The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH is implementing a “Central Sector Scheme on Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants” since 2014-15. Under this scheme, the National Medicinal Plants Board has provided project based support to establish Twenty Four (24) Medicinal Plants Conservation and Development Areas (MPCDAs) in seven states. An amount of Rs. 940 Lacs was sanctioned and Rs. 635.99 Lacs released for establishing above mentioned Medicinal Plants Conservation and Development Areas (MPCDAs).
The role of Medicinal Plants Conservation and Development Areas (MPCDAs) is in-situ conservation/protection of medicinal plants in their natural habitats. The long term benefit of MPCDAs is also to generate livelihood for Local/Tribal communities through sustainable utilization.
This information was given by Minister of State for Ayush Shri Mahendrabhai Munjapara in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.