Context:
A two-day national workshop on “Soil Testing and Management for Sustainable Cultivation of High-Quality Medicinal Herbs”, held on 27–28 October, organised by Patanjali Organic Research Institute (RCSCNRI-1) in collaboration with Patanjali Research Foundation and Patanjali University, with support from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
Key Focus:
- Emphasis on soil testing technology (notably the “Dharti ka Rocker (Rikeri)” soil-testing machine) and organic cultivation practices to improve the yield and quality of medicinal herbs.
- Release of publications such as Swasth Dhara and Medicinal Plants: Innovation in Phytomedicines and Relevant Industries.
- NABARD’s participation highlighted its mission of supporting sustainable agriculture and rural enterprises.
Significance:
- Strengthens the link between traditional medicine systems and agriculture by enhancing the cultivation of medicinal herbs — a core focus area under the AYUSH ecosystem.
- Promotes technology adoption in the agronomy of medicinal plants, which is important both for wellness/AYUSH industry growth and for rural farmer livelihoods.
- Enhances NABARD’s role in financing and supporting rural innovation and high-value crops through institutional partnerships.
