Srinagar, July 17 -- The push to build a structured mission around medicinal and aromatic plants signals a turning point in agricultural thinking. For years, farming in the region has been tied to conventional crops, leaving cultivators exposed to market volatility and limited income growth. By placing biodiversity and climate at the centre of a new plan, the effort aims to create a sector that is both commercially viable and socially transformative. This is not just about growing herbs; it is about constructing a value chain that stretches from conservation and cultivation to processing, branding and export.

The insistence on timelines and measurable outcomes is a welcome departure from vague promises. Coordination across agriculture, f...