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Leh, Ladakh – The Union Territory of Ladakh is set to witness a significant expansion in the conservation and sustainable management of its unique medicinal plant resources. Under the Central Sector Scheme administered by the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) of the Ministry of Ayush, multiple projects aimed at the conservation, development, and sustainable management of medicinal plants have been sanctioned, with special attention to the cold desert region of Ladakh.
One of the key projects approved under this scheme is the establishment of a herbal garden at the Central Institute for Buddhist Studies (CIBS) in Choglamsar, Leh. The project has been allocated a budget of Rs. 1.35 lakhs for the financial year 2023-24. This initiative is expected to serve as a model for the development of similar gardens across the region, contributing to the conservation of indigenous medicinal plant species and promoting awareness about their uses.
In addition to the herbal garden, a substantial project focusing on the conservation status, germplasm collection, and resource augmentation of priority medicinal plants in Ladakh’s cold deserts has also been sanctioned. The project, with a budget of Rs. 156.84 lakhs, is being implemented by the Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI) in collaboration with the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR), Leh. This initiative is crucial for preserving the region’s biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable use of medicinal plants that are vital to traditional healthcare systems.
Moreover, an ongoing Research & Development project is being supported by the NMPB at the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa. This project focuses on cultivation studies of endangered and commercially viable medicinal plants native to the Trans-Himalayan region. With a sanctioned amount of Rs. 39.686 lakhs, the project aims to produce quality germplasm, which is essential for the conservation and propagation of these valuable plant species.
The details of these initiatives were shared by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha. These projects underscore the government’s commitment to preserving the rich medicinal heritage of Ladakh while promoting sustainable development in the region.
As these initiatives take root, they are expected to have far-reaching impacts on both the local communities and the broader field of medicinal plant conservation in India. The successful implementation of these projects will not only conserve the unique medicinal flora of Ladakh but also enhance the livelihoods of local communities through the sustainable use and commercialization of these resources.
