Sourcing 100% requirement of medicinal plants from cultivated sources can be a guideline for adoption by the Ayurvedic Industry. This ideal to bring into reality has today many impediments but the important issues for action are - The Will of the Industry and The Ability of the Industry.

The Will

Why cultivate? Should I cultivate? Cultivation is a big company issue? are some of the first reactions that one can receive when this topic is referred to. The issue can be addressed by positive motivation to bring about a consensus and strengthen the Will to source medicinal plants from cultivated sources. National seminars on agro technology and fiscal incentives can also be mooted to spread the communication. Economic Advantage of cultivation Vs purchase from trade channels can also be demonstrated (in some of the cases).

But the issue of Will, is not Industry involvement in cultivation per se, but the Industry agreeing to be a stakeholder in cultivation schemes. Cultivation as a practice need not be a subject matter of skill development for the Ayurvedic Industry.

It is the involvement in buy back schemes, which has to be the resolve. Availability of market or buy back guarantees are the backbone of any pioneer cultivation activity and this is the only positive expression expected from Ayurvedic Industry.

An Agro Technology put into motion involves an element of risk as the yields are not well demonstrated or documented. But all efforts by private sector farming and other public sector organizations come to a naught with a vacuum on buy back guarantees (Quantity & Rate specific)

Ayurvedic Industry must understand that cultivation involvement need not mean faring but in the Industry perspective refers to specifying species, quantity, schedule and rate by which a cultivation scheme can be put into motion. This expression of involvement is a great essential for any cultivation programme to be initiated and a simple resolve of the Will.

The Ability

Medicinal Plants sourced from cultivation vs. conventional sources will be uneconomical! Not a statement with firm basis of experiential wisdom. But more an auto reflex comment. India is an Agararian economy with a major part of the GDP still dependant on the agricultural performance. Naturally, government policy and resources have been aligned to support this sector and ensure this is as a source of livelihood for the masses. Medicinal Plant cultivation is to be aligned into these policy initiatives.

Some states like Maharashtra have already recognized few medicinal plants in the purview of horticultural schemes and grants. There is also talk of medicinal plant crops be also considered for support through the Employment Guarantee Scheme and other rural development programmes. A careful plan that takes advantage of all schemes and grants available to the Agricultural sector will result in to a firming of the resource availability for Medicinal Plant cultivation schemes.

On an average an ayurvedic industrial unit of medium size will use over 150 herbs as input materials. Can all inputs be cultivated in the quantity and schedule specified to suit the economic advantage of individual Industry? Naturally the answer is negative. The approach to confirm Ability is a Consortium Approach. Like-minded, focused consortiums within the Ayurvedic Industry will have to be mooted at local level to take advantage of pooling in of requirements and volumes. The overheads required to coordinate an Agro programme and investments in infrastructure will become affordable. Risk is also minimized and advantage of volumes can be realized. The consortiums initially will be viable only at local level till yield patterns and economic feasibility for particular species is confirmed. Micro planning of multiple crops and availability of fresh inputs will also require a local level approach.

Will and Ability have always been foundational requirement for a successful mission. The onus is on the Ayurvedic Industry to play its role and be a coparcenor to ensure a sustainable flow of Medicinal Plants in the coming times.

-- The author is CEO, Shri Dhootpapeshwar Ltd.