CS Dulloo calls for commercial push to aromatic and medicinal plant sector in J&K

JAMMU : Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday chaired a joint meeting of the Forest, Ecology & Environment Department and the Agriculture Production Department to review possibilities for commercial cultivation, conservation, and large-scale promotion of aromatic and medicinal plants across Jammu & Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Commissioner Secretary Forests, senior Heads of Departments of the Forest Department, the Secretary of the Agriculture Department, and representatives from the Agriculture Production Department.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary noted that the current revenue generation of ₹11 crore from the sector is minimal compared to its vast potential. He stressed the need for a structured and commercially viable strategy to harness the economic, ecological, and livelihood benefits associated with aromatic and medicinal plant cultivation in both forest and non-forest areas.
The Chief Secretary directed the departments to formulate comprehensive, area-specific plans aimed at mass propagation of these high-value plant species and to popularize their cultivation among farmers and local communities. He emphasized that forest areas should be utilized for demonstration, training, and capacity-building programmes, along with producing quality propagation material.
Highlighting the importance of creating visible models, the Chief Secretary called for establishing model herbal gardens in every district to showcase best practices and encourage farmers to adopt cultivation on a commercial scale. He further suggested developing cluster-based frameworks to help farmers learn, collaborate, and gain access to knowledge, planting material, and market linkages.
Underscoring the profitability of the sector, the Chief Secretary also directed the departments to explore the establishment of processing units, value-addition facilities, and dedicated clusters, while using designated forest zones as reserves and demonstration sites. He noted that such interventions would significantly enhance income-generation opportunities for farming communities across J&K.