To support farmers engaged in medicinal plant cultivation and to prevent their exploitation, the State Medicinal Plants Board has launched a dedicated on-call help center at the Peachy Forest Research Center. This initiative was introduced after identifying that many farmers are unaware of the market potential, pricing, and best practices related to medicinal plants.
The help center gives primary importance to farmers, especially those cultivating or planning to cultivate medicinal herbs, by offering expert guidance and timely information.
The call center provides practical and market-driven assistance to farmers in several ways:
Market Price Awareness
Farmers are informed about price differences across markets.
For example:
- Holy basil (Tulsi) may cost ₹25 per kg in the pharmaceutical market
- The same produce can fetch ₹125 per kg in the pooja (religious) market
Such insights help farmers choose the right market at the right time, ensuring better income.
Right Time to Sell Produce
Experts guide farmers on when not to sell their produce, helping them avoid distress sales during unfavorable seasons.
Guidance on Medicinal Plant Cultivation
Those interested in herb and medicinal plant farming can get advice on:
- Which medicinal plants to cultivate
- Suitable cultivation methods
- Climate and soil requirements
Harvesting, Processing, and Storage Support
Farmers can also seek guidance on:
- Best practices for harvesting medicinal plants
- Proper processing and storage techniques
- Identifying quality standards required by buyers
Marketing, Financial Assistance & Planning
The call center helps farmers understand:
- Where and how to sell medicinal plants
- Available financial assistance and government schemes
- Planning cultivation and marketing strategies effectively
The primary goal of the call center is to end the exploitation of farmers by middlemen and misinformation. By providing accurate, expert-backed information, farmers can make informed decisions and maximize their profits.
The scheme aims to:
- Provide timely assistance related to new subsidies and support programs
- Collect and preserve agricultural and medicinal plant knowledge
- Make this knowledge available for future generations
- Help farmers create proper cultivation and marketing plans
Queries received at the call center are addressed with the involvement of experts from:
- Agricultural University Research Centers
- Ayurveda Industry Sector
- Central and State Medicinal Plants Board
This ensures that farmers receive reliable, research-based, and practical guidance.
📞 Phone Number: 0487 2690333
📍 Location : Peachy Forest Research Center
