Inspite of its rich herbal wealth, the State of Uttarakhand is not supporting the herbal industry as the supply of herbs from Uttarakhand to such pharmaceutical units is very limited.
This was one of the views which emerged at a programme organised by the Ayurvedic Medicines Manufacturers Welfare Association of Uttarakhand to honour Ayurvedic doctors, manufacturers and scientists working on scientific documentation of Indian herbs and endangered medicinal plants. The State Health minister Surendra Singh Negi, who was slated to be the chief guest at the programme was represented by the Raipur MlA Umesh Sharma ‘Kau’ in the programme which was presided over by Dr S Farooq with the Uttarakhand Drug Controller Dr RK Sharma as the guest of honour.
A total of 25 persons were honoured for their work. On the occasion, it was said that India is progressing in the pharmaceutical business and though based on the volume it has the third position, based on the value, the country is at the 13th position. The Ayurvedic medicines constitute a very limited share of the pharmaceuticals produced and this share needs to be increased.
Uttarakhand is not taking advantage of its natural resources in supporting the herbal industries by supplying the required herbs, said speakers.