Kashmir University hosts seminar on entrepreneurship in medicinal plants Sector
Srinagar, Sep 20 (KINS): The Department of Botany, University of Kashmir (KU), in collaboration with the J&K Medicinal Plants Board (JKMPB) and Directorate of Ayush J&K, hosted a day-long seminar on “Scope of Entrepreneurship under Medicinal Plants Sector” at the KU Main Campus.
The seminar provided a platform for research scholars, students, and faculty to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in medicinal plants—an industry increasingly reshaping agricultural fortunes worldwide. With rising global demand, the sector is not only opening new livelihood avenues but also driving research into cures for ailments once considered untreatable.
Delivering the presidential address, KU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan underlined the transformative potential of medicinal plants for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Our region is rich in medicinal plant diversity. By fostering entrepreneurship and research, we can generate employment, strengthen healthcare, boost industry, and ensure sustainable development,” she said, assuring full institutional support for such initiatives.
Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, stressed the University’s mission to link research with skill development and livelihood creation. “Seminars like these connect academia with industry and government programs, creating real impact for society,” he noted.
Dr. Shujad Hussain, Assistant Director, Ayush J&K, said the medicinal plants sector could transform local economies by opening fresh avenues of entrepreneurship and employment for youth.
Dr. Wahid-ul-Hassan, Technical Officer, JKMPB, presented an overview of the Central Scheme for Conservation, Development, and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants. He emphasized the need for collaborative projects to ensure long-term growth of the sector.
Head of the Department of Botany, Prof. Aijaz Wani, reiterated the importance of exposing students and scholars to entrepreneurial opportunities in medicinal botany and reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to research-driven innovation.
The seminar proceedings were conducted by Prof. Seema Singh from the Department of Botany, KU.
The event concluded with a plantation drive, reflecting the University’s commitment to conservation and sustainability. Faculty members, scholars, and students from the School of Biological Sciences actively participated. (KINS)
