakers.
Dr. Phunchok Angmo, Consultant, SMPB–UT Ladakh, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants and acknowledging Dr. O.P. Chaurasia, Director, DIHAR, for providing the institute’s auditorium and extending full support toward the success of the event.
The SMPB reaffirmed its commitment to fostering sustainable growth, conservation, and value-chain development of medicinal plants in the Ladakh region.