State govt urged to develop cluster for herbal & ayurvedic medicine makers

Indore: Ayush Nirmata Sangh has urged state govt to develop a cluster for herbal and ayurvedic medicine manufacturers amid growing demand from the sector following expanding footfall in domestic and international markets.

The association of herbal and ayurvedic medicines and various product manufacturers said that around 100 units, of which close to 20 are interested in exports, proposed to invest an estimated more than Rs 150 crore.

"The presence and operations of ayush manufacturers grew in the recent years with a major spike in demand seen during Covid times. The industry wants to expand operations and tap into new markets because demand for Indian herbs and extracts is everywhere and increasing. We have urged the govt to develop a dedicated space for our sector," Ayush Nirmata Sangh Indore president, Rajesh Sethiya, said.

Indore has around 200 ayurvedic medicine manufacturing units, and the total market size is estimated at more than Rs 1,000 crore, according to Ayush Nirmata Sangh.

In 2020, manufacturers of ayurvedic medicines under the aegis of Ayush Nirmata Sangh were in talks with Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation (MPIDC) to develop plots, a common testing area, and a research laboratory in Mohana for the industry.

"The talks failed due to some operational issue and could not be materialised. This is a growing industry that needs handholding from the govt in terms of infrastructure and dedicated facilities for the industry to compete with rivals and expand operations," said Sethiya.

In Madhya Pradesh, more than 1,000 ayush manufacturers are registered with the state govt, said the association of herbal and ayurvedic product manufacturers.