A significant session was held in New Delhi on July 16, 2025, where the Ministry of Ayush and the Ayush Export Promotion Council (AYUSHEXCIL) openly discussed the role of small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the traditional medicine sector. The aim of the program was to highlight existing schemes and investment opportunities for MSMEs.
This interactive session was titled “Fostering Growth: SME Schemes and Opportunities for the Ayush Industry”, and included senior central government officials, industry experts, and representatives from various states.
New Doors Opening for Small Enterprises
The session began with Dr. Kaustubh Upadhyay (Advisor, Ministry of Ayush) clearly stating that if MSMEs receive the right direction and support, the Ayush sector can be taken to new heights. According to him, small enterprises have the ability to innovate rapidly, and this is the biggest need of the sector.
Following this, Anuja Bapat (Joint Secretary, Ministry of MSME) gave a detailed presentation outlining which schemes of the MSME Ministry could benefit the Ayush industry. She advised entrepreneurs to take full advantage of these government schemes and take their business not only in the country but also internationally.
The discussion also highlighted that MSMEs need not only financial assistance but also market access, quality upgradation, and the use of technology.
Great Potential Hidden in Medicinal Plants
During the session, Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Kumar Daadich, CEO of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), drew attention to an important aspect. Speaking about the utility of medicinal plants like sea buckthorn, he explained how they can be used in Ayush-based products.
He believes that if India's traditional knowledge and biodiversity capital are linked with proper research and enterprise, this entire sector can become self-reliant as well as a b player in the global market.
In the same session, Ritu Saini, Investment Commissioner of the Government of Chhattisgarh, provided information on investment opportunities available in the state. She explained how the state government is preparing policies and infrastructure to promote Ayush-based industries.
Most Emphasis on Quality and Scalability
At the end of the session, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, and S.C.L. Das, Secretary of the Ministry of MSME, jointly reiterated that now is the time to strengthen quality standards and make the Ayush sector scalable.
Both officials said that this is the right time to present the traditional medicine system to the world, and MSMEs can play an important role in this. They also said that the government is ready to provide all possible policy support in this direction, provided the industry and startups work honestly on their ideas.
The Entire Industry Showed Solidarity
One thing became clear from this entire session – industry, government, and investors have all started thinking in the same direction. MSMEs need not only financial support but also technology, market, and quality improvement.
The participants present at the program agreed that the time has come to connect traditional knowledge with modern business models, and research, innovation, and entrepreneurs connected to the grassroots will have a big role to play in this.
The session concluded with the resolution that cooperation will now be extended at every level to make the Ayush sector sustainable, innovative, and globally competitive.
