Question : Export of Herbal Medicines

Will the Minister of AYURVEDA, YOGA AND NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH) be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has taken note that India’s share in global market regarding export of herbal medicines is lower than other countries;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor along with the details of herbal medicines exported during the last three years;

(c) whether the Government has signed MoU with WHO to develop a global protocol for promoting traditional and complimentary medicines which would help Indian system of medicine to gain better acceptability internationally; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the follow up action taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA,
YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY
(SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)
(a) & (b): As reported by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the details are as under:
India’s Exports of AYUSH products (in USD mn)- (Eight HS codes)
Category 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16
AYUSH 159.47 116.52 108.76

The lower value of Indian export is attributed to the strict enforcement of Biodiversity Act restricting access to resources and also owing to the fact that AYUSH systems of medicine/ practice is recognized in only few countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Malaysia and Bangladesh.

Contd…….



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(c) & (d) Yes. Project Collaboration Agreement (PCA) was signed with World Health Organization (WHO) on 13.05.2016. Under the agreement, it has been decided to develop the following WHO Technical documents/ publications:

• Benchmark for training in YOGA
• Benchmark for practice in Ayurveda
• Benchmark for practice in Unani Medicine
• Benchmark for practice in Panchkarma

The development of the WHO Technical document will help in better international acceptability of Indian systems of Medicine. Two installments as per PCA has been released WHO headquarter through Permanent Mission to India, Geneva. Experts panel for preparing zero draft of respective Benchmarks have been shortlisted.
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