Critically examine the provisions of draft of National Policy of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Voluntary Certification Scheme.

The AYUSH ministry had formulated the draft of the National Policy of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. It was previously reviewed by the National Medicinal Plant Board of AYUSH along with the Medicinal & Aromatic Plants Stakeholders. Being a sunrise sector, it may create diverse opportunities for the country. There is a possibility for India to play a leading role in the global market of herbal products and herbal drugs.

Benefits

• It will create an opportunity for farmers, collectors, traders, and other stakeholders to certify their raw materials.
• About 80% of medicinal plants in the forest and other areas will generate a lot of employment opportunities.
• Income augmentation by adopting a comprehensive strategy and capacity building.
• It will create a common interface between the community and the industry.

Voluntary Certification Scheme

Voluntary Certification Scheme for Medicinal Plant Produce has been launched by the National Medicinal Plants Board in collaboration with the Quality Council of India. It is going to encourage Good Agricultural Practices and Good Field Collection Practices in medicinal plants that will enhance the quality and safety of these plants.

Benefits

• It will benefit the medicinal plant cultivators, traders, herbal medicine manufacturers, AYUSH industry by improving the quality of the products.
• It will reduce the risk factors associated with rejection.
• It will strengthen customer satisfaction on Indian herbs.
• Assurance of sustainable collection and legal compliance.

Comment

The provisions of the draft of the National Policy of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Voluntary Certification Scheme is definitely going to help the Ayurveda sector of India. It will further strengthen the health care industry of the country.