Stakeholder Consultation in the Medicinal Plant Sector
A significant Stakeholder Consultation took place on Monday at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi, co-chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH. The meeting aimed to enhance the cultivation and utilization of medicinal plants across India. Participants included representatives from various ministries, state horticulture missions, and private sector leaders in the medicinal plant industry, all collaborating to explore opportunities for growth in this vital sector.
Focus on Domestic Production and Collaboration
During the consultation, Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, emphasized the potential for increasing domestic production of medicinal plants. He pointed out the importance of fostering better collaboration between the Ministry of AYUSH and agricultural departments, as well as engaging with State Medicinal Plant Boards. This collaboration is essential for promoting medicinal plants on a national scale. Chaturvedi also noted that several key medicinal plants have been incorporated into the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme, which aims to enhance agricultural practices. He called for a mission-mode program dedicated to medicinal plant cultivation, focusing on identifying best practices and efficient techniques to uplift the sector.
Growth Potential in the AYUSH Sector
Shri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH, highlighted the substantial growth potential within the AYUSH sector. He reported that the sector has expanded eightfold over the past decade, showcasing significant export opportunities. The demand for AYUSH products, including medicinal plants, has surged, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kotecha’s remarks underscored the economic prospects tied to the cultivation and commercialization of medicinal plants, suggesting that this sector could play a crucial role in bolstering the economy.
Key Objectives and Strategies Discussed
The consultation outlined several key objectives aimed at enhancing the medicinal plant sector. Participants discussed the development of region-specific medicinal plant clusters, which would facilitate partnerships between farmers and industry players. This collaboration would ensure assured procurement and foster the development of an end-to-end value chain. Additionally, the establishment of dedicated mandis and marketing platforms was proposed to guarantee fair prices for farmers. The meeting also emphasized the importance of promoting research, training, and extension services to build capacity among stakeholders, ensuring that all participants are well-equipped to contribute to the sector’s growth.
Future Directions and Policy Interventions
As the meeting concluded, Shri Priya Ranjan, Joint Secretary (Horticulture), stressed the necessity of identifying policy interventions and financial incentives to motivate farmers to engage in medicinal plant cultivation. The discussions highlighted the need for targeted strategies to support farmers in this endeavor, ensuring that they can benefit from the growing demand for medicinal plants. By implementing these strategies, stakeholders aim to create a sustainable and profitable environment for the cultivation of medicinal plants in India.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn
