Ministry of Ayush Showcases Integrated Healthcare and Rural Empowerment at National Arogya Fair 2026
Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav Says Ayush Is Emerging as Backbone of Preventive Healthcare and Rural Prosperity
New Delhi :The Ministry of Ayush is presenting a comprehensive and vibrant pavilion at the National Arogya Fair 2026, being held from February 25 to 28 in Shegaon, Buldhana district of Maharashtra. The showcase highlights the government’s commitment to strengthening preventive, promotive, and integrative healthcare while promoting rural livelihoods through medicinal plant cultivation and value addition.
Addressing farmers, practitioners, entrepreneurs and members of the public on the second day of the fair, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav emphasized the growing importance of Ayush systems in tackling lifestyle-related disorders such as diabetes and hypertension. He encouraged citizens to adopt disciplined daily routines and simple Ayurvedic home remedies, referring to the traditional concept of “Aaji Bai ka Batua” as a practical village-level self-care model.
Stating that Ayush represents more than just a system of medicine, Jadhav described it as a movement for social transformation, rural empowerment, and global leadership in holistic healthcare.
The pavilion features participation from research councils, national institutes and the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), showcasing research achievements, academic programmes, clinical services and public health initiatives across Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy. Visitors are being provided free medical consultations and authentic Ayush medicines, along with live yoga demonstrations and yoga therapy sessions.
An exclusive “Ayush Aahar” segment is also promoting region-specific and nutritionally balanced dietary practices rooted in Ayush principles, underlining the role of diet in preventive healthcare.
A major highlight of the event has been the focus on medicinal plant cultivation. Around 2,000 farmers participated in a dedicated workshop organised in coordination with agricultural and research institutions. Nine Letters of Intent were signed, including a significant agreement between Sevarpan Farmer Producer Organization and Veloce Herbals Pvt. Ltd., Gwalior, for the assured procurement of 100 metric tonnes of turmeric under a buy-back arrangement. The initiative is expected to boost cultivation of high-value medicinal crops such as turmeric, ginger, shatavari and aloe vera.
Shri Mahesh Kumar Dadhich, CEO of the National Medicinal Plants Board, also addressed farmers on the Central Sector Scheme on Medicinal Plants, aimed at promoting sustainable cultivation and conservation across the country.
The National Arogya Fair 2026 has emerged as an important platform for engagement between policymakers, healthcare professionals, farmers and industry stakeholders, reinforcing the Ministry’s vision of holistic health, rural prosperity and positioning India as a global leader in Ayush systems.