Parliament Question: Assistance to farmers for the cultivation of medicinal plants

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED ADMITTED QUESTION NO. 1129 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10/02/2026 Assistance to farmers for the cultivation of medicinal plants 1129 # Shri Neeraj Dangi: Will the Minister of Ayush be pleased to state: (a) whether Government is aware that farmers face the problem of unavailability of markets in the cultivation of medicinal plants, if so, the steps being taken by Government to resolve the issue; (b) whether Government is considering on fixing a minimum support price (MSP) for medicinal plants; and (c) the economic assistance or subsidy being provided by Government to farmers for cultivation of medicinal plants? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYUSH (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV) (a) Yes. However, National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of Ayush has launched “e-CHARAK” Mobile application as well as web portal for the promotion and marketing of medicinal plants/herbs. e-CHARAK is a platform to enable information exchange between various stakeholders mainly farmers involved in the medicinal plants sector across the country. The e-CHARAK application is available in different local languages and also provides fortnightly market price of 100 MPs from 25 herbal markets across India for easy market access. Further, since December 2024, cultivation of medicinal plants is being supported by Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) under Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. 1(b) No. (c) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is implementing Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) – a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants throughout the country. Under MIDH scheme, provision has been made for providing assistance for area expansion of short duration medicinal plants i.e. non-perennial in nature and non-tree species. Details of cost norms alongwith the pattern of assistance are as under. Name of the Component Cost Norms Pattern of Assistance Medicinal Plants (Mulethi, Rs. 1.5 Lakh/ha Assistance @ 40% in general areas for an area Shatavari, Kalihari, Shwet upto 2 ha. on pro rata basis for meeting the Musali, Guggle, Manjishtha, expenditure on planting material and cost of Kutki, Atees, Jatamansi, material for Integrated Nutrient Management Ashwagandha, Brahmi, / Integrated Pest Management etc. in 2 Tulsi, Vidarikand, Pippali, instalments of 60:40 Chirata, Pushkarmool) In the case of North East & Himalayan States, Scheduled areas including TSP (Tribal Sub Plan) areas, vibrant villages, Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands, assistance will be @ 50% for an area upto 2 ha. on pro rata basis. 2