Srinagar, July 13: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday reviewed the Agriculture Production Department's roadmap to promote the commercial cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs), aimed at transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a leading hub for high-value Himalayan medicinal plants.

Chairing a high-level meeting, the Chief Secretary said J&K's rich biodiversity and favourable climate offer immense potential to diversify agriculture, boost farmers' incomes, create rural employment and strengthen the Union Territory's bio-economy. He directed the department to implement the roadmap with defined timelines and close coordination with the Forest Department, AYUSH, research institutions and the private sector.
The proposed ₹150-crore mission, spread over six years, focuses on conservation, scientific cultivation, processing, value addition, branding, marketing and exports of medicinal and aromatic plants.
The plan includes restoration of 1,500 hectares of degraded forest land, establishment of 51 specialised nurseries, expansion of cultivation outside forests, creation of processing and extraction units, development of two mega MAP clusters, two model MAP villages, an Export Promotion Cell, and support for 80 start-ups.
The roadmap also envisages strengthening research, developing scientific cultivation technologies, conserving 165 medicinal plant species, and promoting high-value herbal products through collaboration between SKUAST-Jammu, SKUAST-Kashmir and CSIR-IIIM.
Once implemented, the mission is expected to bring over 1,700 hectares under MAP cultivation, support 25 export-oriented enterprises, directly benefit more than 5,000 farmers and entrepreneurs, and generate substantial employment across the value chain.