Seven-Day Long Skill Development Programme Concluded Successfully at Central University of Jammu 

Jammu, 15 January 2025: The seven-day Skill Development Programme on “Conservation, Cultivation, and Entrepreneurship Development in Medicinal Plants” concluded successfully at Central University of Jammu (CUJ) today. The event was a collaborative effort by the Regional Cum Facilitation Centre NR II, National Medicinal Plants Board, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), and the Department of Botany, Central University of Jammu.

Guided by the vision and unwavering support of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sanjeev Jain, the programme aimed to equip participants with in-depth knowledge and practical skills for the sustainable conservation, cultivation, and entrepreneurial development of medicinal plants. Over the course of the programme, 22 insightful lectures were delivered by distinguished experts from premier institutions, offering participants cutting-edge insights into this vital field.

Dr. Sheikh Bilal Ahmad, Regional Director, Regional Cum Facilitation Centre NR II, National Medicinal Plants Board, Ministry of AYUSH, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Prof. Sanjeev Jain and the Department of Botany, CUJ, for their guidance and support in organizing the programme. He praised the enthusiasm and active engagement of participants, highlighting their quest for knowledge and commitment throughout the event.

Dr. Yogesh Kumar, Head of the Department of Botany, CUJ, extended his gratitude to Dr. Sheikh Bilal Ahmad and all collaborators for their significant contributions. He acknowledged the collective efforts of the organizing team and expressed optimism for future collaborations to further advance the department’s contributions to medicinal plant conservation and entrepreneurship.

Prof. B.S. Bhau, Convener of the programme, thanked the speakers and organizing members for their valuable contributions. He acknowledged their dedication and hard work, which played a crucial role in making the event a grand success.

The valedictory ceremony was graced by Prof. Jaya Bhasin,Dean, School of Business Studies, CUJ, who commended the efforts of the organizers and participants while emphasizing the importance of fostering multidisciplinary approaches to the conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants.

Dr. Vikas Srivastava, Organising Secretary of the programme, delivered the formal vote of thanks, appreciating all stakeholders for their support and contributions.

The programme concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, recognizing the participants’ dedication and commitment to advancing knowledge and skills in the medicinal plant sector. This initiative marked a significant step towards fostering research, sustainability, and entrepreneurship opportunities in this field.