National Medicinal Plants Board

National Medicinal Plants Board

Why it Matters? 

  • The Ministry of Ayush, through the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), is implementing a Central Sector Scheme for sustainable cultivation and marketing of medicinal plants.  

What You Should Know? 

  • NMPB is implementing a Central Sector Scheme for “Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants.” 

  • A key component of the scheme is “Forward and Backward Linkage in Supply Chain of Medicinal Plants.” 

  • The scheme provides project-based support across the country, including tribal districts. 

  • Activities supported include: 

  • Infrastructure for Quality Planting Material 

  • Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) for farmer awareness 

  • Post-Harvest Management and Marketing 

  • Quality Testing and Certification of raw materials 

NMPB 

  • The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) was established in November 2000. 

  • It functions under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. 

  • NMPB is responsible for policy formulation, coordination, and support for the conservation, cultivation, and sustainable use of medicinal plants. 

  • The main aim is to promote the medicinal plants sector as a source of livelihood and wellness. 

  • NMPB works to ensure availability of raw materials for the Indian systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. 

  • It supports both in-situ (natural habitat) and ex-situ (cultivated areas) conservation of medicinal plants.