Stringer................Bhat Shahzad Location............... Bandipora 1308ZS_BPR_AROMATICPLNT_R SKUAST-K Promotes Medicinal & Aromatic Plant Cultivation in Gurez Anchor:-Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), through its Division of Forest Products and Utilization (FPU) organized a one-day Distribution-cum-Training Programme on “Cultivation and Popularization of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) for Livelihood Security of Tribal Farmers” under the AICRP Sub Tribal Plan. Experts including Prof. P.A. Sofi, Dr. Hilal Ahmad Malik, Dr. A.R. Malik, and Dr. Tahir Mushtaq highlighted Gurez Valley’s vast potential for cultivation, value addition, and market linkages, calling it a sustainable income source for tribal households. Participants were trained on cultivation techniques, conservation, and product development such as herbal teas, essential oils, and nutraceuticals. As part of the initiative, agricultural tool kits and high-quality plantation material were distributed among tribal farmers to encourage adoption. The programme was held under the directions of Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, with guidance from Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth and Prof. Haroon Rashid Naik, and supported by the technical teams of KVK Gurez. Byte By Prof. P.A. Sofi