
In a major step to promote awareness and conservation of medicinal plants, the proposal to establish 100 School Herbal Gardens across the Jammu region has been approved by the National Medicinal Plants Board, under the Union Ministry of Ayush, for a sum of Rs 53 Lakh. Akashvani Jammu correspondent reports that the initiative involves developing herbal gardens in selected schools, with ten schools to be covered in each district of the Jammu region. The project has been approved after recommendations from the Directorate of Ayush, J&K (J&K Medicinal Plants Board), with the objective of integrating the rich heritage of medicinal plants into the school education system in a meaningful and practical way. The herbal gardens will serve as vibrant learning spaces where students will gain firsthand knowledge about the identification, cultivation, and uses of important medicinal plants, while also developing a deeper appreciation for nature and traditional healthcare systems. The 100 schools have been identified by the Directorate of School Education, Jammu. Director Ayush, J&K and CEO, J&K Medicinal Plants Board, Dr. Ajay Kumar Tikoo, described the approval as a significant milestone and stated that the initiative reflects a forward-looking approach towards linking education with traditional knowledge systems. He expressed confidence that these herbal gardens will evolve into centers of experiential learning and inspire students to actively engage with nature and wellness practices. The initiative seeks to promote awareness about preventive healthcare, encourage environmental responsibility, and promote the conservation of valuable plant species. It is expected to have a lasting impact by instilling in young minds an understanding of the relevance of AYUSH systems and the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge for future generations.