While Kerala has always been synonymous with Ayurveda and countless healing centres, the state will soon have an Ayurvedic village of its own—a first in the country. Another feather in the cap for Kannur will be the initiation of a clinical and molecular studies by Oushadhi, vouched as the largest producer of ayurvedic medicines in the public sector in India. These initiatives are known to boost the demand for ayurveda products globally.

“The ayurvedic village is perhaps the first of its kind in the country. The state government has already submitted a proposal for the same to the Ministry of AYUSH and a response is being awaited,” said K R Viswambharan, Chairman, Oushadhi.

He further mentioned that the village would comprise a demarcated space for the cultivation of medicinal plants, ayurvedic product manufacturing units and a state-of-the-art research centre. The concerned authorities have predicted that these initiatives will help to boost the already mushrooming export of ayurvedic products.

The Oushadhi chairman said they have approached the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation with the demand of allotting funds for establishing research facilities, and also hold talks with the Confederation for Ayurvedic Renaissance-Keralam Ltd at Koratty, Thrissur, for assistance in research activities.

In general, the export of ayurvedic products takes place under the Indian Trade Classification based on harmonised system of coding and has two separate codes for medicants and medicaments. According to Ministry of AYUSH, most of the ayurvedic products are suitably modified for their use in the international market in accordance with the importing country’s classification and acceptance.