AYUSH Entrepreneurship Development Program, Key Initiatives

The Ministry of AYUSH, in collaboration with the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), has launched the AYUSH Entrepreneurship Development Programme recognized by the NCISM Act, 2020 and the NCH Act, 2020. This initiative aims to uplift the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) sector through various schemes and programs facilitated by the MSME Ministry.

AYUSH Sector Challenges

1. Limited progress in the scientific validation of AYUSH practices which limits their acceptance on a global scale despite significant investments. 
2. Many skilled practitioners are shifting away from traditional systems for better career prospects, leaving a gap in workforce availability.
3. Existing AYUSH facilities and resources are not being used to their full potential which leaves the infrastructure insufficiently used.
4. While there is a growing international demand for AYUSH therapies and products, challenges like lack of export and limited enterprise support which restrict their global outreach.
5. Ayurvedic raw materials, often found in rural, tribal, and forested areas, require better processing infrastructure for effective utilization and job creation.

AYUSH Sector Opportunity

• Export Opportunity: Indian Ayurveda, Yoga, and Siddha systems are gaining attention worldwide. Entrepreneurs can establish clinics or outlets abroad to fulfill this demand.

• Employment Opportunity: Setting up processing units and AYUSH clusters in resource-rich areas can promote job creation, enterprise development, and self-employment opportunities.

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AYUSH Entrepreneurship Development Program Key Initiatives

• Collaboration with MSME: The Ministry of Ayush has partnered with the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) to promote Ayush enterprises.

• Initiatives include:

• 10 Awareness Programs on Digital Advertisement, E-Marketing, GST, and GeM.

• 7 National Seminars/Workshops on packaging, marketing, and export promotion of Ayush products.

• Establishment of AIIA-ICAINE: The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) has launched the Incubation Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (AIIA-ICAINE) to support startups in the Ayush sector.

• ARIVU by CCRS: The Central Council of Research in Siddha (CCRS) has initiated the Academia-Industry Research Incubation for Value-chain Upgradation (ARIVU) to:

• Promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Siddha Research.

• Translate novel ideas into products, processes, and services for social and commercial benefits.

• Research and Innovation Partnerships: Collaborations with organizations like CSIR, ICAR, DBT, and various IITs to advance research, innovation, and higher education in Ayush.

• CCRAS Post Doctoral Fellowship Scheme: The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) offers 10 Post Doctoral Fellowships annually to outstanding PhD/PG graduates in Ayurveda and related disciplines.
• MoU with AGNIi: On November 6, 2019, CCRS signed an MoU with Accelerating Growth of New India Innovation (AGNIi) for the commercialization of R&D technologies and product development.