Since Ayurveda has been originated, developed and practiced in India for centuries and the country has got complete knowledge and resources to explore the growing global market, it should emerge as the dominant player in the world in this area. Optimizing the traditional knowledge and resources, the country should be able to dictate the standards to the outside world as far as Ayurveda is concerned, opines Dr. D B A Narayana, head, herbals research, Hindustan Liver Limited.

Presenting a paper on ‘Standardization of medicinal plants and global opportunities’ in a scientific session at the one day Seminar “ Ayurved- Only Indian Can Offer” organised by IDMA along with Ayurvedic Drug Manufacturers Association (ADMA) on March 12 in Mumbai, Dr Narayana said that out of 20 top selling herbs in USA, one of the largest global markets for herbs, majority are grown in India. “However, hampered with numerous issues like ignorance about the opportunities, quality and safety, packaging and supply chain problems and regulatory issues, we still lag behind in the world market,” he added.

He suggested that the local industry should identify the right products for exports according to their core potential. Along with, the industry should adopt right technology, good analytical methods to document and ensure safety and quality and, overall, it should be ready to change the conservative mindset.

Shekhar Dutt, secretary, Department of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & Homoeopathy (AYUSH), was the chief guest at the Seminar. In the welcome address, Yogin Majmudar, president IDMA, offered that the Association would support all progressive initiatives within the Ayurvedic sector to connect the traditional industry with modern science through research and also to grow the sector into the growing world market. Pramod Sharma, president, ADMA, and Dr Narendra S Bhatt, chief executive officer, Zandu Pharma also addressed the Seminar.