In a major initiative aimed at strengthening India’s position as a global hub for traditional wellness and natural healthcare products, the Ayush Export Promotion Council (AYUSHEXCIL) and the Spices Board of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote cooperation in the fields of Ayurveda, medicinal spices, and value-added wellness products.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, who described the partnership as a “visionary and forward-looking initiative” that would strengthen India’s traditional wellness systems and expand their global reach.
Speaking at the event, the Minister said that Ayurveda and Indian spices have long represented India’s ancient wisdom in preventive healthcare, balanced living, and natural healing. He noted that the collaboration between the two organisations reflects a shared commitment to supporting farmers, exporters, startups, MSMEs, and global consumers seeking natural wellness solutions.
According to the Minister, the partnership focuses on several important areas including quality enhancement, traceability systems, scientific validation, innovation, export promotion, and the development of international markets for Indian wellness products. He emphasised that the initiative would help create a stronger ecosystem for functional foods, nutraceuticals, herbal extracts, and Ayurvedic formulations based on medicinal spices.
A key highlight of the collaboration is the proposed “Spice and Heal” branding initiative, which aims to position India as a leading global destination for holistic healthcare and natural healing products. Shri Jadhav stated that the campaign has the potential to showcase the country’s traditional knowledge systems and wellness heritage on the international stage while creating new opportunities for Indian businesses and exporters.
The Minister also underlined the Government’s focus on empowering MSMEs, startups, women entrepreneurs, and farmers through initiatives linked to the Ayush and spice sectors. He said the partnership aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Atmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, Make in India, and Heal in India.
He further added that India’s traditional healthcare practices and natural products are increasingly gaining international recognition, making it essential to build strong standards, scientific credibility, and branding mechanisms to compete effectively in the global wellness economy.
The MoU was formally signed by Dr. Anurag Sharma, Chairman of AYUSHEXCIL, and M. S. Manivannan, Secretary of the Spices Board of India. The collaboration seeks to enhance global cooperation in Ayush products and medicinal spices through joint efforts in standardisation, research, innovation, and international market development.
Under the agreement, both organisations will work together on branding and promotional campaigns, traceability frameworks, scientific research, Codex engagement, and capacity-building programmes for stakeholders across the wellness and spice industries. They will also jointly participate in international trade fairs and export promotion events to increase global visibility for Indian products.
Officials believe that the partnership will create fresh opportunities for exporters and entrepreneurs while also strengthening rural livelihoods and farmer incomes. By promoting high-quality Ayurvedic and spice-based products in global markets, the initiative is expected to contribute significantly to India’s export growth and enhance its reputation as a trusted source of natural wellness solutions.
The collaboration marks another important step in India’s efforts to combine its rich traditional knowledge with modern innovation and international quality standards. Industry experts believe that the growing global demand for herbal wellness products, immunity-boosting ingredients, and natural healthcare solutions provides India with a strong opportunity to emerge as a leading player in the global wellness economy.
With Ayurveda and Indian spices already enjoying worldwide popularity, the AYUSHEXCIL-Spices Board partnership is expected to accelerate the country’s journey towards becoming a global centre for holistic health, sustainable wellness, and natural healing products.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
