NEW DELHI: The Government on Saturday said it has earmarked Rs 100 crore to promote cultivation of medicinal plants across the country. On the pattern of Special Economic Zones, the health ministry decided to develop agricultural clusters for cultivation of medicinal herbs and expected to increase the export potential in herbal medicine sector up to Rs 1,000 crore annually.
“Of the total Rs 4,000 crore allocated to the department of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddhi and Homeopathy (AYUSH) in the 11th five year plan, Rs 100 crore would be spent to promote the cultivation of medicinal plants alone,” said Ms S Jalaja , Secretary, Department of AYUSH.
The farmers will be provided technological guidance and equipment assistance by the state agricultural departments for growing plants with medicinal value, she said, adding that such clusters are already coming up in Hyderabad, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Nort h Eastern states.
The official said with the help of various government schemes and participation of industries, the herbal medicine sector has the potential to overtake allopathic medicine in the country not only in providing medical care but also in generating employmen
