SMPB NEWS
Consultative Workshop Explores Future of Medicinal Plants Sector with Focus on Raw Materials
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
A consultative workshop titled “Medicinal Plants: Prospects and Challenges-Special Reference to Raw Materials” was held at Thrissur on 25th March 2025, and experts, officials, and stakeholders from traditional medicine and biodiversity conservation participated extensively.
The workshop was officially inaugurated by Smt Shobhana George, Chairperson of Oushadhi and former MLA. In her inaugural address, she highlighted the state’s rich biodiversity and potential to become a national hub for high-quality medicinal plant cultivation and processing.
Dr. T K Hrideek, Chief Executive Officer of the State Medicinal Plants Board (SMPB) Kerala and Managing Director of Oushadhi, delivered the presidential address, emphasizing the urgent need for strengthening the raw material base to support the fast-growing Ayurvedic sector in the state.
The technical sessions brought together a diverse panel of experts who offered insights into medicinal plant resources’ current and prospects. Dr. V Balakrishnan, Member Secretary of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, stressed the importance of conserving native species while promoting sustainable harvesting practices. Dr. Rajamohan V, Special Officer at IRIA, Government Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram, shared perspectives on integrating academic research with grassroots initiatives.
Mr. A O Sunny, Retired Assistant Conservator of Forests and Consultant to SMPB Kerala, provided a detailed overview of forest-based medicinal plant resources and their conservation challenges. Dr. D Ramanathan, General Secretary of AMMOI and Managing Director of Sitaram Ayurveda, spoke on the industry’s increasing dependence on raw materials and the need for self-reliance through cultivation. K P Prasanth, Secretary of the Mattathur Labour Contract Co-operative Society, highlighted successful community-based models for medicinal plant farming.
The workshop concluded with a call for collaborative efforts between government bodies, local communities, and industry players to ensure a sustainable supply chain for medicinal plants, ensuring both environmental balance and economic growth.
