Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India has established National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) to promote the development and cultivation of medicinal plants and to harmonise the development activities between several ministries/departments/organisations. The board has been implementing various schemes and policies for the MSMEs to grow, preserve and market the medicinal plants.
Central Sector Scheme for Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants is one such scheme launched by NMPB to focus on the cultivation and protection of medicinal plants. Various types of Projects can be submitted through this scheme, which includes Ex-Situ, In-Situ Conservation, Research & Development, Capacity Building, Home/School Herbal Gardens, Joint Forest Management & Resource Augmentation etc particularly related to the Medicinal Plants sector.
National AYUSH Mission has been launched during the 12th Plan for implementing through States/UTs. The basic objective of NAM is to promote AYUSH medical systems through cost-effective AYUSH services. Through NAM Scheme, Projects related to the Development & Cultivation of medicinal plants, cluster Units, Small Nurseries, Model Nurseries, Drying Yards, Storage Godowns, Processing Units & Marketing etc can be submitted through Operational Guidelines for Medicinal Plants under (NAM).
At present the SMPB, Kerala is dealing with the promotional aspects of medicinal plants alone and cultivation for commercial purposes and other aspects are carried out by the National Mission on Medicinal Plants implemented by the State Horticulture Mission.
The promotional schemes on medicinal plants are mainly meant for Government, Quasi-Government and Non-Governmental Organizations who perform exceptionally well. Financial assistance ranging from 50% to 100% can be expected for the schemes. Funds will be available mainly for Research & Development, Production of Quality Planting Materials, for District Herbal gardens, School and Home herbal gardens, Medicinal Plant parks, Capacity building, and Awareness Programmes.
Applications for financial assistance to various schemes and projects have to be submitted in the prescribed proforma. The proforma and instructions are available on the schemes listing page of this website.