Question : Medicinal Plants and Herbs

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

(a) the quantity of medicinal plants and herbs produced in the country, State/ UT-wise, particularly in Maharashtra during the last five years;

(b) the details of the financial assistance provided to promote the farming of medicinal plants and herbs during the said period;

(c) the quantity of medicinal plants exported from State of Maharashtra during the said period;

(d) the steps taken by the Government to promote production of Ayurvedic and herbal medicines in the country particularly in Madhya Pradesh; and

(e) whether the Government encourages/proposes to encourage the farmers for farming of medicinal plants under any scheme and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA,
YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY
(SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)
(a): Ministry of AYUSH has supported 48,379 hectare area for cultivation of medicinal plants in different States and UTs of India Details are given at Annexure – I. 1290.43 hectare has been supported in Maharashtra state from 2015-16.
(b): From 2015-16, the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India under its Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) has allocated Rs.326.5 crores in different States and UTs of India and Rs. 7.45 crores have been allocated to Maharashtra. Details are given at Annexure – II.
(c): The export of Medicinal Plants comes under the purview of Directorate General of Foreign Trade, (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
(d) & (e): Ministry of AYUSH encourages the farmers for farming of medicinal plants under its NAM scheme. At present, 140 medicinal plants species have been prioritized for supporting cultivation throughout the country including the State of Madhya Pradesh for which the subsidy is provided to farmers @30%, @50% and 75% of cost of cultivation. As per NAM scheme guidelines, the fund under this component is shared in the ratio of 60:40 between Central and State Government whereas it is in the ratio of 90:10 in North East & Hilly Regions states and financed 100% by Central Government in Union Territories (UTs). The cultivation programme is implemented through the identified implementing agency of concerned state and the financial assistance is provided as per the State Annual Action Plan approved for concerned State.