a) the new steps taken by the Government for developing qualitative plantation materials of medicinal plants and herbs of different Agri-climatic regions in the country, State/UT-wise including Gujarat;
b) whether any action plan has been prepared by the National Medicinal Plants Board for promoting the farming and production of medicinal plants and herbs in the country; and
c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF AYUSH
(SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)
(a): Yes Sir & Madam, The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of Ayush as per guideline’s provision of “Central Sector Scheme for Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants” has established 7 Regional Cum Facilitation Centres in different geographical regions of the country. Through these Regional Cum Facilitation Centres, the financial and technical assistance is provided to farmers / other stakeholders for development of Quality Planting Material (QPM) of medicinal plants and herbs of Region/State specific needs including the state of Gujarat.
And, under this scheme project based support is also provided for creation of Nursery/Quality Planting Material (QPM) throughout the country. Total 24 projects have been supported under Nursery/QPM component of this scheme to the various organizations/Institutions. Details of projects supported for Nurseries/Quality Planting Material during five years is placed at Annexure I.
(b) &(c): Yes, Ministry of AYUSH has prepared a draft scheme namely “Pradhan Mantri VRIKSH AYUSH Yojana” for the promotion of Medicinal Plant Cultivation. The scheme is submitted for the approval of Cabinet.