SRINAGAR: Commissioner Secretary Forest, Saurabh Bhagat today inaugurated an exhibition of herbal plants grown in the State having medicinal and nutrient values. The exhibition was organized by Forest Department in collaboration with Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Institute of Hotel Management and some NGOs working for the promotion of traditional herbal plants in the State.
Calling for the conservation of wide spectrum of wild edible plants, Saurabh Bhagat said that Forest department has to work with other agencies for making the use of these herbal plants a commercial commodity in the State. He said the need of the hour is to encourage hoteliers to include select nutritive cuisines in their menu at tourist destinations. He said that herbal growers, cuisine developers and innovators for herbal farming should also be given full support for taking this activity forward as a mission so that people get the benefit of the plants growing in our state.
Bhagat said that usages of indigenous plants like Nunar ,Lissa,Ringa , Vishkand, Tromba, Aabhaak, Machran, Babbribeol , Kakodu , Gualmanda, Wopalhak ,Soi, Ubaj, Bum, Pamposh, Zaitoon, Bhatkram, Gardaul , Chhansh, Anjeer , Virien, Paindak, Chhatrhaak ,Kala zeera, Bibdi, Fafru, Wan wangun, Kaodach, Tulkul , Kulmansh, Kambei, Kahzawain , Kangichh , Prezdar , Kasrode , Sarbong can be beneficial for overall health of common masses.
Director Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing, O. P. Sharma in his keynote address gave a detailed account of the medicinal plants growing in the forests of the State. He said efforts are required for making people aware about the importance of these herbal plants in our daily life, which not only having medicinal value but are having abundant nutrient value. Other speakers while speaking on the subject highlighted the benefits of indigenous herbal plants besides the role Government and private agencies should play for reviving the tradition practice of using these herbal plants in daily life. Joint Director Information, Kashmir, Mohammad Ashraf Hakak, Faculties and research scholars of SKUAST besides heads of various NGOs, Officers from Forest Department were present on the occasion.