Awantipora, March 11: The Department of Environment, Sustainability, and Climate Change (DESCC), Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), in collaboration with RCFC-II, SKUAST-Kashmir, organized a one-day seminar on Conservation, Cultivation, Processing, and Entrepreneurship in Medicinal Plants. The event focused on sustainable management, entrepreneurial potential, and livelihood opportunities, with a special emphasis on students, particularly female students.

Prof. Sheikh Bilal Ahmed, Regional Director, RCFC NR-II, Govt. of India and chief guest of the seminar, emphasized the urgent need to conserve medicinal plant biodiversity and integrate traditional knowledge with modern scientific advancements to promote sustainability in the herbal sector.

Dr. Shakir Sultan Scientist, CSIR-IIIM, Srinagar, an invited speaker from the Indian Institute of Integrated Medicine (IIIM), provided valuable insights into the bioactive compounds of medicinal plants and their commercial applications, underscoring the importance of scientific research and value addition in promoting the medicinal plant industry.

Prof. Parvez Ahmed Mir, Director, Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED), IUST, delivered a special address, highlighting entrepreneurial opportunities in the MAP sector and the role of industry-academia collaboration in fostering innovation and commercialization of medicinal plant-based products.

Prof. Humayun Rashid, Professor of Practice, and Dr. Aabid Hussain Shalla, Dean, School of Sciences, IUST, interacted with participants and underscored the need for capacity building in medicinal plant biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods, urging young researchers and entrepreneurs to explore the vast potential of the medicinal plant sector.

Earlier, welcoming the participants, Dr. Dharam Chand, Organizing Secretary of the seminar and Coordinator, Biodiversity and Aroma Park, IUST, stressed the importance of the sustainable utilization and conservation of medicinal plants in Jammu & Kashmir. Dr. Sumira Nazir Zaz, Coordinator, Department of Environment, Sustainability, and Climate Change, & Member, Women Entrepreneurship Development Cell, proposed the vote of thanks. The seminar was moderated by Dr. Yasir Altaf, Assistant Professor, Department of ESCC.

The seminar saw overwhelming participation from students, researchers, and faculty members, engaging in discussions on advanced cultivation techniques, conservation strategies, value addition, and policy frameworks supporting medicinal plant-based entrepreneurship.

Says production crosses 4500 MT in 2023-24; 5200 Fishermen rely on Wular for livelihood

Waris Fayaz

Srinagar, Mar 11 : The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday refuted the claims that the deterioration of Wular Lake has adversely impacted the fishermen community, stating that the lake continues to contribute nearly 60% of Kashmir’s total fish production.

The Minister In-Charge, Forest, Ecology & Environment Department in reply to a query raised by MLA Nizam-Ud-Din Bhat, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) informed that the fish catch from Wular Lake has shown a consistent increase over the past three years.

The minister while dismissing the claim of adverse impact, said the fresh water lake supports the livelihood of around 5200 registered fishermen.

As per the data accessed, in 2021-22, the total fish catch stood at 2941.68 metric tonnes (MT), comprising 779.76 MT of local fish and 2161.92 MT of carp. The following year, 2022-23, the fish catch increased significantly to 3826.39 MT, with 818.25 MT of local fish and 3008.14 MT of carp.

The highest production was recorded in 2023-24, reaching 4593.861 MT, with 1215.25 MT of local fish and 3378.611 MT of carp, the data suggests, indicating a positive trend in fish production—(KNO)

Rs 44.85 cr allocated for modernization of Zaingeer canal, Rs 16.89 cr for Ningli Nallah flood protection

Waris Fayaz

Srinagar, Mar 11 : Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday revealed its plan for a major infrastructure boost for water resources development and flood protection in Sopore constituency with over Rs 60 crore worth projects either under execution or in the pipeline.

Responding to a query raised by MLA Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar, the Minister I/C Jal Shakhti Department, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), informed that flood protection and modernization works have been approved, aiming to enhance water flow capacity, reduce flooding and improve water resource management in Sopore constituency.

The Minister revealed that a flood protection project for Ningli Nallah has been recently approved under NABARD, with a total cost of Rs 16.89 crore, of which work is currently under execution.

Regarding the modernization of Zaingeer Canal, the government has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Rs 44.85 crore, which is awaiting NABARD funding.

For Pohru Nallah, the Minister informed that one flood protection work has already been completed under Flood Management Programme (FMP) Phase-II, while another is under execution under the UT Capex budget. Additionally, a survey has been completed for Khursi Nallah downstream National Highway, and a DPR is being framed accordingly.

The Minister also informed that, under the FMP Phase-II, an expenditure of Rs 75.00 lakh was incurred on Pohru Nallah, and Rs 101.00 lakh on Ningli Nallah.

Additionally, under the UT Capex budget, Rs 35.00 lakh has been spent on Pohru Nallah, and Rs 38.37 lakh on Ningli Nallah besides that, Rs 90.00 lakh was spent under NABARD funding for the Ningli Nallah works.

Under the M&R (Maintenance & Repair) fund, Rs 15.00 lakh was spent on Pohru Nallah, and Rs 10.00 lakh on Ningli Nallah besides, Rs 16.10 lakh was utilized under PRI grants for the same, the Minister informed.

Addressing the sustainability of water sources, the Minister stated that the DPRs are based on detailed surveys, ensuring that the source water quality meets BIS 10500 standards. Furthermore, the projects have been designed with Rapid Sand Filtration Plants (RSFP) to ensure clean and sustainable water supply in the region—(KNO)