The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of Ayush, organised a one-day Chintan Shivir on Medicinal Plants at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, today. The event convened senior officials, subject experts, industry leaders, and state representatives to deliberate on policy, research, and implementation strategies aimed at strengthening the medicinal plants sector through sustainable practices and innovation.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, inaugurated the Chintan Shivir as the Chief Guest. In his address, he remarked that medicinal plants are not merely the foundation of India’s traditional knowledge systems but also a vital component of its biological and economic heritage.
He said that the growing global recognition of Ayurveda and other Ayush systems highlights India’s potential to become a global supplier of quality medicinal plants and plant-based wellness products. The Minister observed that the theme of Chintan Shivir perfectly aligns with the Government’s focus on Viksit Bharat 2047 and the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by empowering rural communities through sustainable livelihoods.
He emphasised that the medicinal plants sector provides unique opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and researchers to collaborate for a healthy, self-reliant India. As part of the inaugural session, he released the Souvenir commemorating 25 glorious years of NMPB, the Terrace Garden Booklet, and launched a new variety of Anacyclus pyrethrum developed by CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow.
He also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between NMPB and AIIA to strengthen collaborative research and innovation. Shri Jadhav highlighted that the government, under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has introduced several initiatives to promote the cultivation and sustainable utilisation of medicinal plants.
He stated that institutions such as NMPB have played a key role in supporting farmers to grow high-value medicinal crops, especially in rainfed and marginal lands. These efforts, he said, not only generate income but also contribute to ecological conservation and public health security.
He further appreciated the dedicated efforts of NMPB in strengthening backward and forward linkages, expanding market access, and ensuring quality and authenticity in the supply chain. The Minister urged all stakeholders to continue their collective work toward developing a globally competitive, environmentally sustainable, and economically vibrant medicinal plants sector that serves both the nation’s farmers and the health needs of society.
Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, in his remarks, underlined that NMPB’s silver jubilee is not just a milestone of achievement but also an opportunity for introspection and innovation. He stated that the next phase of the journey must focus on scientific validation, traceability, and climate resilience to ensure that India’s diverse medicinal flora is conserved and optimally utilised in alignment with international standards.
He further said that the Ministry is working toward strengthening regional facilitation centres, research partnerships, and digital linkages for better coordination among stakeholders. Emphasising collaboration between academia, industry, and farmers, he added that the outcomes of this Chintan Shivir will guide a five-year roadmap to make the sector more productive, inclusive, and globally competitive.
Shri Hoveyda Abbas, Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser, Ministry of Ayush, emphasised sound fiscal discipline and timely release of funds to ensure the effective execution of NMPB projects. He encouraged greater participation by states and Union Territories to adopt innovative models of financial management and sustainability while expanding outreach to local communities engaged in medicinal plant cultivation.
He assured the Ministry’s continued institutional and financial support to NMPB’s initiatives. Dr. Mahesh Kumar Dadhich, CEO, NMPB expressed gratitude the Minister for his guidance and the Ministry for its continued support. He informed that the Chintan Shivir was conceptualised to review the achievements of the past 25 years and to plan for the future growth of the sector.
Highlighting NMPB’s work in conservation, capacity building, and research promotion, he stated that the Board remains committed to strengthening the entire value chain—from cultivation to market—through innovation, stakeholder participation, and sustainable practices.
During the inaugural session of the Chintan Shivir, several key releases and collaborations were announced to mark the 25th anniversary of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB). The English version of the commemorative booklet highlighting NMPB’s 25-year journey and the Terrace Garden Booklet were released to showcase achievements and best practices in medicinal plant cultivation.
Additionally, a new variety of Anacyclus pyrethrum developed by CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow, was launched to support high-value medicinal crop cultivation. The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NMPB and Agharkar Research Institute, strengthening collaborative research and innovation in the medicinal plants sector.
The Chintan Shivir will feature technical sessions and expert panels on topics such as research and development, traceability and quality assurance, industry collaboration, and best practices in conservation and cultivation. The deliberations will inform the policy framework for the next phase of growth of the medicinal plant sector in India.