Medicinal Plants: Farmers Get Bumper Offer, Chance to Become Millionaires!

• The Indian government, through the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) under the Ministry of AYUSH, is inviting proposals for Medicinal Plants Business Centers (MPBC) nationwide.
• The scheme aims to strengthen post-harvest management, promote value addition, and expand market linkages for medicinal plants, addressing low raw material prices for farmers.
• Each MPBC center can receive up to Rs. 5 crore in grant-in-aid, with Rs. 2.40 crore for peripheral and Rs. 2.60 crore for central components, to establish modern infrastructure.
• Facilities will include processing units, quality testing, drying machines, cold storage, packaging, and transportation systems, all in one place.
• Srikakulam district is highlighted as a suitable region due to its agriculture-based lifestyle, favorable climate, proximity to agency areas, and abundant land/labor for cultivation.

Why It Matters: Government scheme offers farmers a chance to boost income through Medicinal Plants Business Centers.