Way Forward 

 

Revitalize Cluster-Based Approach:

  • Establish and nurture clusters across the Northern Regional states to promote medicinal plant cultivation.
  • Focus on the top 20 species prioritized by the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) to optimize impact.
  • To facilitate the conducting of multi-location trials of selected potential medicinal plants through the accredited Institutes/AUs to recommend the commercial cultivation of target species in the Agroclimatic specific areas. 

 

Address Farmer Incentives:

  • Advocate for reinstating subsidies for medicinal plant cultivation to encourage large-scale adoption.
  • Facilitate contract farming arrangements to provide farmers with assured markets for their produce.
  • Ensure enforcement of Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) to uphold buy-back agreements.

 

Strengthen Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs):

  • Support the formation and growth of SHGs and FPCs to offer collective resources and guidance to farmers.
  • Encourage collaboration among these groups to enhance sustainability and profitability.

 

Ensure Availability of Certified Quality Planting Material (QPM):

  • Work with NMPB to establish standard parameters for developing QPM for various MPs.
  • Collaborate with State Medicinal Plants Boards (SMPBs) and other stakeholders to ensure consistent and sufficient supply of QPM.

Consolidate Support for Post-Harvest Management:

  • Develop a central facility for Post-Harvest Management to support primary and semi-processing, as well as value addition.
  • Provide training and skill development to farmers and stakeholders on post-harvest techniques.

 

Develop a Robust Market Access Strategy:

  • Launch a block chain-enabled e-Auction platform for marketing raw materials and processed products.
  • Collaborate with industry associations, AYUSH, and food/nutraceutical industries for contract farming and buy-back arrangements.

 

Identify and Develop Entrepreneurs in the Medicinal Plant Sector:

  • Identify progressive farmers and support aspiring entrepreneurs in establishing value-added businesses.
  • Facilitate joint projects with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), MSMEs, and other stakeholders to promote entrepreneurship in the medicinal plant sector.

 

Collect Accurate Data on Cultivation:

  • Implement Google Form surveys among farmers and stakeholders to gather data on the area covered under cultivation.
  • Work with SMPBs and other partners to collect comprehensive data on medicinal plant cultivation.

 

Emphasis on Core Activities and Achieving Mandate:

  • Commit to focusing on core activities as per the NMPB mandate, including the cultivation and marketing of medicinal plants.
  • Address any deviations from the mandate and ensure compliance with project requirements.