The 2nd meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Ayush held on 15.12.2025 in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush. Members of Parliament from various political parties of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha attended the meeting, including Shri Sadanand Mhalu Shet Tanavade, Shri Ashtikar Patil Nagesh Bapurao and Shri Nilesh D. Lanke.

Union Minister of State Shri Prataprao Jadhav emphasized the critical role of medicinal plant cultivation in empowering farmers, strengthening the AYUSH sector, 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 a focus on promoting healthy lifestyles and building a sustainable health system.

The Minister underlined that the foundation of strong traditional medicine systems lies in the availability of high-quality medicines, which in turn depends on the sustainable supply of quality raw material from medicinal plants. He noted that ensuring quality at the source leads to better and faster health outcomes. He highlighted the initiatives of the National Medicinal Plants Board and informed that for the last 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.

He stated that during 2020–21 to 2024–25, about ₹1161.96 lakh was approved through 139 projects for farmers’ training and awareness, with 7 Regional-cum-Facilitation Centres providing technical support across the country. He noted that the “e-Charak” digital platform has strengthened market linkages by directly connecting farmers with buyers. The Minister emphasized that medicinal plant cultivation is a key driver of farmer empowerment, strengthening the AYUSH value chain, and biodiversity conservation, and also highlighted the global rise of millets (Shri Anna), boosted by the UN declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets, which enhanced cultivation and farmers’ income.

The Minister highlighted the pivotal role of Krishi Vidyapeeths and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in empowering farmers. He further suggested that these institutions could be engaged to raise awareness and promote the cultivation and use of medicinal plants among farmers, thereby enhancing livelihood opportunities and augmenting rural incomes.

The Minister expressed gratitude to the members for their active participation and meaningful contributions. He emphasized that their inputs will be instrumental in strengthening the Ayush systems across the country and in advancing India’s leadership in traditional medicine on the global stage.

***

SR/GS/SG