Kerala Targets Rs 1,000 Crore investment in Ayurveda Sector

KOCHI:
Kerala has set a target of attracting investments worth Rs 1,000 crore in the Ayurveda sector before the Invest Kerala Global Summit, which will be held in the port city in February.

Industries Minister P Rajeeve made the announcement at the sectoral meeing on ‘Ayurdeva and Pharmaceuticals’, which was organised by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) here as a buildup to next year’s summit.

He interacted with Ayurveda entrepreneurs and requested the support of the stakeholders and their associations to achieve the target.

The entrepreneurs called for establishing institutes to teach non-degree courses in this field.

The minister assured that such courses would not fail to get approved. Getting approval for courses for pharmacists and therapists would not be difficult.

“There are huge investment opportunities in the Ayurveda sector in Kerala. The industries department will extend all support to the entrepreneurs to overcome practical difficulties,” Rajeeve said.

“With the advent of modern technology, the least job loss is in the Ayurvedic sector. Hence, this sector can generate employment opportunities. Ayurveda is an area where local communities can find employment.”

APM Muhammad Hanish, Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce, made a presentation on the new industrial policy and the Invest Kerala Global Summit.

KSIDC MD S Harikishore welcomed the participants, and Hari Krishnan R, Executive Director, offered a vote of thanks.

Kerala State drugs and pharmaceuticals MD E A Subramanian, Dhathri Ayurveda CMD Dr S Sajikumar, Oushadhi MD Dr T K Hrideek, Sreedhareeyam Ayurveda Gaveshana Kendram MD Hari N Namboothiri, Bipha Drugs MD Ajay George Varghese, Everest Ayurveda CEO, Joychan K Erinjery and Sitaram Ayurveda Pharmacy MD Dr D Ramanathan Ramanathan participated in the panel discussion of Ayurveda and pharmaceuticals.

The speakers hailed the tremendous support the state government gave to protect the credibility of Ayurveda.

They opined that innovation and modern technology should be integrated into Ayurveda without compromising on traditional and heritage elements. The advent of quality standards for Ayurvedic treatment has greatly benefited the industry.