Concerned by some of the provisions of the Indian Forest Act 1927 and Wild Protection Act 1972, the Ayush industry has urged the government to make urgent changes into these Acts to ensure the industry is not harassed by officials due to these vague laws. Industry insiders pointed out that not only are these laws confusing but also making it more difficult for the manufacturers to procure plant raw material.
Industry along with National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) has time and again reached out to the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) towards provisioning a better regulatory regime for the smooth supply of medicinal plants and animal bi-products for use of the ASU industry. Highly placed source from the industry pointed out that many presentations, submissions and official communications at the secretary level have failed to get any desired result yet.
It is understood that Ayurveda Drug Manufacturers Association
(ADMA) has also in a strong representation to the ministry pointed out that these regulations are affecting the smooth flow of trade in medicinal plants, especially since there is already a wide scale dearth of the same.
“Lack of interest from the government in addressing these core issues is in fact leading to a feeling of uncertainty, illegality, vulnerability amongst all the stakeholders. Ever since the smooth supply of availability of medicinal plants through traditional trade channels is affected, it is leading to a sling of severe consequences wherein companies are pushed to resort other options that lack transparent modes of procuring medicinal plants for manufacturing medicines. Which is further affecting the confidence of the ASU stakeholders in their ability to continue their activities,” sources said.
A highly placed source from the industry informed that essential medicinal plants like katuki, sandalwood, kuth, jatamansi and essential minerals like praval (sea coral), shed antlers, etc. are affected due to this law. Many experts cite that this is leading to artificial inflation and rampant adulteration damning effect on their ability to manufacture quality formulations.
In a representation to the Centre, ADMA pointed out that widespread illegal trade is thriving and the lack of accountability by stakeholders which includes state and Central government agencies as well is creating a havoc and is thus not desirable. They stressed that there is more talk of lack of enforcement of unsuited regulations than there is of regeneration of bio-resources which is more easily attainable.