Ministry of Ayush Emphasizes Potential Expansion Paths for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in the Realm of Traditional Medicine Industry
In a recent industry interactive session titled "Fostering Growth: SME Schemes and Opportunities for the Ayush Industry," held on July 16, 2025, key policymakers, industry experts, and stakeholders gathered to discuss the potential of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Ayush sector.
Dr. Kousthubha Upadhyaya, Adviser to the Ministry of Ayush, opened the session and emphasised the crucial role that MSMEs play in the growth and innovation of the Ayush industry. The session concluded with a shared commitment to promote sustainable growth, innovation, and collaboration across the Ayush value chain.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, was among the prominent dignitaries present at the event. S.C.L. Das, Secretary of the Ministry of MSME, also attended the session.
Ritu Sain, Investment Commissioner of Chhattisgarh, presented investment opportunities in the state that align with Ayush sector goals. Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Kumar Dadhich, CEO of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), discussed the potential of Sea Buckthorn for Ayush-based formulations.
Anuja Bapat, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of MSME, delivered a presentation detailing various schemes available to support enterprises working within the Ayush framework. She stressed that with the right policy support and active stakeholder engagement, MSMEs can drive Ayush towards global competitiveness. Her presentation provided practical information on how entrepreneurs can leverage government support to expand their operations in the Ayush sector.
The role of MSMEs in the growth and competitiveness of the Ayush sector is central to driving sustainable growth, innovation, and economic development within the industry. MSMEs are recognised as key enablers for expanding the Ayush market, fostering innovation, and enhancing competitiveness by leveraging traditional knowledge alongside modern technological advancements.
MSMEs are pivotal in sustaining the sector's growth by introducing innovative products, services, and solutions that target both domestic and global markets. Their agility allows them to adapt to emerging trends such as digital health, AI integration, and sustainable practices.
The Ayush sector, valued at over US$43 billion as noted by the WHO, benefits significantly from MSMEs that contribute to product diversification, employment generation, and regional development, amplifying its overall economic footprint.
MSMEs are instrumental in adopting cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital platforms, to enhance traditional medicine practices. India's leadership in integrating AI with Ayush—through initiatives like the Ayush Grid, SAHI, NAMASTE, and Ayush Research portals—supports MSMEs in developing evidence-based, globally competitive healthcare solutions.
There is a strong call for increased support in terms of funding, capacity building, and regulatory facilitation to empower MSMEs, enabling them to harness opportunities within the Ayush industry fully. These mechanisms help MSMEs innovate, scale, and meet global quality standards.
Specialized training programs and strategic interventions promote MSME resilience and vibrant participation in the sector, facilitating alignment with sustainable, green, and digital practices essential for future competitiveness.
Thus, MSMEs serve as the backbone for elevating the Ayush sector's growth trajectory and global competitiveness by combining indigenous knowledge with modern innovation, supported by institutional and governmental frameworks.
- Recognizing the significance of science and technology, Anuja Bapat highlighted that with the right policy support and active stakeholder engagement, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can drive the Ayush sector towards global competitiveness by adopting cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital platforms, to enhance traditional medicine practices.
- To further foster innovation and health-and-wellness in the Ayush sector, specialized training programs and strategic interventions are crucial in promoting MSME resilience and vibrant participation, facilitating alignment with sustainable, green, and digital practices essential for future competitiveness.
