Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Nov 12: To promote medicinal, aromatic and flowering plants cultivation in Ladakh, the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) to set up a demonstration Farm for MAPs cultivation at Palam in Leh.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director from CSIR-IIIM side and Stanzin Chosphel, Executive Councillor (Agriculture) for and on behalf of LAHDC, Leh in the presence of Tashi Gyalson, Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC.
Speaking on the occasion, Gyalson emphasized that besides implementing the objectives of societal mission programmes of CSIR, the job-oriented training and skill development to the local farmers and unemployed youths should also be taken up on priority by CSIR-IIIM, which would have great bearing on the income generation and employment.
During the signing event, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed highlighted ongoing initiatives of CSIR-IIIM and the other labs of CSIR under Agri-Nutri Biotech theme to support the region’s upliftment through scientific advancements in agriculture and cultivation of Medicinal, Aromatic and flowering crops.
Dr Ahmed also commended the efforts made in Ladakh to cultivate medicinal plants with the support of the local government.
He assured me that he would provide scientific and technological support to local farmers and entrepreneurs. This includes guidance on expanding crop varieties, processing, value addition, and marketing strategies to enhance economic self-sufficiency in the region.
Pertinently, CSIR-IIIM has initiated Research and Development activities to introduce economically more remunerative and industrially important Medicinal and Aromatic crops at the Palam Farm on an experimental basis.
The introduction of economically essential crops among the farmer community will develop the agri-entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ladakh and lead to the socio-economic upliftment of the region’s farmers.
Abdul Rahim, Head RMBD & IST division and Srinagar Branch Lab and Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, Executive Councillor (Animal/Sheep) were also present during the signing event.
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