Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: The Department of Botany, Central University of Jammu (CUJ) organised a National Symposium on “Conservation, Utilisation and Promotion of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants” to highlight the importance of conserving plant biodiversity and promoting the sustainable utilisation of medicinal and aromatic plant resources. The event witnessed the participation of academicians, experts, researchers and students.
The symposium was held under the patronage of Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu. Eminent speakers included Sh. O. P. Sharma, Retired PCCF, Department of Forests, J&K; Sh. Vijay Kumar, Wildlife Warden, Kathua, Department of Wildlife Protection, J&K; Dr. Wahid Ul Hassan, Technical Officer, J&K Medicinal Plants Board, Directorate of AYUSH, J&K; Dr. Bushan Kumar, Department of Botany, CUJ. Prof. Sunil Dhar, Dean, School of Life Sciences, and Prof. Deepak Pathania, Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Jammu, also graced the occasion.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Dr. Yogesh Kumar, Head, Department of Botany, welcomed the guests and emphasised the importance of medicinal and aromatic plants, particularly in the biodiverse region of Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted that such events help promote research, collaboration and awareness regarding conservation and sustainable utilisation of these valuable plant resources.The programme was coordinated by Dr. Ashok Kumar, Organising Secretary of the symposium.
During his address, Sh. Vijay Kumar shared his field experiences from the Chenab Valley and discussed the project “Resource Augmentation of Medicinal Plants in Marwah Forest Division,” funded by the Ministry of AYUSH. He emphasised the role of community participation and initiatives such as the “AYUSH Aapke Dwar” campaign in promoting the cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants.
Dr. Wahid Ul Hassan spoke about the Central Sector Scheme on Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants and encouraged faculty members and students to explore research and start-up opportunities in this sector. Prof. Deepak Pathania highlighted the future scope of medicinal plant research and entrepreneurship, encouraging young researchers and students to explore opportunities in this field. Prof. Sunil Dhar highlighted India’s rich plant diversity and stressed the need for proper documentation, conservation and value addition of medicinal plants.
Dr. O. P. Sharma delivered a lecture on medicinal plants of the Northwest Himalaya and highlighted the importance of conservation through initiatives such as the Tree Talk Campaign. Dr. Bushan Kumar discussed the bio prospection of medicinal and aromatic plants from the Western and Trans-Himalayan regions and emphasised the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific research.
The symposium ended with an interactive session focusing on the conservation and sustainable utilisation of medicinal and aromatic plants, followed by a vote of thanks by Dr. Sapna Devi, Department of Botany, CUJ.