Question : Cultivation of Natural Herbs

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

(a) whether the Government has taken adequate measures to promote the cultivation of Natural herbs and rare medicinal plants in the country and also to produce herbs and medicinal plants from sea;

(b) if so, the details thereof and funds allocated during each of the last three years along with the herbs/medicinal plants cultivated, State/UT-wise;

(c) whether the Government has provided funds and support for the Research and Developments facilities to Tamil Nadu; and

(d) if so, the details thereof during the said period?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA,
YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY
(SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)
(a) & (b): Yes, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India has taken adequate measures to promote the cultivation of Natural herbs and rare medicinal plants in the country and in this regard Ministry of AYUSH under its Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) is promoting large scale cultivation of medicinal plants on farmer’s land throughout the country.

Under the NAM Scheme, there is a component on ‘Medicinal Plants’ which primarily aimed at supporting cultivation of medicinal plants on farmer’s land with backward linkages through establishment of nurseries for supply of quality planting material, and forward linkages for post-harvest management. The cultivation programme is being implemented through the identified implementing agency of concerned state (generally State Agriculture / Horticulture Departments) and the financial assistance is provided as per the State Annual Action Plan approved for concerned State. The financial assistance is provided in the form of subsidy @ 30%, 50% and 75% of cost of cultivation of medicinal plants. As per scheme guidelines, the assistance for cultivation of rare, endangered threatened species is provided @ 75% of cost of cultivation.

The State/UT-wise details of the funds allocated during the last three years for supporting cultivation of medicinal plants under the NAM scheme is at Annexure-I and the species supported are at Annexure-II.

(c) & (d): Yes, the Ministry of AYUSH under its Centres of Excellence scheme has provided fund of Rs. 819.00 lakh to three organizations in state of Tamil Nadu for upgrading their facilities and conducting research in AYUSH. The detail is at Annexure-III.

In addition, the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH under its Central Sector Scheme for “Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants” also provide support for Research and Development on various aspects of medicinal plants to different research organizations throughout the country including the state of Tamil Nadu. The details of the funds provided under above said for supporting Research and Development on various aspects of medicinal plants in the state of Tamil Nadu during the last three years is at Annexure-IV.
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