Ministry Spotlights Growth Potential for Small Scale Enterprises in the Field of Traditional Medicines
The Ayush Export Promotion Council (AYUSHEXCIL) hosted an industry interactive session titled "Fostering Growth: SME Schemes and Opportunities for the Ayush Industry" on July 16, 2025. The session, held in collaboration with the Rashtriya Ayurved Vidyapeeth and the Ministry of AYUSH, brought together key policymakers, industry experts, and stakeholders to explore the potential of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in advancing the Ayush sector.
Dr. Kousthubha Upadhyaya, Adviser to the Ministry of Ayush, opened the session, emphasizing the crucial role that MSMEs play in the growth and innovation of the Ayush industry. Dr. Upadhyaya provided practical information on how entrepreneurs can leverage government support to expand their operations within the Ayush sector.
Anuja Bapat, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of MSME, delivered an insightful presentation detailing various schemes available to support enterprises working within the Ayush framework. These government programs provide financial aid, technical assistance, quality enhancement, and market expansion support to Ayush-based enterprises.
Both the Ministry of AYUSH and MSME emphasized the need to improve product quality and scale operations to meet increasing domestic and international demand, thus enhancing global competitiveness of Ayush SMEs. Innovation and sustainable growth were also highlighted as key drivers for the traditional medicine sector, with MSMEs encouraged to embrace these principles in their operations.
The session underlined the role of MSMEs in driving innovation within traditional medicine sectors and encouraged sustainable growth strategies aligned with the government’s overall vision for the sector. Discussions highlighted promising opportunities in medicinal plants and ingredients such as Sea Buckthorn, and state-level investment prospects, such as those presented by Chhattisgarh, focused on promoting Ayush sector MSMEs.
Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Kumar Dadhich, CEO of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), discussed the untapped potential of Sea Buckthorn and its relevance in Ayush-based formulations. Ritu Sain, Investment Commissioner of Chhattisgarh, presented investment opportunities in the state that align with the goals of the Ayush sector.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, and S.C.L. Das, Secretary, Ministry of MSME, were among the prominent dignitaries present at the event. Both emphasized the need for higher quality standards and greater scalability in the Ayush industry. They also underscored the importance of the right policy support and active stakeholder engagement in making MSMEs a driving force in making Ayush globally competitive.
The initiatives reflect a collaborative approach involving AYUSHEXCIL, Rashtriya Ayurved Vidyapeeth, and government ministries, ensuring a cohesive support system for SMEs in the Ayush industry. While exact scheme names and detailed application processes were not specified in the available sources, the government continues to boost MSME growth through financial schemes, capacity building, export support, and innovation incentives tailored for the traditional medicine sector.
The session concluded with a shared commitment to promote sustainable growth, innovation, and collaboration across the Ayush value chain. This commitment underscores the Indian government's ongoing efforts to support the growth and development of the Ayush sector, particularly through the empowerment of Small and Medium Enterprises.
[1] Ministry of Ayush (2025). AYUSHEXCIL Organizes Industry Interactive Session on SME Schemes for Ayush Industry. [Online] Available at: https://ayush.gov.in/ayushexcil-organizes-industry-interactive-session-on-sme-schemes-for-ayush-industry/
[2] Ministry of MSME (2025). MSME Joint Secretary Highlights Schemes for Ayush SMEs. [Online] Available at: https://msme.gov.in/msme-joint-secretary-highlights-schemes-for-ayush-smes/
[3] NMPB (2025). NMPB CEO Discusses Sea Buckthorn's Potential in Ayush-Based Formulations. [Online] Available at: https://nmpb.gov.in/nmpb-ceo-discusses-seabuckthorns-potential-in-ayush-based-formulations/
[4] Chhattisgarh Investment Promotion Board (2025). Chhattisgarh Offers Investment Opportunities in Ayush Sector. [Online] Available at: https://chhattisgarh-ipb.gov.in/chhattisgarh-offers-investment-opportunities-in-ayush-sector/
- The finance sector could play a significant role in supporting the growth and innovation of small businesses in the health-and-wellness industry, specifically in the Ayush sector, by providing the necessary financial aid and technical assistance through government schemes.
- The Ayush industry, with its focus on traditional medicine, can potentially benefit from the small-business industry's emphasis on sustainability and innovation, as the government encourages Ayush-based enterprises to adopt these principles for their operations.
- The science industry could collaborate with small businesses in the Ayush sector to explore the untapped potential of medicinal plants and ingredients, such as Sea Buckthorn, for creating Ayush-based formulations that may appeal to both domestic and international markets.
