Ayush as Preventive Healthcare Backbone
Addressing a large gathering on the second day of the fair, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, said Ayush is steadily becoming the backbone of preventive healthcare and rural prosperity. He stressed the importance of disciplined lifestyles, including early sleep and early rising, to prevent lifestyle disorders such as diabetes and hypertension.
Highlighting traditional home remedies, he referred to the concept of “Aaji Bai ka Batua” as a simple and affordable self-care model rooted in Indian wisdom. According to him, Ayush represents not just a system of medicine but a broader movement for social transformation and holistic health leadership.
Comprehensive Pavilion Showcases Research and Services
The Ministry’s pavilion features active participation from Research Councils, National Institutes and the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB). Visitors are being introduced to research achievements, clinical services, public health initiatives and academic programmes across Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy.
Interactive digital displays and exhibitions on medicinal plants and herbal products have drawn significant attention. Informational materials detailing flagship schemes and research outcomes are being widely distributed to spread awareness about the Ministry’s initiatives.
Free Consultations and Yoga Demonstrations
A major highlight of the fair is the provision of free medical consultations by qualified Ayush practitioners. Authentic medicines are also being distributed at no cost, ensuring direct healthcare support for underserved communities.
Live Yoga demonstrations and therapeutic sessions are witnessing enthusiastic participation. The exclusive “Ayush Aahar” segment is promoting region-specific and nutritionally balanced dietary practices, reinforcing the connection between diet and preventive health.
Medicinal Farming Gains Momentum
Beyond healthcare services, the fair has placed strong emphasis on rural empowerment through medicinal plant cultivation. The NMPB stall has attracted farmers and agri-entrepreneurs interested in cultivation techniques, quality planting material, post-harvest management and market linkages.
In coordination with the Agricultural Officer of ATMA Buldhana, PDKV Akola, RCFC Pune and NMPB Delhi, a large-scale workshop on medicinal plant farming was organised. Around 2,000 farmers participated, leading to the signing of nine Letters of Intent.
A key agreement was signed between Sevarpan Farmer Producer Organization and Veloce Herbals Pvt. Ltd., Gwalior, for assured procurement of 100 metric tonnes of turmeric. The buy-back arrangement is expected to provide stable pricing and strengthen supply chains for medicinal crops.
Officials believe such structured market linkages will encourage large-scale cultivation of high-value crops like turmeric, ginger, shatavari and aloe vera, enhancing farmer incomes while supporting the growing Ayush industry.
Institutional Support for Global Leadership
Shri Jadhav emphasised that India must build robust quality standards and reliable supply chains to become a trusted global supplier of medicinal plant raw materials. Shri Mahesh Kumar Dadhich, CEO of the National Medicinal Plants Board, also addressed farmers on the Central Sector Scheme on Medicinal Plants, which promotes sustainable cultivation and conservation across the country.
The National Arogya Fair 2026 has emerged as a significant platform for direct engagement between policymakers, farmers, healthcare professionals and industry stakeholders. By combining healthcare services with livelihood opportunities, the Ministry of Ayush is advancing its vision of holistic health and rural prosperity.
