PESHAWAR, Sept 28: The use of medicinal plants for treatment of various diseases has been quite common since ancient times and rural areas of Pakistan have rich resources and experience.

Abdul Hassan, Agricultural Economist from Gilgit, said at a seminar on ‘Conservation of Valuable Medicinal Plants in Astore Valley, Northern Area’ on Thursday.

The seminar was presided over by Asghar Khan, Deputy Director Agriculture Ghanche district, Northern Areas. Mr Hassan said location of Northern Areas is unique and the ecological landscape of the region provides conducive environment for the natural growth of medicinal plants. He said the reason for using traditional medicines was that while its Cost was low, the side-effects were also minimal. These traditional medicines also provided health care facilities in remote areas.

The knowledge regarding the use of medicinal plants in Astore Valley is still inadequate and medicinal plants are used on the basis of traditional knowledge, although NGOs like AKRSP, IUCN and WWF have created awareness in the area about the commodity, he added.

Farmers of the area are not cultivating these valuable plants at their farms due to their perennial nature and lack of marketing facilities, he said.

He laid stress on launching a campaign regarding importance of medicinal plants, market access and coordination among various government as well non-government agencies to boost the income of poverty stricken farmers of Northern Areas.—APP