Medicinal Plants Sector Poised to Power Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision: Ayush Minister

India’s medicinal plants sector is emerging as a key pillar in the country’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047, with immense potential to strengthen rural livelihoods, boost the economy, and position India as a global hub for plant-based wellness products, Union Minister of Ayush Prataprao Jadhav said on Wednesday.

Addressing a Chintan Shivir on Medicinal Plants in the national capital, the minister highlighted that medicinal plants form the backbone of India’s traditional knowledge systems, including Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and other Ayush streams. Beyond their cultural significance, he noted, these resources are a vital part of the nation’s biological wealth and economic heritage.

Jadhav said the increasing global acceptance of Ayurveda and other Ayush systems has created a unique opportunity for India to emerge as a trusted global supplier of high-quality medicinal plants and herbal wellness products. He added that the sector aligns closely with the government’s twin priorities of Atmanirbhar Bharat and inclusive growth, especially by creating sustainable income opportunities for farmers and rural communities.

“The medicinal plants sector offers a unique platform where farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists, and policymakers can work together to build a healthy and self-reliant India,” the minister said. He also lauded the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) for its efforts in strengthening cultivation practices, improving market linkages, and ensuring quality and authenticity across the supply chain.

The one-day Chintan Shivir was organised by the NMPB under the Ministry of Ayush and brought together key stakeholders from across the value chain. The minister urged participants to continue collective efforts to develop a globally competitive, environmentally sustainable, and economically vibrant medicinal plants ecosystem that benefits both cultivators and consumers.

Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha noted that as NMPB marks its silver jubilee, the occasion is not only about celebrating achievements but also about shaping the future. He stressed that the next phase of growth must focus on scientific validation, traceability, climate resilience, and adherence to international standards to ensure optimal utilisation and conservation of India’s rich medicinal flora.

Kotecha also revealed that the Ministry is working to strengthen regional facilitation centres, research collaborations, and digital platforms to improve coordination among stakeholders. He said the deliberations and outcomes of the Chintan Shivir would help shape a five-year roadmap aimed at making the sector more productive, inclusive, and globally competitive.

Echoing these views, NMPB CEO Dr Mahesh Kumar Dadhich reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to strengthening the entire value chain—from cultivation and processing to marketing—through innovation, stakeholder participation, and sustainable practices.

With growing global demand for natural and plant-based healthcare solutions, experts believe India’s medicinal plants sector could play a transformative role in driving economic growth, enhancing farmer incomes, and reinforcing the country’s leadership in traditional medicine on the world stage.