President Murmu Says Medicinal Farming Boosts Farmers’ Income and Soil Health

President Draupadi Murmu expressed her strong support for medicinal plants on Wednesday. She said that cultivating them is beneficial for farmers as it also keeps the soil healthy.

While inaugurating the National Health Fair 2026 in Shegaon, Buldhana district, Maharashtra, President Murmu said that medicinal plants are a treasure trove. They are a source of raw materials for medicines and also help the environment. She said that a healthy life is the greatest happiness, and healthy citizens help build a strong nation.

Disease prevention is beneficial for individuals and also reduces the burden on the country's healthcare system. The Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) is organizing the National Health Fair in Shegaon from February 25th to 28th in collaboration with the All India Ayurvedic Congress.

The President said that she was born and raised in the lap of nature. She herself promotes Ayurveda and follows the Ayurvedic lifestyle. She said that it is said that nature takes care of all the body's needs. But times have changed, and today we have to depend on others for medicines because forests are disappearing. Forests are being burned, and Ayurvedic herbs and medicinal plants are also disappearing.

Even Ayurveda researchers are facing difficulty in obtaining medicinal plants. Therefore, today I feel that not only the government but everyone should think about this and work towards the development of medicinal plants for better health. She stressed the need to cultivate medicinal plants without depending on the government.

He further stated that our agricultural fields, kitchens, and forests contain a precious treasure trove of medicinal plants and health-promoting herbs. Conservation and promotion of this valuable wealth is crucial not only for providing raw materials for medicines but also for maintaining environmental balance. Cultivation of medicinal plants not only improves the economic condition of farmers but also helps in soil health and conservation.