The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) under the Ayush Ministry and Andrew Yule & Co. Ltd. (AYCL), a sole public-sector enterprise of the Government in the tea industry, has joined hands to conduct a comprehensive research initiative into the health benefits of tea, especially its potential applications in Ayurvedic medicine.
“This will help to establish a wellness range of teas in health and wellness centers. The collaboration will help build entrepreneurship and boost the startup ecosystem,” said Prof. (Dr) Tanuja Nesari, Director of AIIA at an event here after signing the pact.
On the occasion, Union Ayush Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also released a postal stamp on the 1st anniversary of AIIA Goa in the presence of Dr Munjapara Mahendrabhai, Minister of State Ministry of Ayush and Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush. RS Manku, CMD, Andrew Yule, AIIA Goa Dean Prof (Dr) Sujata Kadam were present at the event.
Minister Sonowal underscored the traditional consumption of tea in Assam, not just for its taste, but also for its medicinal properties. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for championing the integration of traditional medicinal knowledge with scientific research.
Sonowal also highlighted the potential for Assam to emerge as a hub for healing tourism in the Southeast Asian region. The AYCL seven tea gardens in Assam will be utilized for the research initiative.
Calling the pact between the AIIA and Andrew Yule & Co Ltd yet another reflection of growing demand for ayurveda products in domestic and abroad markets, Kotecha said that as per the MoU, an expert team from AIIA will gather tea samples from AYCL estates for rigorous laboratory research. The aim is to evaluate the health benefits of tea and its potential use in Ayurvedic medicine, he added.
According to reports, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world. The demand for the herbal product is expected to surge because of growing awareness about its advantages, which include enhancing the immune system, preserving bones and teeth, lowering the risk of kidney stones, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, and regulating blood cholesterol levels. By 2027, the tea market is anticipated to be worth roughly USD 28 billion, as per reports.
