New Delhi | December 16, 2025

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, on Monday highlighted the growing importance of medicinal plant cultivation in improving farmers’ incomes, strengthening the Ayush sector, and conserving biodiversity across the country. He made these remarks while addressing the second meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Ayush held in New Delhi.

During the meeting, the minister stressed that the quality and effectiveness of medicines used in traditional systems of healthcare depend largely on the availability of high-quality raw materials. These raw materials, he said, are sourced from medicinal plants, making sustainable cultivation and proper management essential. According to him, ensuring quality at the source not only improves the standard of medicines but also leads to better and faster health outcomes for patients.

Jadhav said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is taking continuous steps to integrate Ayush systems into the national healthcare framework. He noted that the focus is on promoting healthy lifestyles while building a sustainable and inclusive health system. Traditional medicine, he said, plays an important role in preventive healthcare and wellness, both in India and globally.

Highlighting the work of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), the minister said the board has been implementing a central sector scheme for the conservation, development and sustainable management of medicinal plants for the past 25 years. He added that these efforts have helped strengthen the supply chain of medicinal plants while also supporting rural livelihoods.

Sharing data on recent initiatives, Jadhav said that between 2020–21 and 2024–25, projects worth approximately ₹1,161.96 lakh were approved to train and create awareness among farmers. These projects were carried out through 139 initiatives across the country, supported by seven Regional-cum-Facilitation Centres. The aim, he said, is to equip farmers with the right knowledge and skills to cultivate medicinal plants sustainably and profitably.

The minister also spoke about the “e-Charak” digital platform, which has been developed to strengthen market linkages. He explained that the platform directly connects farmers with buyers, helping them get better prices and reducing dependence on middlemen. This digital approach, he said, has improved transparency and boosted confidence among farmers engaged in medicinal plant cultivation.

Jadhav emphasised that cultivating medicinal plants not only supports the Ayush value chain but also contributes significantly to biodiversity conservation. By promoting the cultivation of native and medicinal species, farmers help preserve ecosystems while creating additional sources of income. He said this balance between livelihood and conservation is essential for long-term sustainability.

The minister also referred to the growing global focus on millets, also known as Shri Anna. He noted that the United Nations’ declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets created worldwide awareness, leading to increased cultivation and higher incomes for farmers. He suggested that a similar approach could further boost interest in medicinal plants.

Stressing the role of educational and research institutions, Jadhav said Krishi Vidyapeeths and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) should be actively involved in spreading awareness about medicinal plant cultivation. He said these institutions can play a key role in training farmers, sharing best practices, and creating new livelihood opportunities in rural areas.

Thanking the members of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee, the minister said their constructive suggestions would help strengthen the Ayush ecosystem. He added that such collective efforts are necessary to position India as a global leader in traditional medicine and wellness.

The meeting was attended by Members of Parliament from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, including Sadanand Mhalu Shet Tanavade, Ashtikar Patil Nagesh Bapurao and Nilesh D Lanke. The discussions focused on policy support, farmer empowerment and the long-term growth of the Ayush sector.

 Medicinal Plant Cultivation Can Increase Farmers’ Income and Protect Biodiversity, Says Ayush Minister

Medicinal plants are no longer just about traditional remedies — they are becoming a strong source of income for farmers and a way to protect nature. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, highlighted this vision while addressing the second meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Ayush in New Delhi.

The minister said that the success of traditional healthcare systems depends on the quality of raw materials, especially medicinal plants. When quality begins at the farm level, it leads to better medicines and faster health outcomes. This makes farmers a key part of the Ayush value chain, not just producers but partners in public health.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is working to integrate Ayush into the national healthcare system. The focus is on healthy living, preventive care, and sustainability. Jadhav also spoke about the long-standing work of the National Medicinal Plants Board, which has been supporting conservation and cultivation efforts for over 25 years.

Between 2020 and 2025, projects worth over ₹1,161 lakh were approved to train farmers across the country. These initiatives aim to improve skills, awareness, and income opportunities. Digital support has also made a difference. The e-Charak platform now connects farmers directly with buyers, helping them get fair prices and better market access.

Medicinal plant farming, the minister said, also supports biodiversity. Growing native plants protects ecosystems while offering farmers an additional income source. He pointed to the success of millets after 2023 was declared the International Year of Millets, showing how focused efforts can transform rural livelihoods.

He encouraged Krishi Vidyapeeths and Krishi Vigyan Kendras to play a bigger role in spreading awareness and training farmers. The meeting, attended by MPs from both Houses, focused on strengthening the Ayush ecosystem and positioning India as a global leader in traditional medicine.

Because when farmers grow health, the nation grows stronger too ????