State Medicinal Plants Board (SMPB), Kerala

The Department of AYUSH, Government of Kerala, oversees the State Medicinal Plants Board, Kerala (SMPB), which coordinates the promotion, research development, protection, and production of medicinal plants. 

Functions of SMPB

• Encouragement of the production of medicinal plants

• Manufacturing and distribution of high-quality planting materials.

• Create projects and policies for the development, conservation, and non-destructive harvesting of medicinal plants.

• Participatory medicinal plant cultivation ensures a steady supply of raw materials for AYUSH enterprises.

• Conservation of medicinal plants, including RET plants, both in-situ and ex-situ.

• Value added techniques, such as semi-processing, to guaranty that participants receive the correct fee.

• Evaluate supply and demand and give farmers, merchants, and purchasers sufficient information.

• Promoting and supporting research and development initiatives as needed.

• Establishing national and international certifications for goods and services, as well as quality standards and procedures.

• Participants' empowerment and capacity building.

• Raise public awareness of medicinal plants, particularly among young people.

Schemes of SMPB

To preserve and encourage the use of medicinal plants, the State Medicinal Plants Board (SMPB) Kerala operates a number of initiatives. These involve preserving rare plants in their native environments and assisting them in regrowing either naturally or with human assistance. To supplement their revenue, local organizations such as panchayats, forest committees, and self-help groups are urged to cultivate similar plants elsewhere. Additionally, the board provides funding for studies on therapeutic plants. In order to raise awareness, it encourages the establishment of herbal gardens in households, public spaces, and schools. Other programs help seed banks and plant nurseries cultivate healthy plants.

Herbal Database

SMPB Kerala's Herbal Database is a user-friendly resource that provides a list of numerous medicinal plants that are found in the state. It provides information such as the scientific name of each plant, its Malayalam name, and whether it is a tree, shrub, or herb. The database can be searched by users according to the plant's natural characteristics as well as how it is utilized in systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Homeopathy, or Allopathy. Anyone interested in Kerala's medicinal plants, including researchers and medical experts, can benefit from this resource.