Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, on 15 December 2025, chaired the 2nd meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Ayush in New Delhi. The meeting brought together Members of Parliament from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including Shri Sadanand Mhalu Shet Tanavade, Shri Ashtikar Patil Nagesh Bapurao and Shri Nilesh D. Lanke, to deliberate on strategies for strengthening the AYUSH sector, with a special focus on medicinal plant cultivation.
Medicinal Plant Cultivation: A Pillar of Farmer Empowerment
Addressing the Committee, Shri Prataprao Jadhav emphasised that medicinal plant cultivation is a powerful tool for empowering farmers, strengthening the AYUSH value chain and conserving biodiversity. He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India is making sustained efforts to integrate AYUSH systems into the national healthcare framework, with an emphasis on preventive healthcare, healthy lifestyles and sustainability.
The Minister highlighted that expanding medicinal plant cultivation offers farmers diversified income opportunities, reduces dependence on conventional crops and contributes to ecological balance through the conservation of indigenous plant species.
Sustainable Cultivation Key to Quality AYUSH Medicines
Shri Jadhav underlined that the foundation of strong and credible traditional medicine systems lies in the availability of high-quality medicines, which in turn depends on the sustainable and assured supply of quality raw material derived from medicinal plants. He noted that ensuring quality at the source not only improves the efficacy of medicines but also leads to better and faster health outcomes for citizens.
Role of National Medicinal Plants Board
Highlighting the initiatives of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), the Minister informed that for the past 25 years, NMPB has been implementing the Central Sector Scheme on “Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants” across the country. Special emphasis has been placed on Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities to create awareness and build capacity among farmers.
Between 2020–21 and 2024–25, an amount of ₹1,161.96 lakh was approved through 139 projects for farmers’ training and awareness programmes. He also noted that seven Regional-cum-Facilitation Centres are providing technical support to farmers nationwide.
Digital Platforms and Market Linkages
The Minister highlighted the role of the “e-Charak” digital platform in strengthening market linkages by directly connecting farmers with buyers, thereby improving price discovery and reducing intermediaries. He reiterated that medicinal plant cultivation is emerging as a key driver of rural livelihoods, while simultaneously contributing to biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture.
He also drew attention to the global rise of millets (Shri Anna), catalysed by the United Nations’ declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets, which has boosted millet cultivation and enhanced farmers’ incomes, presenting valuable synergies with medicinal and traditional crop systems.
Role of Krishi Institutions in Scaling Outreach
Shri Jadhav emphasised the pivotal role of Krishi Vidyapeeths and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in farmer empowerment. He suggested that these institutions be actively engaged to raise awareness, provide technical guidance and promote medicinal plant cultivation, thereby expanding livelihood opportunities and augmenting rural incomes.
Conclusion
Concluding the meeting, Shri Prataprao Jadhav expressed gratitude to the Members of Parliament for their active participation and valuable suggestions. He stated that their inputs would be instrumental in strengthening the AYUSH ecosystem, empowering farmers, and advancing India’s leadership in traditional medicine at the global level. The deliberations reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to building a sustainable, farmer-centric and globally competitive AYUSH sector.
The meeting brought together Members of Parliament from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including Shri Sadanand Mhalu Shet Tanavade, Shri Ashtikar Patil Nagesh Bapurao and Shri Nilesh D. Lanke, to deliberate on strategies for strengthening the AYUSH sector, with a special focus on medicinal plant cultivation.
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Source: PIB
