In a bid to raise awareness about the health benefits of medicinal plants, a species-specific campaign titled “Shatavari –For Better Health" was launched today by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Dr. Mahesh Kumar Dadhich, CEO, National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), and senior officials from the Ministry of Ayush were present on the occasion.

In his address, Shri Prataprao Jadhav highlighted the significant progress made by the Ministry of Ayush over the last decade and lauded the efforts of NMPB for launching this new initiative to promote awareness about Shatavari. The Minister also mentioned previous successful campaigns led by NMPB, including those for Amla, Moringa, Giloe, and Ashwagandha. These initiatives have contributed to spreading knowledge of the health benefits of medicinal plants across the country.

Shri Prataprao Jadhav also emphasised the relevance of Shatavari in achieving the Panch Pran Goal outlined by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech on August 15, 2022. The Prime Minister envisioned making India a developed nation by its 100th Independence Day in 2047. As part of this mission, the Shatavari plant has been identified as a key resource for enhancing women’s health in India. This aligns with the broader goal of holistic well-being of citizens.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, elaborated on the activities and achievements of NMPB in promoting medicinal plants. He also shared insights into the Central Sector Scheme for the Conservation, Development, and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants, an initiative to ensure the long-term preservation and cultivation of important medicinal species, including Shatavari.

Dr. Mahesh Kumar Dadhich, CEO, NMPB, highlighted the medicinal importance of Shatavari, especially for its benefits to women’s health, and discussed the agro-economic potential of this plant. He informed the attendees that financial assistance amounting to ₹18.9 Lakhs will be provided to eligible organizations to support the campaign, fostering greater awareness and wider adoption of Shatavari in the public health landscape.

Shatavari, known for its numerous health benefits, particularly in supporting women’s health and enhancing immunity, will now receive focused attention through this campaign, ensuring it reaches wider audiences across the nation. The campaign marks another significant step in the Ministry of Ayush’s continued efforts to promote traditional medicine and medicinal plants for better health and well-being in India.

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