The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) recently hosted a day-long Chintan Shivir at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders and state officials to chart a stronger future for India’s medicinal plants sector.
The event, which marked 25 years of NMPB, focused on tightening the entire value chain—from conservation and cultivation to processing, trade and exports. Union minister of state (independent charge) for ayush and minister of state for health and family welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, inaugurated the program, setting the tone for detailed technical sessions and panel discussions that followed.
In the opening technical session on the role of government, chaired by Shomita Biswas, Retd. PCCF, speakers stressed that medicinal plants sit at the heart of ayurveda and other ayush systems. They also pointed to their growing role in public health and rural livelihoods. Rabinarayan Acharya, director general, CCRAS, called for conserving medicinal flora and strengthening evidence-based use through closer links between traditional knowledge and modern research.
Subsequent sessions examined supply-chain gaps, traceability and market access. Industry leaders from companies including Dabur, Himalaya Wellness and Pidilite India discussed challenges in procurement and standardisation. Strong traceability systems are essential. Panelists also urged wider use of digital platforms and fair contract farming models to connect farmers directly with industry.
Another discussion centred on organic certification, insurance and trade facilitation. Officials from APEDA, the ministry of commerce and the ministry of agriculture & farmers welfare highlighted the need to align domestic standards with global norms and simplify approvals through national single-window systems, while designing insurance products tailored to medicinal crops.
A CEOs conclave reviewed lessons from NMPB’s 25-year journey and outlined a roadmap focused on climate-resilient species, community-based conservation and deeper convergence with national missions. The Shivir concluded with awards for high-performing RCFCs and SMPBs, reinforcing a shared commitment to farmer-centric and globally competitive growth.
