100 School Herbal Gardens Approved Across Jammu Division Under Rs 53 Lakh AYUSH Initiative | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), under the Union Ministry of AYUSH, has approved a proposal worth Rs 53 lakh for establishing 100 School Herbal Gardens across the Jammu Division to strengthen awareness and conservation of medicinal plants.

The project envisages setting up herbal gardens in selected schools across all districts of the division, with 10 schools identified per district for implementation. The initiative has been sanctioned following recommendations from the Directorate of AYUSH, JK (JK Medicinal Plants Board), aimed at integrating traditional medicinal plant knowledge into the formal school education system through practical learning.

As part of the programme, the herbal gardens will function as experiential learning spaces where students will be exposed to the identification, cultivation and uses of important medicinal plants. The initiative is also designed to enhance students’ understanding of biodiversity, environmental conservation and traditional healthcare practices.

The 100 schools have been shortlisted by the Directorate of School Education Jammu for execution of the project.

Director AYUSH, JK and CEO, JK Medicinal Plants Board, Ajay Kumar Tikoo, described the approval as a key step towards linking education with indigenous knowledge systems. He said the initiative would help create experiential learning platforms and encourage students to engage with nature, health and wellness practices.

Tikoo said the programme would also promote awareness of preventive healthcare, environmental responsibility and conservation of medicinal plant species. He added that it is expected to have a long-term impact by fostering appreciation for AYUSH systems and preserving traditional knowledge for future generations.

He also expressed gratitude to Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo for her support in securing approval of the project and acknowledged Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department M Raju for guidance and assistance.