The State Medicinal Plants Board (SMPB) Kerala is a government organisation under the AYUSH Department whose mission is to coordinate matters relating to medicinal plant cultivation, conservation, promotion, research and development in Kerala.
The Kerala State is a rich repository of plant diversity due to its peculiar phytogeography. Medicinal plants are a significant component of Kerala's plant resource spectrum. The global clamour for more herbal ingredients creates opportunities for local cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants, also the controlled and sustainable harvesting of wild plants.
SMPB is implementing various prestigious projects in the State namely Ex-situ & In-situ conservation of medicinal plants, School Herbal Gardens, Home Herbal Gardens, Institutional Herbal Gardens, Conservation of Sacred Grooves with medicinal plants, programs for creation of awareness among the students and public.
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The National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB) provides central guidance, funding, and policy direction, while State Medicinal Plant Boards (SMPBs) implement these at the regional level, acting as crucial links for coordinating conservation, cultivation, R&D, and trade; NMPB strengthens SMPBs with financial aid for offices, training, and projects, receiving performance-based monitoring charges, ensuring a synergistic, bottom-up approach to developing India's medicinal plant sector.
Read MoreThese brochures facilitate the consistent interpretation of the cultivation and use of medicinal plants through photos and explanatory notes.
Read Now"Ask and Tell" is a platform where you can get expert answers to your queries related to medicinal plants.
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The Kerala State Medicinal Plants Board (SMPB) won the Excellence Award for India's Best Performing State Board at the Ministry of AYUSH’s "Chintan Shivir" in New Delhi on Feb 11, 2026. CEO Dr. T.K. Hrideek received the honour, recognising Kerala's leadership in medicinal plant cultivation, conservation, and project implementation. By blending traditional knowledge with modern management, the SMPB has strengthened the AYUSH value chain, marking a milestone in sustainable development and the state's self-reliance in the medicinal flora sector.
Celebrating 15 years, the State Medicinal Plants Board honored its Nellikka juice at a ceremony with Minister K. Rajan. The Ayurvedic formulation is a popular health rejuvenator, bridging traditional wellness with modern lifestyle needs.
A consultative workshop on “Medicinal Plants: Prospects and Challenges – Special Reference to Raw Materials” was held, focusing on strengthening raw material supply for the Ayurvedic industry. Dr. T K Hrideek, CEO of SMPB Kerala and MD of Oushadhi, delivered the presidential address, while the event was inaugurated by Smt. Shobhana George, Chairperson of Oushadhi and former MLA. The workshop called for coordinated efforts to boost local cultivation and ensure long-term sustainability in the medicinal plants sector. The workshop called for coordinated efforts to boost local cultivation and ensure long-term sustainability in the medicinal plants sector.
A consultative workshop on “Medicinal Plants: Prospects and Challenges—Special Reference to Export-Oriented Marketing” highlighted the sector’s potential in global markets. Dr T K Hrideek, CEO of SMPB, delivered the presidential address, and Dr Rajan N Khobragade IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Government of Kerala, inaugurated the event. Discussions concerned quality standards, export strategies, sustainability, and regulatory frameworks to boost India’s presence in the international medicinal plants market.