Lok Sabha Question No. 3722 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-08-11
Subject: Efforts for Global Trade in Herbal Products
Ministry: AYURVEDA,YOGA & NATUROPATHY,UNANI,SIDDHA AND HOMEOPATHY (AYUSH)
Asked by: Vishnu Dutt Sharma, Vinod Chavda

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3722 TO BEANSWERED ON 11/08/2023

## EFFORTS FOR GLOBALTRADE IN HERBALPRODUCTS

## 3722: SHRI VISHNU DATT SHARMA: SHRI VINOD L. CHAVDA:

Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware that as per the report of World Health Organisation (WHO), the international market for herbal products is close to $6.2 billion and is expected to grow upto $5 trillion by the year 2050;

- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether as per WHO, India's share in global medicinal plant related exports remains only at 0.5 per cent of the total trade;
- (d) if so, whether the efforts are being made/ proposed to be made by the Government to increase India's share in global trade and export of herbal products and derivatives and also to position India as one of the leading player; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OFAYUSH (SHRI SARBANANDASONOWAL)

(a) to (e) The international market for export and import of Ayush and Herbal products is assessed from time to time.

Following efforts are being made/ proposed to be made by the Government to increase India's share in global trade and export of herbal products and derivatives and also to position India as one of the leading player:

- i) Promotion of Medicinal Plants: The government has been focusing on the cultivation and sustainable harvesting of medicinal plants to ensure a consistent supply of raw materials for herbal products. Various schemes and programs were in place to incentivise farmers to cultivate medicinal plants.
2. ii) Quality Standards and Certification: The government has been working with agencies like the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Committee and the Pharmacopoeia Laboratory for Indian Medicine to develop and maintain standards for herbal products.
3. iii) Certification and Regulatory Compliance: The government has been streamlining the regulatory processes for herbal products to meet international standards and regulations. This includes compliance with the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines on good agricultural and collection practices (GACP) for medicinal plants.
4. iv) Export Promotion Organizations: SHEFEXIL, along with AYUSHEXIL, is actively promoting Indian herbal products abroad.
- v) Participation in Trade Fairs and Exhibitions: The government regularly supports participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions related to herbal products. This provides Indian herbal product manufacturers and exporters with a platform to showcase their products to a global audience.
6. vi) Research and Development: The government encourages research and development in the field of herbal products. This includes research into the scientific validation of traditional herbal remedies, development of new products, and improving the quality of existing products.
7. vii) Promotion of Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine: Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine systems have gained recognition globally. The government's efforts to promote these systems contribute to the export of related herbal products.
8. viii) Skill Development: Training and skill development programs are conducted to enhance the knowledge and skills of those involved in the cultivation, processing, and manufacturing of herbal products.

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