Shegaon, Maharashtra: The Ministry of AYUSH highlighted its integrated healthcare and rural prosperity model at the National Arogya Mela 2026 held in Shegaon from February 25 to 28. The ministry’s pavilion showcased its commitment to preventive, promotive, and holistic healthcare, along with a strong focus on empowering rural livelihoods through medicinal plant cultivation.
Focus on Preventive Healthcare and Lifestyle Management
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Prataprao Jadhav, addressed farmers, healthcare professionals, and citizens during the event. He emphasized that AYUSH systems are emerging as a strong foundation for preventive healthcare and rural development.
The minister encouraged citizens to adopt disciplined lifestyles to prevent lifestyle-related diseases and promoted traditional home remedies rooted in Indian knowledge systems. He described the “Aaji Bai Ka Batua” concept as an affordable and effective self-care model at the village level.
Research Achievements and Public Health Initiatives on Display
The AYUSH pavilion featured participation from research councils, national institutes, and the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB).
Visitors were introduced to:
- Research achievements in AYUSH systems
- Academic and training programmes
- Clinical services and public health initiatives
- Medicinal plants and herbal product innovations
Interactive digital displays and IEC materials attracted significant public attention.
Free Consultations and Yoga Sessions Draw Participation
Experts from Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy provided free consultations and distributed medicines. Live yoga demonstrations and therapeutic yoga sessions witnessed enthusiastic participation from citizens.
The AYUSH Aahar section promoted region-specific balanced dietary practices aligned with traditional wellness principles.
Boost to Farmers Through Medicinal Plant Cultivation
A key highlight of the event was the focus on increasing farmers’ income through medicinal plant farming.
The NMPB stall showcased initiatives related to:
- Quality planting materials
- Harvesting techniques
- Market linkages
- Supply chain development
Nearly 2,000 farmers attended a dedicated workshop, and nine Letters of Intent were signed. A major buy-back agreement for 100 metric tonnes of turmeric was finalized, strengthening the supply chain for medicinal crops.
Strengthening India’s Global Role in Medicinal Supply Chain
Minister Jadhav emphasized the need for organized markets, quality standards, and institutional collaboration to position India as a reliable global supplier of medicinal plant raw materials.
The National Arogya Mela 2026 emerged as a dynamic platform for dialogue between citizens, farmers, healthcare professionals, and industry stakeholders, reinforcing India’s commitment to holistic healthcare and sustainable rural development.
