ARISE Herbal Garden

Overview

ARISE – Ayurveda Research in Industry Science and Environment is a Committee formed by Ayurveda Hospital Managements Association

This project focuses on Research in Ayurveda, Ayurveda Industry Services and Products, Science Education, Integration and Innovation, Environment Conservation and Sustainability.

The Environment Committee of ARISE aims at Good Agricultural Practices, Medicinal Plants Cultivation, Quality Raw Materials, Safe & Natural Dietary Practices, and Sustainability.

This “ARISE Herbal Garden” is a Project proposed by the Environment Forum -AERF.

Goals

• Environment conservation.
• Educating school children and the general public about medicinal plants, their uses, cultivation, and knowledge of Ayurveda in general.
• Increasing the availability of quality and organic herbal raw materials.
• Providing reasonable prices and a stable market for cultivators.

Implementation Plan

Timeline: Signing of MOUs with Agencies supplying saplings or preparation of saplings to be planned in APRIL- MAY.

Inauguration of the Project to be ideally on 5th of JUNE – World Environment Day.

Herbal Garden and Cultivation to be implemented once monsoon commences.

Knowledge Resource Development: Create educational materials such as pamphlets, brochures, and online resources about the medicinal plants being cultivated, their uses, and Ayurvedic principles.

Site Selection and Preparation: Identify suitable land or a partner location. Prepare the land for cultivation, ensuring proper drainage and soil health. Consider organic farming principles from the outset.

Medicinal Plant Selection: Choose a variety of medicinal plants based on local needs, market demand, and their suitability to the climate and soil. Prioritize species used in Ayurvedic practices.

Seedling/Sapling Procurement: Source high-quality seeds and saplings from certified nurseries or establish a nursery within the herbal garden. Prioritize indigenous varieties.

Cultivation and Maintenance: Implement organic farming practices, including composting, vermiculture, and natural pest control. Establish a system for regular watering, weeding, and maintenance.

Infrastructure Development: Set up necessary infrastructure, including fencing, irrigation systems, composting units, and a small processing area for initial processing of harvested herbs.

Training Programs

Farmers’ Training: Conduct workshops and training sessions for local farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for medicinal plants, organic farming techniques, and sustainable harvesting methods. Provide training on post-harvest handling and processing to maintain quality.

School Children’s Workshops: Organize interactive workshops for school children to educate them about the importance of medicinal plants, their identification, uses, and conservation. Include hands-on activities like planting and identifying herbs.

General Public Awareness: Conduct awareness programs and demonstrations for the general public on the benefits of Ayurveda, the importance of medicinal plants in daily life, and the need for environmental conservation.

Follow-up and Documentation

Regular Monitoring: Establish a system for regular monitoring of the herbal garden, including plant growth, pest and disease incidence, and soil health.

Data Recording: Maintain detailed records of planting, harvesting, yields, and other relevant data. This information will be useful for future planning and research.

Documentation: Document the entire project, including the implementation plan, training programs, and outcomes. This documentation can serve as a guide for similar projects.

Impact Assessment: Periodically assess the project’s impact on the environment, local community, and the availability of quality raw materials.

Marketing of Saplings and Products

Sapling Sales: Offer saplings of medicinal plants for sale to the public and local farmers, promoting home gardens and the cultivation of medicinal herbs.

Herbal Product Development: Explore the possibility of developing value-added herbal products, such as dried herbs, herbal teas, or ointments, adhering to quality standards and regulations.

Marketing Channels: Establish marketing channels for saplings and products, including direct sales, online platforms, and partnerships with local shops and Ayurvedic medicine manufacturers. Consider farmers’ markets and community events.

Pricing Strategy: Develop a fair and competitive pricing strategy that benefits both the cultivators and the consumers.

Collaborations

Local Farmers: Collaborate with local farmers to promote the cultivation of medicinal plants and provide them with a market for their produce.

Educational Institutions: Partner with schools and colleges to conduct educational programs and workshops on medicinal plants and Ayurveda.

Ayurvedic Institutions and Organizations: Collaborate with Medicine Manufacturers and Ayurvedic hospitals to ensure a steady supply of quality raw materials and promote the use of Quality Raw Materials. Ayurvedic Institutions which supply medicinal plant saplings.

Research Organizations: Partner with research organizations to conduct research on medicinal plants, their properties, and their applications.

Government Agencies: Liaise with relevant government agencies for funding, approvals, and support for the project. Medicinal Plant Board, AYUSH Ministry, Forest Department (KFRI).

Conclusion

The AHMA-ARISE Herbal Garden project has the potential to significantly contribute to environmental conservation, awareness about medicinal plants, and the availability of quality medicinal plant raw materials. By implementing the plan outlined above, conducting effective training programs, and establishing strong collaborations, this project can achieve its goals and create a sustainable model for the cultivation and utilization of medicinal